Alabama Coastal Development Law: Statewide Environmental Rules Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Code §9-7-10 et seq.
Counties covered: Mobile and Baldwin
Regulator: ADEM Coastal Programs
Key boundary: Construction Control Line
Joint review: U.S. Army Corps

Full Breakdown

The Alabama Coastal Area Management Act (Code §9-7-10 et seq.) places Mobile and Baldwin counties under ADEM's Coastal Programs Branch. Activities seaward of the Construction Control Line, in coastal wetlands, or within tidal waters require ADEM Coastal Zone Consistency review and often Coastal Construction Control permits. Standards address dune protection, sea turtle lighting, vegetation buffers, and elevation. State permits run concurrent with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 review. Local jurisdictions like Gulf Shores or Orange Beach may impose stricter setbacks but cannot reduce ADEM coastal protections.

Violations & Penalties

Unpermitted coastal construction can be ordered removed at the owner's expense, with daily ADEM penalties accruing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which counties fall under Alabama's coastal program?

Only Mobile and Baldwin counties are within Alabama's designated coastal area, where ADEM's Coastal Programs Branch oversees development under §9-7-10.

What is the Construction Control Line?

It is a state-mapped line landward of the dune system; structures seaward generally require special ADEM Coastal Construction Control approval and elevation standards.

Alabama Coastal Area Management Program Rules