Gulf Shores Council Changes Boat Parking Rules
News Staff • May 29, 2024
City of Gulf Shores Council Meeting Results
Several new developments in Gulf Shores will be located on the Intracoastal Waterway. The City Council addressed the rules and regulations pertaining to "boat parking." Andy Bauer of the Planning Department stated that currently there are no provisions for boat parking in our zoning ordinance."
This was prompted by a local business owner asking if boat parking spaces could count towards required automobile parking space. The Planning Department reviewed similar arrangements in other cities, created a plan for gulf Shores and took the ideas to the Planning Commission. On February 27th the commission approved the plan unanimously for the boat parking zoning text amendment.
Mr. Bauer added that the intent is to allow boat parking to count as a percentage of required vehicular spaces for waterfront businesses. This would allow developers to off-set some of their vehicular parking spaces and supports alternative modes of transportation.
Andy Bauer stated that the proposed changes would only be applicable to the areas shown. (Below)
It was further explained that if a business had 10 parking spaces they could only offset the the requirement with 2 boat parking spaces, and still be required to have 8 vehicular spaces. No overnight boat parking would be allowed. Other restrictions were stated in the "General Provisions" of the amendment. (below)
During the Public Comments of the meeting, Anthony Gallo asked if the occupancy of a vessel carrying more patrons than a typical car would have any bearing on other planning commission rules? Mr. Bauer responded that the department had been conservative and realized that large capacity vans may use vehicular parking, similar to a boat with excessive occupants.
The members of the City Council adopted the amendment unanimously. The full amendment is located below.
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