How does Gulf Shores, AL define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?
- A vacation rental in Gulf Shores, AL, is defined as any dwelling that includes a kitchen, sleeping, and sanitary facility occupied by one family under a lease, sublease, or rental agreement for a period of fewer than 180 days.
Please note that the terms “short-term rental” and “vacation rental” are synonymous.
Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Gulf Shores, AL?
Yes – Gulf Shores, AL, allows investors to own more than one vacation rental property.
If a property owner has more than one investment property rented or leased for a period of over 180 days, or any vacation rentals rented, subleased, or leased for a period of fewer than 180 days, they must pay a lodging tax.
Source: City of Gulf Shores, Alabama Government Website
Does the Gulf Shores, AL have any zoning restrictions for STRs?
Yes, there are zoning restrictions for vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, AL. If a property owner has a Airbnb rental within the city’s corporate limits or police jurisdiction, they must apply for a business license.
However, vacation rentals are only allowed in specific areas of the city, including:
- The Single Family and Duplex Tourist Rental Overlay District
- BN, BG, BT, ICW-N, and ICW-S zoning districts, and
- Planned Unit Development (PUD) districts.
Source: Zoning Ordinances for the City of Gulf Shores, AL
Can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property in Gulf Shores, AL as a business entity?
Yes – those who own and operate Airbnb properties in Gulf Shores, AL must submit a Business License Application for Rental Property and can select their organization type on the form.
Corporations, Partnerships, Proprietorships, and Professional Associations are all acceptable.
Source: City of Gulf Shores, Alabama Business License Application for Rental Property
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Can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes in Gulf Shores, AL as Vacation Rentals?
Yes – Multifamily properties, duplexes, and ADUs can be registered as Vacation Rentals in Gulf Shores, AL.
Any property that qualifies as a vacation rental must meet the most current International Building Code (IBC) standards.
What is Gulf Shores, AL requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?
- A completed business license application for each vacation rental, including a copy of the owner, partner, or business officer’s driver’s license.
- A safety inspection from the Fire Marshal.
- Lodging Tax collection and remittance.
- Designation and maintenance of a local emergency contact.
Source: Rental Property License Checklist by the Finance and Administration Services
What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Gulf Shores, AL?
There’s a $45 rental fee for Airbnb rentals and a licensing fee based on gross receipts from the annual income for each property.
Source: Code of Ordinances – Sec. 8-35. – License fee schedules.
Does Gulf Shores, AL, have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?
Yes – there are occupancy limits for vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, AL.
Each property is limited to one family per dwelling unit if the property is being occupied for 30 consecutive days.
Source: Ordinance Amendment No. 1584
Does Gulf Shores, AL, require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?
Yes – a Fire Marshal’s inspection is required for investors to obtain an STR license in Gulf Shores, AL.
This inspection occurs once every three years before renewing a vacation rental license. During the inspection, the Fire Marshal inspects:
- Smoke dectectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Interior stairs
- Emergency rescue openings
- Electrical
- Balconies & decks
- Swimming pools
- Exterior stairs
- Foundations, and
- Other safety concerns of the current ICB and International Fire Code standards.
Does Gulf Shores, AL have any responsible agent requirements?
Yes – Gulf Shores, AL requires all operators of Airbnb rentals to designate a “Responsible Agent”.
The Responsible Agent is an individual or entity designated to serve as the contact for all city officials, including law enforcement and code enforcement officers.
Does Gulf Shores, AL have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?
No – The City of Gulf Shores, AL, does not specify a minimum amount of liability insurance that a vacation rental must maintain.
What are the duration and renewal terms of a Gulf Shores, AL Vacation Rental license?
Business licenses in Gulf Shores must be renewed on an annual basis, no later than the 31st of January each year. Rental licenses and business licenses are valid for twelve months from the issuance date.
Source: Code of Ordinances – Sec. 8-3. – License term; minimums.
In Gulf Shores, AL, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes the host must track and pay directly to Gulf Shores, AL?
While Airbnb does collect taxes on behalf of their hosts to the City of Gulf Shores, VRBO does not. Hosts on VRBO must remit taxes to the city themselves.
Source: Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in Alabama
Source: VRBO US (A-E): Where Vbro collects and remits taxes and lodging taxes.
Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Gulf Shores, AL Vacation Rentals?
City of Gulf Shores – (251) 968-2425
City of Gulf Shores Revenue Business Licenses – (251) 968-2425
Are there any new short-term rental laws and regulations the city of Gulf Shores, AL, is considering?
Chalet did not see any new laws and regulations that the city is considering regarding Vacation Rentals.
