Submittal Requirements

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Learn what information you will need to provide when submitting your permit application.

Whether the project is a homeowner converting a garage or a developer constructing a high rise, we review projects for safety. Many residential and commercial projects require a building plan review for compliance with applicable Federal, State, and City codes, laws, and ordinances before permits can be issued.  Please collect all necessary documentation prior to starting a new application, failure to do so may result in a delay in processing your application.

Business Licenses Applications

GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE FORMS:

All businesses operating in the city’s corporate limits or police jurisdiction are required to complete and submit a business license application and supply copies of any State Certifications (if applicable). Some businesses may require a Franchise Agreement and/or additional approvals from the city. Please review the Ordinance link under Additional Information. All fields on the application are required. Once a completed application is received it will then be submitted for approval or denial. Below are links to different checklists, please select the one that best suits your business needs. In addition to the business license, please be aware of any taxes that may be associated with your type of business (Refer to tax section below).

Be aware that business licenses expire December 31st. Renewals are due January 1st and are delinquent after January 31st.

Online Application Process

  • Before beginning the application process, make sure you have all materials necessary from the specific License Checklist required for your type of business.
  • Fill out the online application and attach all required documents.
  • Review/Approval process starts once completed application is received. See below for specific review route:
        Physically located in Gulf Shores
        • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
        • Planning & Zoning – reviews for zoning compliance
        • Fire Marshall – performs safety inspection (if applicable)
        • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

        Outside city limits of Gulf Shores
         • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
         • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

Physical Application Process

  • Fill out the General Business License Application.
  • Make sure all required materials are in order from the specific License Checklist required for your type of business.
  • Submit completed General Business License Application with checklist materials to:
         City of Gulf Shores Revenue
         1905 W 1st St
         PO Box 4089
         Gulf Shores, AL 36547
         Fax: (251) 968-1470
  • Review/Approval process starts once completed application is received. See below for specific review route:
        Physically located in Gulf Shores
         • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
         • Planning & Zoning – reviews for zoning compliance
         • Fire Marshall – performs safety inspection (if applicable)
         • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

         Outside city limits of Gulf Shores
         • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
         • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

Documents and Materials Required

Business License Checklists

Fees

Additional Documents

Additional Information



RENTAL LICENSE FORMS:

All property owners that engage in the rental of their property in the city’s corporate limits or police jurisdiction are required to complete and submit a business license application. However, the owner of no more than one (1) rental or lease unit intended for long term occupation by a single family shall be exempt from the payment of an annual license and the requirement of licensing under Article I of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances with respect to such single unit during any period in which such single unit is leased or rented under written agreement for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or more.

All fields on the application are required. Once a completed application is received it will then be submitted for approval or denial. Below is a link to a checklist. Please review for additional processing requirements. In addition to the business license, please be aware that there is lodging tax associated with short term vacation rentals (refer to lodging tax section below).

Be aware that business licenses expire December 31st. Renewals are due January 1st and are delinquent after January 31st.

Online Application Process

  • Before beginning the application process, make sure you have all materials necessary from the Rental Property License Checklist.
  • Fill out the online application and attach all required documents.
  • Review/Approval process starts once completed application is received. See below for specific review route:
         • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
         • Planning & Zoning – reviews for zoning compliance
         • Fire Marshall – performs safety inspection (if applicable)
         • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

Physical Application Process

  • Fill out the Business License Application for Rental Property..
  • Make sure all required materials are in order from the specific Rental Property License Checklist.
  • Submit completed General Business License Application with checklist materials to:
         City of Gulf Shores Revenue
         1905 W 1st St
         PO Box 4089
         Gulf Shores, AL 36547
         Fax: (251) 968-1470
  • Review/Approval process starts once completed application is received. See below for specific review route:
         • Revenue – reviews application and required documentation for completeness
         • Planning & Zoning – reviews for zoning compliance
         • Fire Marshall – performs safety inspection (if applicable)
         • Revenue – collects payment and issues certificate

Documents and Materials Required

Rental License Checklists

Fees

  • Based on Estimated Gross Receipts, Fee Schedule A
  • Rental Fee - $45 (Short term rentals only)

Additional Requirements

  • Designation and maintenance of local emergency contact by Licensee
  • Rental safety inspection required every 3 years
  • Lodging Tax collection/remitttance

Additional Documents

Additional Information



Business License Renewals

BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL FORMS:

Online renewal instructions can be found on your business license renewal. All business licenses come up for renewal in January and are delinquent after January 31st.

If you would prefer to renew by mail or in person, see below:
     City Hall:
     City of Gulf Shores
     Revenue Division
     1905 W. 1st St
     Gulf Shores, AL 36542

     Mailing Address:
     City of Gulf Shores
     Revenue Division
     PO Box 4089
     Gulf Shores, AL 36547

Documents and Materials Required

Additional Information



Taxes

SALES TAX FORMS:

Sales tax is due on retail of any tangible personal property including businesses that are conducting or operating places of amusement or entertainment in the city’s corporate limits as well as the police jurisdiction. The business acts as an agent for the city by collecting and remitting back sales tax from its Gulf Shores customers.

All taxes are due on or postmarked by the 20th for the month prior. A tax return is required to be filed even if there were no taxes collected or receipts earned.

A failure to timely file and pay penalty plus interest will be assessed on any tax not filed and/or paid by the 20th of the month in which the tax is due.

Sales Tax General Rate

  • Gulf Shores Total Sales Tax is 10% Corporate Limits, 8.5% Police Jurisdiction
    4% - State of Alabama
    3% - Baldwin County
    3% - City - Corporate Limits, 1.5% - City - Police Jurisdiction

Filing Options

Additional Documents

Additional Information



LODGING TAX FORMS:

Lodging tax is due on any hotel/motel room or short term condo, house and duplex rental as well as tourist camp/cabin in the city’s corporate limits as well as the police jurisdiction. The business acts as an agent for the city by collecting and remitting back lodging tax from its Gulf Shores customers.

For Short Term rentals: Please be aware that if a management company is obtained you need to be sure that they are collecting and remitting tax on your behalf. If you leave a management company’s rental program then you become responsible for collecting and remitting lodging taxes back to State, County and City.

All taxes are due on or postmarked by the 20th for the month prior. A tax return is required to be filed even if there were no taxes collected or receipts earned.

A failure to timely file and pay penalty plus interest will be assessed on any tax not filed and/or paid by the 20th of the month in which the tax is due.

Lodging Tax General Rate

  • Gulf Shores Total Lodging Tax is 11% Corporate Limits, 8.5% Police Jurisdiction
    4% - State of Alabama
    2% - Baldwin County
    5% - City - Corporate Limits, 2.5% - City - Police Jurisdiction

Filing Options

Additional Documents

Additional Information



USE TAX FORMS:

Use tax is due from the business or individual on items that are purchased for use in the City of Gulf Shores from vendors located outside of the State of Alabama and on which a local city sales/use tax has not already been paid.

All taxes are due on or postmarked by the 20th for the month prior. A tax return is required to be filed even if there were no taxes collected or receipts earned.

A failure to timely file and pay penalty plus interest will be assessed on any tax not filed and/or paid by the 20th of the month in which the tax is due.

Use Tax General Rate

  • Gulf Shores Total Use Tax is 10% Corporate Limits, 8.5% Police Jurisdiction
    4% - State of Alabama
    3% - Baldwin County
    3% - City - Corporate Limits, 1.5% - City - Police Jurisdiction

Filing Options

Additional Documents

Additional Information



RENTAL/LEASE TAX FORMS:

Rental tax is due from any person engaged in the business of renting or leasing of tangible personal property.

All taxes are due on or postmarked by the 20th for the month prior. A tax return is required to be filed even if there were no taxes collected or receipts earned.

A failure to timely file and pay penalty plus interest will be assessed on any tax not filed and/or paid by the 20th of the month in which the tax is due.

Rental/Lease Tax General Rate

  • Gulf Shores Total Rental/Lease Tax is 11% Corporate Limits, 9.5% Police Jurisdiction
    4% - State of Alabama
    4% - Baldwin County
    3% - City - Corporate Limits, 1.5% - City - Police Jurisdiction

Filing Options

Additional Documents

Additional Information



LIQUOR EXCISE TAX FORMS:

Liquor excise tax for package stores and restaurants.

Package Stores

A 3% excise tax is due on all liquor purchases for packaged liquors retailed for consumption off premises.
Liquor tax is due on or postmarked by the 20th for purchases from the month prior. A failure to timely pay penalty will be assessed for any liquor tax left unfiled.

Restaurants

An excise tax of 6% for corporate limits and 3% for police jurisdiction is due on all liquor purchases for restaurants serving liquors for consumption on premises.
Liquor tax is due on or postmarked by the 20th for purchases from the month prior. A failure to timely pay penalty will be assessed for any liquor tax left unfiled.

Additional Information

Additional Information



OTHER CITY ADMINISTERED TAX FORMS:

Motor Fuel Tax, Tobacco/Cigarette Tax, Beer and Wine Tax

Motor Fuel Tax

Tobacco/Cigarette Tax

Beer Tax

Wine Tax

Next Steps

  • Register & Apply Online

    Once you've gathered everything needed for your application and registered on our portal you can apply and pay your permit application fees.
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