Shed Installation Permits in Mobile

Local Rule

City of Mobile Planning and Zoning Division; Alabama Building Code (IRC-based), Mobile-area local amendment — city-specific figure distinct from Mobile County's own amendment

The City of Mobile is reported to require a building permit for storage sheds larger than 144 square feet (roughly 12x12); this differs from unincorporated Mobile County, which separately raised its own exemption to 200 square feet through a detailed local amendment, a distinct jurisdiction from the incorporated city. Smaller sheds may still need zoning clearance. Setback requirements in Mobile depend on the zoning district, with accessory structures like sheds often permitted closer to rear and side property lines than the primary structure, sometimes as little as 3 to 5 feet. Mobile County contains many FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas that can add requirements for a shed project.

Source · Verified September 2026

Mobile Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Mobile County

Mobile's own rule is shown above (No permit under 144 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Mobile County Building Code Adoption and Amendments (IRC R10

The exemption applies only to a Risk Category I storage shed or playhouse with no conditioned space and no electric, water, or fuel gas service (including solar or wind). It does not apply at all in a Special Flood Hazard Area under the county's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance - coastal properties facing direct hurricane exposure need a permit regardless of size.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Mobile with a confirmed shed installation rule:

FAQs

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Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a shed installation project:

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