A vibrant community nestled on the stunning shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores offers so much more than your typical beach town experience. With its sugar-white sand beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and strong sense of community, this is a place where you’ll feel right at home. Our residents are dedicated to preserving Gulf Shores’ natural beauty and small-town charm. The relaxed pace of life here, combined with our unique beachfront setting, has opened up amazing opportunities for economic growth and development. With over 8 million visitors annually, the tourism industry is thriving, bringing in an average of $7.3 billion in revenue each year. Planning and Zoning is a Division of the Community Development Department that develops and implements plans and policies that help t