Montgomery Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Montgomery
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Montgomery — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Montgomery SmartCode (Form-Based Code)(2007)
In May 2007 the Montgomery City Council unanimously adopted the SmartCode as a mandatory form-based code for downtown Montgomery, making it one of the first US cities to apply the SmartCode model citywide-by-district. The code regulates urban form (frontage, height, lot width, parking placement) more strictly than land use and uses transect zones T1–T6.
Source · cnu.orgSmartCode — adopted text (Jan. 28, 2025 update)(2025)
The current adopted SmartCode text — including T1 through T6 transect descriptions, regulating plans, and standards — was last amended January 28, 2025. The city posts the full adopted PDF on its official Land Use / SmartCode page.
Source · montgomeryal.govZoning Ordinance & Subdivision Regulations
Outside the SmartCode districts, conventional Euclidean zoning still governs most of Montgomery. The Community Development / Land Use Division publishes the consolidated zoning ordinance, SmartCode, and subdivision regulations, and processes rezoning applications under Code of Ala. § 11-52 (the state zoning enabling act).
Source · montgomeryal.govDowntown Montgomery Plan
The Downtown Montgomery Plan is the city's adopted blueprint for infill development and redevelopment in the 160-acre downtown core. It is intended to coordinate public and private investment and works in tandem with the SmartCode to drive form-based, walkable development in the core.
Source · montgomeryal.govMunicipal Code — Zoning (Municode)
The authoritative consolidated zoning regulations for Montgomery are codified in the Code of Ordinances and hosted on Municode. This is the reference text for use tables, dimensional standards, and procedures in non-SmartCode districts.
Source · library.municode.com
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Montgomery
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Montgomery County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 12,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 35 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Montgomery
- Max Size
- 750 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 30-60 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Montgomery are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Montgomery permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific