Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Jefferson County, AL

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rental is defined as rental of a residence to a transient for less than 90 consecutive days. 'Bed and Breakfast' is defined as a private, owner-occupied business with 4-10 guest rooms. These uses are restricted to specific residential districts (e.g., E-MF, E-1, R-R) where they are permitted only by Special Use Permit.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Verify if the property is in a zoning district that allows Residential Bed and Breakfast via the Zoning Resolution use table. 2) Submit application materials for a Special Use Permit to the Department of Development Services. 3) Undergo staff review and a public hearing by the Planning & Zoning Committee for final approval.

Official Resources

Official Jefferson County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Jefferson County, AL?
Short-term rental is defined as rental of a residence to a transient for less than 90 consecutive days. 'Bed and Breakfast' is defined as a private, owner-occupied business with 4-10 guest rooms. These uses are restricted to specific residential districts (e.g., E-MF, E-1, R-R) where they are permitted only by Special Use Permit.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Jefferson County. 1) Verify if the property is in a zoning district that allows Residential Bed and Breakfast via the Zoning Resolution use table. 2) Submit application materials for a Special Use Permit to the Department of Development Services. 3) Undergo staff review and a public hearing by the Planning & Zoning Committee for final approval.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Jefferson County?
1) Verify if the property is in a zoning district that allows Residential Bed and Breakfast via the Zoning Resolution use table. 2) Submit application materials for a Special Use Permit to the Department of Development Services. 3) Undergo staff review and a public hearing by the Planning & Zoning Committee for final approval.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction