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1. How can I get a flood zone determination for my property?

You may contact our office or you can find the FEMA Flood maps for your area by visiting the FEMA Map Service website.

2. How do I find the current zoning regulations for my property?

The Zoning Ordinance is available online. For more information contact our Planning & Zoning Department at 251-968-1164.

3. How much will the permit cost?

Multifamily construction permits are based on $10 / 1000 of the valuation. Commercial construction permits are based on $5 / $1000 of the valuation. Residential construction permits are based on $4 / $1000 of the valuation. Impact fees are calculated separately. Contact the Building Department at 251-968-1142 for more information.

4. What documentation is needed to get a building permit?

To find out what documentation is needed to get a building permit, please view the Building Permit Checklist.

For all beach fronting properties, the City must run an advertisement in the local paper with a 30-day comment period once the plans have been submitted for review. The cost of this ad is $1,100.00 for Residential and $14,000.00 for Commercial/Multifamily. 

5. What is the current building code for Gulf Shores?

We currently enforce the 2021 International Codes and the 2020 NEC with a minimum wind speed requirement of 160 mph.

6. Who do I contact to build a pier or boathouse?

Before the City of Gulf Shores can issue a building permit to, you must first obtain permission from The Corps of Engineers at 251-690-2511 and the Alabama State Lands Division 251-621-1216.

You will also need to fill out the Pier/Bulkhead Permit Application.

7. Where do I get a copy of an elevation certificate for my property?

The City of Gulf Shores maintains elevation certificates for structures built from 1998 to the present. If your structure was built before 2011, please call Emily Tidwell at 251-968-1126. If it was completed after 2011 you may contact Tamatha Norman at 251-968-1142.