Understanding Building Requirements on Ono North: What to Know Before You Break Ground
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
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Ono North—specifically Phase One and Phase Two—offers one of the most private and spacious settings for new construction within Ono Island. Located just south of Ono Boulevard and built around quiet interior streets like Ono North Loop West, Osprey Court, Club Court, Canal Court, Island Court, Pine Drive, Admiral Court, Bayou Court, and Oak Drive, this part of the island is ideal for homeowners seeking space, serenity, and a high-quality build.
If you're considering new construction in this neighborhood, understanding the building standards and architectural rules is crucial. Ono Island’s Architectural Control Committee (ACC) and Property Owners Association (POA) maintain rigorous design standards to preserve the integrity and long-term value of the island. That’s why working with a trusted builder, engineer, and architect who know the ins and outs of these regulations is essential.
Minimum Building Requirements: Interior Lots vs. Canal Lots
Depending on where your lot is located in Ono North, your minimum square footage and foundation requirements will differ:
Interior Lot Minimums
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Single Story: 1,600 sq ft
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1.5 Story: 1,800 sq ft (at least 1,200 on the main floor / 600 upstairs)
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Two Story: 2,000 sq ft (minimum 1,000 per floor)
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Garage: Must include an attached 2-car garage
Canal Lot Minimums (Second Canal of Ono Island)
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One Story: 2,000 sq ft
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Two Story: 2,400 sq ft minimum
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Foundation Height:
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Pilings must be 14 ft above sea level
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Finished floor height must be 9 ft above the center of the street
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Setbacks and Spatial Requirements
Proper siting of your home is just as important as the design. Ono North enforces the following setback requirements:
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30 ft Front
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30 ft Rear
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10 ft Sides
These setbacks ensure privacy, help preserve vegetation, and maintain uniformity across the neighborhood. If you're building a pool, garage, or detached structure, these guidelines must be considered from the earliest stages of your site planning.
Construction Standards to Keep in Mind
In addition to setbacks and square footage, here are several non-negotiables that come with building in Ono North:
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No exposed blocks are allowed on foundations
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Fencing is prohibited, except to enclose garbage can storage, electric meters, pool areas, or HVAC units
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Lot clearing must be limited to the footprint of the home, driveway, and parking areas
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Exterior completion must occur within 9 months of starting construction
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Landscaping must be installed within 90 days of occupancy
Each property must also include a visually screened service yard to conceal utilities, garbage bins, meters, and unsightly objects from street view and adjacent properties. This is part of the island’s overall aesthetic philosophy.
Why the Right Team Matters
With strict enforcement of architectural guidelines, it’s imperative that you partner with a builder, architect, and engineer who have successful experience on Ono Island. The island's requirements are nuanced, and even minor oversights in grading, drainage, or elevation compliance can delay approvals or increase costs.
When I help buyers start this process, I make introductions to trusted professionals who have a proven track record of success building within these requirements.
Final Thoughts
Ono North offers a rare blend of quiet interior living, flexible lot sizes, and proximity to the island's Recreation Center and Clubhouse. Whether you're on a canal-front lot or a tucked-away interior homesite, you’ll benefit from wide roads, private surroundings, and a tight-knit residential feel.
If you're considering a lot in Ono North and want guidance on the building process—from selecting your team to understanding what’s allowed—I’d love to be your resource.
Browse available land and homes on Ono Island here
Meredith Amon is an expert real estate advisor on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama.
She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate new construction, design approvals, and real estate transactions across the Gulf Coast.
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Ono Island Homes & Land for Sale – Luxury Waterfront Real Estate in Orange Beach Alabama
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