Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  The City of Gulf Shores is changing how beach parking works for visitors starting this summer. The Gulf Shores City Council approved changes to the Beach Public Parking Ordinance at its June 8, 2026, meeting. City officials collaborated with local beach-area businesses to shape the updated rules. The goal is to make parking easier, more consistent, and more accessible for residents, visitors, and business owners.

The new parking regulations take effect on July 1, 2026. The updates were designed to address concerns about vehicles parking too long in high-demand spots. Long-term parking had limited turnover and made it harder for customers to access local shops and restaurants. The changes apply to Gulf Place, West Gulf Place, and public parking areas north of Alabama Highway 182 between East 3rd Street and West 2nd Street, as well as other designated areas.

Mayor Robert Craft said community input was key to developing the changes. "Listening to our business community has been essential to shaping these updates. By improving turnover in our highest-demand areas, we're ensuring that residents and visitors can reach the beach and access local shops and restaurants more easily and efficiently," Craft said.

Residents with a valid Hurricane Re-Entry Decal will continue to park free in all public beach parking areas. East Gulf Place will remain reserved for resident-only parking. That benefit was preserved under the amended ordinance.

Non-resident parking rates will be $2 per hour from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in areas north of Beach Boulevard. South of Beach Boulevard, the rate will be $3 per hour during the same hours. Overnight parking in designated areas will cost $4 per hour from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Overnight parking after 2 a.m. remains prohibited in beachfront lots and at Lagoon Pass Park. Any parking violation will result in a $75 flat fine. An additional $75 fine will be assessed every 24 hours a vehicle remains in violation. Vehicles may be towed or booted if left illegally for more than five hours, if parked overnight in restricted areas, or if outstanding fines remain unpaid.

The city will continue to use the ParkMobile app for payments. The app lets users pay by phone, extend parking sessions remotely, and receive alerts before time runs out. More information is available at www.gulfshoresal.gov/1139/Beach-Parking.