ADUs are allowed in BessemerTypes:Detached
Types:Detached
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Bessemer, AL
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
11,945
Owner-occupied
43%
Zoning districts
108
Avg Home Value
$86,433
Median Lot Size
0.22 acres
Avg Income
$52,331
Residential Types:
11,945 housing units
Residential
100%
Zoning Districts:
59,749 parcels · 108 districts
R-3
19%(11,385)
R-2
19%(11,107)
R-4
10%(5,835)
A-1
8%(4,693)
Other
45%(26,729)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Bessemer, AL?
Bessemer, AL follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Not addressed in the local bylaw
- –Detached ADU: Special Permit
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –No detached backyard cottage is allowed without special approval (0 sq ft maximum).
- –With special approval, there is no stated maximum size for a detached backyard cottage.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner-occupancy not required for ADUs.
Parking
- –No ADU-specific parking minimums; general residential standards apply (1 space per single-family dwelling, 1.5 spaces per unit for multi-family). Off-street parking must be on the lot served and cannot be used for non-residential purposes.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADUs cannot be rented; detached accessory structures cannot contain living quarters.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other Alabama municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Jefferson County