What You Should Know About: Beach Ordinances

In 2016, in response to concerns over the growing problem of beach litter and debris, the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach responded with the Leave Only Footprints ordinances. Based on principles of the Leave No Trace policies by the Center for Outdoor Ethics, these new ordinances and the coordinating public awareness campaign were intended to ensure the health of our pristine white-sand beaches, the beach-goers who enjoy them, and the diverse wildlife that depends on them. Among other species, clean island practices protect the sea turtles nesting along the shores of the Gulf Coast from May through October. The ordinances require that all personal items be removed from the beach daily. Any personal property left on the beach one hour after sunset is removed and disposed of overnight. Additionally Leave Only Footprints requires that you refill all holes in the sand, avoid walking on any beach vegetation, stay away from bird nesting areas and throw away or recycle all your trash.

In 2018 Gulf Shores also began banning smoking on public beaches, including e-cigarettes. The smoking ban is part of the ordinance that also bans pets, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, open fires, drones, and laser pointers.