Zoning question

[Kevin C]

We are planning on putting a MH on family property in an unincorporated area of Jefferson County, Alabama. The property is zoned A1 (agricultural), consists of about 8 acres, and has one single family dwelling on it already. Whom should I contact to find out if we can put the MH on the property and what permits will be involved? Will the dealer have the information, should we contact the county zoning board, or retain a lawyer?
The reason I ask the question is my father-in-law is considering joining a city that has a prohibition on all "mobile homes". Obviously if he joins the city we will be unable to put the MH on the property, but if he doesn't we might. Thanks for the input.

[Tom]

Try looking in the white or yellow pages of the local phone book under county government. It is difficult to tell you which office will help, since not all counties name their offices with the same title. Look for a department which would say, permits/inspections, county zoning office, office of the surveyor, or even the county recorder, county assessor. If you get the wrong office they can direct you to the correct one.

Not sure what the second part of your question is about. i.e. father-in-law joining the "city" which has banned all mobile homes. If the property is in the county, city regulations would not apply. Even city/counties that ban all "mobile homes" will accept modulars with permanent foundation or sometimes double wides on permanent foundations. Contact the offices listed earlier to get a clearer picture.

Tom

[Kevin C]

Thanks Tom. The second part of th post was more of a statement than question. My father-in-law is considering allowing the city to annex his property. The city already has a ban on all homes except stick built. If his property is not annexed, then it will continue to fall under the county zoning authority. I'll definately check with the county, as we have already checked with the city.