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Orange Beach council discusses draft rules to limit retail commercial activity on beaches and waterways
Summary
Councilmembers discussed drafting an ordinance to prohibit retail commercial activity on beaches and waterways (examples cited: walking vendors, boat‑based sales, inflatable water parks), emphasizing protection of established brick‑and‑mortar businesses and safety concerns; staff and council will draft language for future consideration.
Orange Beach — Councilmembers on March 18 discussed creating an ordinance to prohibit commercial retail activity on beaches and waterways, citing concerns about safety and preserving established beachfront businesses.
Councilmembers and staff described the issue as recurring — vendors walking the beach with goods, boat‑based sales such as ice cream, and large inflatable water‑islands that pose perceived safety risks. "We've been very strong when trying to protect those resources and be good stewards," one councilmember said, noting prior restrictions (for example, limitations on parasailing and jet ski rentals).
Staff and council asked legal and planning to prepare draft ordinance language that would limit retail activity on the beaches and in waterways while preserving permitted uses such as chairs and other existing agreements. The item remained at the discussion stage; no ordinance language or vote occurred.
