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Gulf Shores council approves Conditional Use Permit for Crystal Village, adds signage requirement
Summary
The Gulf Shores City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for a 17‑lot Crystal Village cottage subdivision that allows deeded beach access at 957 West Beach Boulevard, adding a requirement that signage be placed at the gated entrance directing non‑residents to the nearest public beach access.
The Gulf Shores City Council voted unanimously on March 9 to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) allowing beach access for the 17‑lot Crystal Village cottage subdivision at 957 West Beach Boulevard, with an added condition requiring signage at the gated entrance directing those without property access to the nearest public beach access.
Zoning Administrator Andy Bauer presented the application and Mayor Robert Craft opened the advertised public hearing. Councilwoman Jennifer Guthrie asked that the resolution be modified to require signage at the gated entrance to help direct people who do not have access to the nearest public beach access; there were no public comments during the hearing.
The council adopted Resolution No. 7090‑26 with a set of conditions spelled out in the motion. Conditions include: ALDOT approval for a 10‑foot sidewalk and pedestrian crosswalk across West Beach Boulevard before building permits; completion of the sidewalk, crosswalk and beach access before certificates of occupancy; reconfiguration and signing of 19 parking spaces on Ocean House I's property as 'Compact Car Spaces'; a recorded Grant of Appurtenance Easement and recorded protective covenants; routine maintenance of gates, fences and trash by the homeowners association; construction of a dune walkover per Alabama Department of Environmental Management guidance (ADEM); a four‑foot planted landscape strip along the west side of the beach access; an ADEM‑approved dune walkover landing facing east; and the newly added crosswalk signage indicating the nearest public beach access before certificates of occupancy are issued.
Councilman Philip Harris moved for adoption of the resolution as modified; Councilman Joe Garris Jr. seconded. The council recorded unanimous votes of 'aye' from Mayor Robert Craft, Councilmen Joe Garris Jr., Philip Harris, Jason Dyken, M.D., Councilwoman Jennifer Guthrie and Councilman Stephen E. Jones. Mayor Craft declared Resolution No. 7090‑26 adopted.
The resolution also notes that water access is limited to the approved 17‑lot cottage subdivision and will be void if future development increases density. Developers must record required easements and covenants on the subdivision plat before certificates of occupancy are issued.
Next steps: required permits and approvals from state agencies (ALDOT and ADEM) and recordation of plat documents must be completed before occupancy certificates are issued.
