Coastal Area Program

The Baldwin County Coastal Area Program, a division of the Baldwin County Building Department, is responsible for permitting, regulating, monitoring, and inspecting certain regulated activities within the Coastal Area of the Baldwin County building permit jurisdiction.

COASTAL AREA PROGRAM PERMIT INFORMATION

Construction and development activities along the Fort Morgan beach and dunes on properties within the Baldwin County building permit jurisdiction that are intersected by or located seaward of the Construction Control Line (CCL) must be permitted through the Coastal Area Program to ensure the work is consistent with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Division 8 Coastal Program regulations and compliant with the Baldwin County Beach and Dune Protection and Management regulations (Resolution No. 2015-011).

Applications for the Coastal Area Program Permit may be submitted through the CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP. Register or login to get started. Under the BUILDING DEPARTMENT section, select APPLY FOR A PERMIT. Then choose the permit type of COASTAL AREA PROGRAM PERMIT.

Coastal Area Program Permit Checklist

For questions or concerns regarding the Coastal Area Program permitting process, contact Janie Joiner, Coastal Area Program Coordinator, at Janie.Joiner@BaldwinCountyAL.gov or 251-972-6837.

INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO DUNE WALKOVERS

A dune walkover is a raised walkway constructed for the purpose of protecting the beach and dune system between mean high tide and the Construction Control Line (CCL) from damage that may result from anticipated pedestrian traffic to the beach. The dune walkover must remain within the private lot boundaries and comply with the design and construction requirements established by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Based on the Baldwin County Zoning Ordinance, dune walkovers must comply with the following standards:

1. Only one dune walkover is allowed per parcel.
2. The elevation of dune walkovers must begin within 36 inches of finished grade at the seaward side of the lot and must remain accessible from ground level at finished grade.
   • Dune walkovers are not allowed to attach directly to the home or elevated deck structure.
3. The maximum width of the dune walkover must comply with the permit requirements and design and construction standards established by ADEM and USFWS.
   • Maximum widths apply to all portions of the dune walkover, including steps, lookout areas, ramps, landings, and decks.
4. The elevation from the bottom of the floor joists of the dune walkover must comply with ADEM and USFWS design and construction standards and permit requirements.
5. No vertical or horizontal members are allowed above 38 inches from the walking surface, including handrails, pergolas, or similar features.
6. The dune walkover must terminate 10 feet seaward of the vegetative line of the dune when the private lot extends seaward beyond the vegetative line.
   • For private lots that do not extend beyond the vegetative line, the applicant must coordinate with USFWS and the Baldwin County Planning Director or designee to determine the proper termination point within the private lot boundaries.
7. The location and length of the dune walkover must be coordinated through and approved by the delegated authority of ADEM and USFWS.
8. No lighting may be installed on a dune walkover.
9. No dune walkover construction may occur during sea turtle nesting season from May 1 through November 1.

A recent survey must be submitted with the Coastal Area Program Permit application for a dune walkover. The survey must show the property lines, lot dimensions, and the location, size, and alignment of all existing and proposed structures. The survey must also include the dune height, vegetation line, and Construction Control Line (CCL). The survey must be prepared and stamped by a Professional Land Surveyor licensed in the State of Alabama.

WATER QUALITY

Baldwin County partners with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to routinely monitor bacteria levels at certain locations within the unincorporated areas of the county.

The ADEM/ADPH Coastal Alabama Beach Monitoring Program utilizes a three-tiered color-coded water quality status system to help the public make informed decisions regarding water quality and potential illness risks associated with swimming.

• 🟩 GREEN STATUS
  • Water quality is considered acceptable based on the most recent test results.
  • Enterococci levels were at or below the EPA threshold of 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.
• 🟨 YELLOW STATUS
  • The most recent test exceeded the EPA threshold of 104 Enterococci colonies per 100 milliliters of water.
  • There may be an increased risk of illness associated with swimming.
  • Because elevated bacteria levels are often temporary, the site undergoes immediate retesting.
  • The status will later be updated to either green or red based on retest results.
• 🟥 RED STATUS
  • Repeat testing confirmed bacteria levels remain above the EPA threshold.
  • There may be an increased risk of illness associated with swimming.
  • A public health advisory has been issued.

The Coastal Beach Monitoring Map allows the public to view current advisory statuses and recent testing results.

• Select a location symbol on the map.
• Select "Click here for results" in the pop-up window to download testing data for that location.
• The "Summary beach data" link at the top of the webpage may also be used.

For additional information regarding the Coastal Beach Monitoring Program, click here.