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City adopts zoning changes to allow limited outdoor restaurant seating
Summary
Ordinance No. 2216 (ZTA26-01) was adopted to amend Article 6 of the zoning code, allowing up to 24 outdoor dining seats without additional parking under conditions, permitting coverings in certain zoning districts, and requiring an eight-foot pedestrian clear zone; adoption was unanimous.
At its June 8 meeting Gulf Shores City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2216 (ZTA26-01) to amend Article 6 (Supplementary Regulations) of the zoning ordinance dealing with outdoor seating for restaurant service.
The adopted text permits up to 24 outdoor dining seats without requiring additional parking, subject to conditions such as existing sufficient parking for indoor capacity, adjacency to a sidewalk, and maintaining an eight-foot pedestrian clear zone. Outdoor seating in excess of 24 seats is allowed only when additional parking is provided per Article 14, and the number of outdoor seats cannot exceed 30% of total permitted indoor occupancy. The ordinance also permits awnings and removable transparent side panels in certain zoning districts, with setbacks and building-code compliance requirements.
Scott Stephens, Director of Planning & Zoning, presented the amendment; the Gulf Shores Planning Commission had recommended approval after its April 28, 2026 public hearing. With no public comment during the council hearing, the council suspended rules for immediate consideration, waived extended reading, and adopted the ordinance unanimously. The ordinance becomes effective upon adoption and publication as required by law.
