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1. Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Yes, a permit is required to remove a protected tree. A protected tree is defined as;

• Any tree on a vacant single family or duplex residential zoned property, greater than one acre, with a DBH of at least 18 inches. View the Tree Protection Ordinance
• On commercial, multi-family and industrial zoned property any tree that has a DBH of at least 10 inches or is a live oak, sand live oak, or sand pine

2. How can I determine the zoning of a property?

A property’s zoning can be determined by viewing the Zoning Map, by contacting the Planning Department at 251-968-1164, by emailing Mell Davis, or by visiting the Planning Department office at 205 Clubhouse Drive, Suite B, Gulf Shores.

A request for written zoning confirmation shall be made in writing or via email and can be provided for a $75 fee.

3. How can I find out the area and dimensional requirements (setbacks, building coverage, etc) for my lot?

The area and dimensional requirements for an individual property can be determined by referring to the below tables in the Zoning Ordinance:

• Table 7-1B and Table 7-1C for Residential zoned property
• Table 7-2B for Recreational Vehicle and Manufacture Home Parks
• Table 8-2B Neighborhood Business zoned property
• Table 8-3B and Table 8-5 C General Business zoned property
• Table 8-4B Business Arterial zoned property
• Table 8-5B and Table 8-5C Tourist Business (1-5) zoned property
• Table 9-1B Agricultural zoned property
• Table 9-3C2 and Table 9-3D2 ICW-North and South zoned property
• Table 9-3B Amusement Theme Park zoned property
  Table 9-4B Open Space zoned property
• Table 9-5B Industrial zoned property

4. What is a variance?

A relaxation of certain regulations contained in the Zoning Ordinance where such shall not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the actions of the applicant, a literal enforcement of the ordinance would result in unnecessary and undue hardship. As used in this ordinance, a variance may be authorized only for height, area, size of structure, size of yards and open spaces, off-street parking and loading requirements, or height of fencing or buffering.

For additional information regarding variances visit Chapter 17 Board of Zoning Adjustment of the Zoning Ordinance.

5. Where can I get copies of the City of Gulf Shores’ development regulations?

A copy of the city’s Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Land Use Plan, or Comprehensive Plan are available online or at the Planning Department Office at 205 Clubhouse Drive Suite B, Gulf Shores.

6. Where can I locate a map of the city?

Download the Zoning Map.

7. Where do I look to determine whether my proposed business use is permitted at a certain address?

The Table of Use Regulations for Non-Residential Zoning District on the last page of the Zoning Ordinance indicates what uses are allowed in each zoning district.