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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?

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

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

If you are building in a non-flood zone, you will need a building permit application, a receipt for sewer service from Gulf Shores Utilities 251-968-6323 and two full sets of engineered drawings.

If you are building in an AE flood zone you will need all of the aforementioned items and a temporary benchmark.

If you are building in a VE flood zone you will need all of the aforementioned items and a break away wall certificate for any enclosure below base flood.

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.

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

We currently enforce the 2009 International Codes and the 2008 NEC with a minimum wind speed requirement of 140 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.

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 Jane Fowler at 251-968-1161. If it was completed after 2011 you may contact Tamatha Norman at 251-968-1142.