Coastal Area Program

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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. 

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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 seaward of the Construction Control Line (CCL) must be permitted through the Coastal Area Program to ensure that the work is consistent with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Division 8 Coastal Program regulations and also compliant with the Baldwin County Beach and Dune Protection and Management regulations (Resolution # 2015-011). 

You may apply for the Coastal Area Program Permit in the CitizenServe Portal at www.BaldwinCountyAL.gov/CSP. Register or login to get started. Under the BUILDING DEPARTMENT section, click on APPLY FOR A PERMIT. Next, choose the permit type of COASTAL AREA PROGRAM PERMIT. Click to review the Coastal Area Program Permit Checklist.

For question or concerns regarding the Coastal Area Program permitting process, you may contact Janie Joiner, the Coastal Area Program Coordinator, at Janie.Joiner@BaldwinCountyAL.gov or at 251.972.6837.

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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 (CCL) line from damage that may result from anticipated pedestrian traffic to the beach, and which is contained within the area of the private lot(s) and complies 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, a dune walkover shall be constructed to the following standards:

1. There shall be no more than one (1) dune walkover per parcel.
2. The elevation of dune walkovers shall begin within 36" of finished grade at the seaward side of the lot and must be accessible from ground level at finished grade. Dune walkovers are not allowed to attach directly to the structure of the home or elevated deck.
3. The maximum width of the dune walkover shall adhere to the permit requirements and design and construction standards of ADEM and USFWS. Maximum widths shall be applicable to all sections of the dune walkover, including but not limited to steps, lookout areas, ramps, landings, and decks.
4. The elevation from the bottom of floor joists of the dune walkover shall adhere to ADEM and USFWS design and construction standards and permit requirements.
5. No vertical or horizontal members shall be allowed above thirty-eight (38) inches from the walking surface, i.e. handrails, pergolas, etc.
6. The dune walkover shall terminate ten (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 seaward beyond the vegetative line, the applicant shall coordinate with USFWS and the Baldwin County Planning Director, or designee, to determine the appropriate termination point of the dune walkover within the boundaries of the private lot.
7. The location and length of the dune walkover is to be coordinated through and approved by the delegated authority of ADEM and USFWS.
8. No lighting shall be utilized on a dune walkover.
9. No dune walkover construction shall occur during the sea turtle nesting season from May 1st through November 1st.

A recent survey is required to be submitted with the Coastal Area Program Permit application for a dune walkover. The survey must show the property lines and lot dimensions along with the location, size, and alignment of all existing and proposed structures. It 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 registered in the State of Alabama.

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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 a more informed decision concerning water quality and risk of illness associated with swimming:

🟩 GREEN STATUS
Indicates that, based on the most recent test, water quality is acceptable. Enterococci levels were at or below the EPA threshold of 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.

🟨 YELLOW STATUS
Indicates the most recent test results for a given site exceeded the EPA threshold of 104 Enterococci colonies per 100 milliliters of water. There may be an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in such water. Because elevated bacteria levels are often transient and usually fall quickly, these sites undergo immediate retesting. The yellow status will be revised to red or green based on the results of the retest.

🟥 RED STATUS
Indicates that repeat testing of a site has again revealed bacteria levels over the EPA threshold of 104 Enterococci colonies per 100 milliliters of water. There may be an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in such water. Because elevated bacteria levels have persisted, a public health advisory has been issued.

The Coastal Beach Monitoring Map allows you to view the current advisory status and all recent testing results. Click on the location symbol on the map. Then click the "Click here for results' in the pop-up to download the data for that location. You may also click on "Summary beach data" link at the top of the map webpage. For more information on the Coastal Beach Monitoring Program, click here.