Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — Municipal leaders across the coastal community are working to balance rapid local growth with public safety. The Orange Beach City Council will vote on major updates to local safety ordinances covering recreational vehicle rentals, electric bicycles, and micro mobility devices. The updated rules aim to protect residents and visitors while establishing clear operational boundaries across the city.

The joint regular/work session meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug 04, 2026, at 5 PM in the Orange Beach City Hall Council Chambers.

Under the updated regulations, golf carts, low-speed vehicles, and scooters offered for rent must meet strict safety standards. All rental golf carts must display a white flag with black block letters identifying them as rental units, along with visible warning labels stating that the vehicles are prohibited on streets with speed limits exceeding 25 mph and that they cannot be operated by unlicensed drivers. Rental businesses must maintain a physical location within city limits or police jurisdiction and carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured.

The council has also passed the second reading of an ordinance that adds Article IX to Chapter 70, establishing comprehensive rules for bicycles, micro mobility devices, and electric motorcycles. The new rules prohibit electric motorcycles from operating on sidewalks, multi-use paths, and the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, restricting them to public roadways. Additionally, 20 mph speed limits on multi-use paths and 12 mph on the Backcountry Trail apply to e-bikes and bicycles. Riders under 16 must wear a helmet, and all operators must reduce speed to 10 mph or less when approaching within 50 feet of pedestrians.

During the regular session, the council will also discuss:

• Accepting a negotiated price of $98,342.60 from Coogan Enterprises LLC (dba Coogan Lawn and Landscape LLC) for exotic invasive plant species removal, native landscaping, monitoring, and education for the Coastal Resources Department.
• Awarding the bid for a new all-aluminum Coastal Resources work skiff to Roberts Welding, LLC, in the amount of $94,480, which includes additive alternates for engine installation, hydraulic steering, and navigation electronics.
• Authorizing an annual cooperative agreement with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) for coastal permitting, regulating, monitoring, and inspection services, providing city reimbursement up to $37,950.
• Awarding retiring Sergeant Joey Brown his primary and secondary duty weapons and badge as part of his retirement benefits after 20.5 years of service with the Orange Beach Police Department.
• Authorizing a three-year software service agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc., for a FLEX subscription suite totaling $288,031.64 for the first year to support CAD, RMS, JMS, and server infrastructure for the Police Department.
• Authorizing the execution of a services agreement with Whelen Engineering Company, Inc., for patrol vehicle software for the Police Department.
• Authorizing a professional services agreement and task order with Adams Stewart Architect, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $306,000 for architectural design and engineering services for a First Responder Hurricane Safe Room.
• Reappointing Bill Brett to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism Board of Directors.
• Authorizing the execution of a participation agreement with the Municipal Workers Compensation Fund, Inc.
• Accepting the donation of Police Canine "Nox" from the Orange Beach Police K-9 Foundation.
• Holding a public hearing and first reading for a zoning ordinance amendment regarding the Columbia Southern University PUD modification for a new freestanding sign.
• A first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 42 regarding Flood Damage Prevention to delete a subsection.

During the Committee of the Whole session, the council will also discuss:

• Amending the Employees Pay Plan/Job Listing to simplify job titles within each grade.
• Authorizing a use agreement with the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber to loan two city-owned ATVs for the 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores.