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Gulf Shores adopts controlled beach parking rules and fees effective July 1
Summary
Council adopted Resolution No. 7152-26 and Ordinance No. 2217 establishing controlled beach parking zones, a tiered hourly fee schedule, towing and booting enforcement, and exemptions for vehicles with city's hurricane re-entry decals; both take effect July 1, 2026.
On June 8 the Gulf Shores City Council approved a package of parking measures intended to manage demand near the public beaches. Resolution No. 7152-26 rewrote the city's controlled beach parking policies, setting hours and fees (for example, $2 per hour north of Alabama Highway 182 and $3 per hour south during day/night windows specified in the resolution) and establishing that vehicles with a valid City of Gulf Shores Hurricane Re-Entry Decal affixed to the front windshield, driver's side, are exempt from controlled beach parking fees.
Council also adopted Ordinance No. 2217 to amend Chapter 21 of the Code of Ordinances (Traffic), adding definitions, enforcement mechanisms (including towing or booting between restricted overnight hours for areas south of AL-182), fines ($75 per offense with additional daily tickets possible), and designation of an East Gulf Place parking lot reserved for residents with decals. The ordinance authorizes sworn police officers and city-appointed parking inspectors (under police supervision) to issue citations.
Councilmembers emphasized enforcement provisions and the need to balance resident access against event and visitor demand. The resolutions and ordinance were passed unanimously and become effective July 1, 2026.
