GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Gulf Shores City Council was scheduled to review a slate of contract renewals, zoning requests and event permits during its regular Work Session on Monday, Aug. 3, at 4 p.m., as city departments brought forward items ranging from coastal management agreements to a new liquor license application.
Coastal Management Contract Renewal
The city’s Building Department presented a contract renewal with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for continued participation in the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program, known as ACAMP. The program is designed to balance economic growth with the preservation of Alabama’s coastal resources, promoting responsible management of the state’s coastal natural and cultural resources within the legislatively defined Alabama Coastal Area. Gulf Shores, sitting squarely within that coastal zone, has participated in the program for years as part of its broader approach to managing growth along the Gulf.
Zoning and Annexation Requests
The Planning and Zoning Department brought two items before the council. The first was a proposed expansion of the Walking Area Overlay District, an amendment tracked under case number ZTA25-10 that would extend the boundaries of a zoning overlay tied to pedestrian access in parts of the city. The second was a pre-zoning and annexation request, ZA26-26, for a property known as Oak Place, located at 18789 Oak Rd West. Annexation requests typically bring properties under the city’s zoning and service jurisdiction, a step that often precedes future development.
Liquor License and Event Permits
Council members also reviewed a state ABC confirmation and liquor license application for The Salty Whisker, LLC, doing business as The Salty Whisker. In addition, the council considered Large Group Activity Permit applications for two upcoming events: the Bloody Mary 5K and the 53rd Annual National Shrimp Festival, one of the city’s signature annual tourism draws.
Council Discussion and Mayor’s Update
Councilwoman Jennifer Guthrie was set to lead the Councilmember Discussion Period, an open portion of the meeting where members can raise topics outside the formal agenda. The Mayor’s office was also scheduled to provide operational updates to the council as part of the session.
Work sessions like Monday’s give council members and city staff an opportunity to walk through upcoming agenda items in detail before formal votes are taken at subsequent council meetings. The city routinely uses these sessions to vet contract renewals, permit applications and zoning matters ahead of final action.