Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores will consider two new ordinances to regulate “mobility devices” and an upcoming council meeting. Including under the regulations will be bicycles, e-bikes, Segways and motorized scooters, among others. The ordinance aims to increase safety for riders and motorists.

The council will discuss the ordinance on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. in council chambers at city hall. This will be a combined regular/work session.

“The ordinance promotes the safe use and operation of mobility devices and places requirements on mobility device rental companies. Additionally, once passed, this ordinance is expected to prevent vehicular and pedestrian conflicts and create a safer environment,” a memo from Police Chief Netemeyer states.

A second ordinance, if enacted, will establish rental regulations and general-use restrictions for the mobility devices.

During the joint regular/work session, the council will also:

• Congratulate an 8U soccer team on its season.
• Discuss a change to the zoning ordinance to change multi-family and townhouse developments to allow their uses by conditional use permit instead of “by right.” City staff recommended approval at a recent planning commission meeting.
• Hear a request for a wetland waiver for a seven-home subdivision planned on Fort Morgan Road directly east of Mo’s Landing. City staff recommended approval with conditions.
• Discuss authorizing a parking request for the Professional Court office building planned for 232 W. 19th Ave. Regulations say developers need 31 parking spaces for the 3,120-square-foot building and plans show 33. The developer is asking for three of those be built on the city right-of-way. City staff recommended approval at the planning commission level.
• Consider a resolution for an amendment to the budget to reflect an increase in tax revenues from those projected in the budget.
• Discuss authorizing a franchise with Republic Services to collect and dispose of or recycling of paper, plastic, cans, garbage and other solid wastes from homes in Gulf Shores.
•  Consider an entire rewrite of the ordinance concerning business licenses, taxes and regulations. The current law was first written in 1989. City staff will recommend approval of the changes.

Gulf Shores Planning Commission

On Dec. 2, the planning commission will have a meeting in the executive conference room at 3 p.m. The only item on the agenda is to discuss regulations for vacation rental signs in the city.