Frequently Asked Questions

City of Gulf Shores residents have the opportunity to vote in both County and City elections. In addition, residents are eligible to run for elected office and serve on City Boards and Commissions. 

One of the most desirable benefits to Gulf Shores residency is the increased level of police protection provided to our residents. With over 70 full-time employees, Gulf Shores Police Department delivers effective and efficient police services. 

In addition to everyday protection services, residents can also participate in the City's emergency management process, rather than the county's, which includes disaster recovery efforts. 

City of Gulf Shores residents have access to enhanced emergency services provided by a full-time fire rescue department made up of over 60 employees located at four manned stations. Services include fire rescue, beach rescue, and paramedics. 

The Gulf Shores Fire Rescue Department has maintained an ISO Public Protection Classification grade of 1. This classification is the highest rating from ISO, whose primary goal is to rate fire prevention within a city. Less than 1% of communities throughout the United States and only a handful throughout the state of Alabama have achieved this top rating. This rating leads to a significant reduction in home insurance costs for Gulf Shores residents.

The City of Gulf Shores provides a complimentary air and ground ambulance service membership through AirMedCare Network for all permanent residents of Gulf Shores. The cost of any Gulf Shores resident transported via ground or air by any AirMedCare Network provider, including Medstar Ambulance and Medstar AirCare, from a pickup location in Baldwin County is covered under this membership. In the event a Gulf Shores resident is transported by an AirMedCare Network provider, payment for the transport over and above the patient's insurance benefit limit will be covered with no additional out-of-pocket expense. If the patient transported is uninsured at the time of the transport, the provider will bill the covered person at the Medicare Allowable Rate for the transport.

Residents may elect to obtain a full AirMedCare Network emergency air household membership by completing an application and paying an additional $45 per household ($35 per household for seniors). Full membership has no insurance or pickup location restrictions. This will provide coverage for all AirMedCare Network air ambulance transports across a 38 state coverage area. In addition, residents without medical insurance can upgrade to a full ground membership for $35 a year which will eliminate the uninsured exception above. Click here to learn more.

All Gulf Shores residents have the ability to enroll their children in the Gulf Shores City School system. The Gulf Shores City School System sets high expectations for students to reach their full potential. The curriculum incorporates traditional and innovative instructional strategies based on the latest research, best practices, and Gulf Shores City School's Strategic Plan. This plan calls for incorporating 21st-century learning skills into our academic and co-curricular programs, providing coordinated networks of support for PreK-12 learners, fostering students' social-emotional development, and building a professional culture of learning for faculty and staff. Learn more by visiting www.gsboe.org.

The City of Gulf Shores contracts with Republic Services to provide weekly residential garbage and recycling services for standard household garbage. Click here to learn more.

The City of Gulf Shores provides weekly residential debris services. Items that will be picked up include yard debris, cardboard boxes, old furniture, and white goods.

• View the residential debris pickup route map

• View Resolution No. 4594-08 regarding residential debris pickup

For additional information, contact the Public Works Department at 251-968-1156

The City of Gulf issues two Hurricane/Beach Parking Passes to all resident households and property owners within the city limits of Gulf Shores, AL. In the event of an emergency where areas of Gulf Shores are evacuated, these passes serve to identify those who should be allowed into a restricted area(s) at the appropriate time. 

These passes are good for two years and also serve as a parking pass at all paid public parking areas that the City of Gulf Shores manages. Click here to learn more.

The City's Planning and Zoning Department enforces a zoning ordinance designed to protect and promote the public health, safety, convenience, morals, and welfare of our citizens. Land uses are directed to guide future growth and development in accordance with plans set forth by our Mayor and City Council, and lot provisions help protect the character and density of our community. 

The Building Department conducts safety inspections and issues permits for all construction including new, additions, repairs, and alterations, to help ensure structures are built to the adopted building codes.

Gulf Shores residents receive a significant discount on all recreation memberships. These memberships include access to a large variety of fitness programs and classes suited to fit your specific wellness needs. Click here to learn more.   

Residents are provided with a significant discount when renting City facilities. These facility are available for a variety of activities including meetings, banquets, receptions, fundraisers, and more. Click here to see a list of facilities and rates.