The State of Alabama mandates insurance discounts for homes that have been issued a “Fortified Designation” as provided by the Fortified Home™ Program. Compliance with Orange Beach construction standards will qualify a home for a “Gold Fortified Designation’, but ONLY if the home is verified by approved 3rd party inspections. Roof replacement in Orange Beach may qualify the home for a “Bronze” designation when 3rd party inspections are performed. Flood Insurance discounts are also available due to the City’s participation in the Community Rating System.

If you are the owner of the property and do not intend to sell the home within one year, you may claim exemption from the licensing requirements of the Alabama Home Builders Licehsure Board and are eligible to obtain an owner-builder permit. Subcontractors are still subject to local and State licensing requirements.  Any contractor performing home building construction of any kind, who contracts for more than $10,000, is required to be licensed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.

Occupied recreational vehicles are allowed only in recreational vehicle parks and designated areas of mobile home parks. Unoccupied recreational vehicles may be parked at an owner's residence or business but cannot be connected to water and sewer utilities. Recreational vehicles may be used by a homeowner while he/she is building a residence. The RV must be hooked up to water and sewer/septic tank, and the owner must have garbage service. The RV cannot be occupied longer than 6 months while the residence is under construction.

The city has a tree protection ordinance that restricts the removal of certain sizes and types of trees. Prior to removing or pruning a tree, please contact the Community Development Department to verify whether the proposed work requires a tree removal permit, (251)981-2610.

For copies of Elevation Certificates, call the Community Development Department at 251-981-2610 or email the Floodplain Administrator, Landon Smith at lsmith@orangebeachal.gov.

The Community Development Department is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The maximum height for fences on residential properties is six feet. Fences located within the front yard setback (30 feet from front property line), must be less than or equal to four feet in height. Fences shall be installed with the finished side facing the adjoining property or public or private right-of-way. Fence posts must be located on the inside of the fence facing the property on which the fence is located. Posts and supporting members may be viewable if the fence has a shadowbox design or uses panels across the front and back to give the fence a finished appearance on both sides. There are no setback requirements for fences, and a permit is not required.