FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gulf Shores have a tree protection ordinance?
Yes. Please visit the Gulf Shores Tree Protection Ordinance webpage for full details.
Can I have a basketball goal?
Yes, but there are restrictions. See the ARC guidelines under the Document section for further explanation.
Can I have a flag pole?
Yes, but there are restrictions. See the guidelines under the Document section for further explanation.
Are Craft Farms North lakes available to the general public?
No, these lakes are private property for Craft Farms North property owners only. Property owner must be present if a guest in their home desires to use a lake.
Can I use any kind of boat, kayak, or swim in the lakes?
No watercraft of any kind is allowed and no swimming is allowed.
Can I fish in the lakes?
Yes, behind your own home (if you live on a lake) or in a designated fishing area. Please do NOT fish beside or behind resident’s homes. Allow them their privacy.
Do I need permission to change the color of my outside door, or any other portion of my house?
Yes. See the Architectural Review section for further explanation.
Do I need permission to add anything to the exterior and/or add an addition to my house?
Yes. See the Architectural Review section for further explanation.
Do I need permission to build anything on my lot?
Yes. See the Architectural Review section for further explanation.
Can I place signs in my yard?
No. Section 7.17 states no sign, billboard, advertisement or other advertising device in any nature can be placed on any lot except as provided in the declaration. This includes no signs promoting a company doing work on your property or political signs.
Are golf carts permitted on streets?
Yes, under certain conditions there are two ways the City of Gulf Shores permits golf carts on designated streets (never sidewalks). Please visit Gulf Shores Golf Cart Ordinance for further details. Take note the ordinance states persons under 5 may not be in the cart and the driver must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license.
Option #1 - Permitting through the City of Gulf Shores - Click Golf Cart Registration for details and registration packet.
Option #2 - "Street Legal" golf carts can be titled & licensed through the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles and must follow the same rules as those permitted through the City of Gulf Shores.
The City of Gulf Shores requires all golf carts be inspected annually. Spots checks are done to be sure golf carts are being maintained and safely operated per city ordinance. These inspections are carried out by the police department. Click Golf Cart Registration and Inspect Request to fill out a city request for inspection.
Will the police and/or fire department respond to my home alarm?
Yes, the Gulf Shores Police and/or Fire Department will respond to your home alarm when called by your alarm company. There is an application form along with a fee which is required to be filled out yearly. Please visit Alarm Permits for full details.
There is a street light out near me. Who do I contact?
You should report street light outages to Baldwin EMC. To report a street light issue call EMC at 251-989-6247. You will need the 2 sets of numbers on the front of the pole as well as the nearest street address on which it is located.
Can I park in the street overnight?
No, except as approved in writing by the Association, no overnight on-road parking or parking on lawns shall be permitted on any lot.
Can I park vehicles all the way down the driveway?
No. This blocks continuous access to city sidewalks.
Can I put my lawn clippings into the street for pickup?
No, the City of Gulf Shores does not pick up loose lawn clippings in the street or on the lawn beside the street. (Gulf Shores residential trash pickup resolution-4594-08). Section 3.a also states “trash must be within 10 feet but not nearer than 2 feet from edge of roadway".
They will pick up the clippings if they are in a trash bag. Another reason that the clippings are not allowed in the street is because they would flow into the city drainage system and clog it up.
When must POA dues be paid?
$460 or $920 will be due on January 1st and can be paid anytime during the month of January. If not paid by February 1st it will be considered as late. The remaining half (if paying $460) will be due on July 1st and can be paid anytime during the month of July. If not paid by August 1st it will be considered as late. Any payments due that are received after the pay periods will be considered as late and will be subject to late payment penalties. See the "Paying POA Dues" tab for further details.
Does Craft Farms North POA have social media pages?
NO. All official news and events are posted on "property owner" pages of this website.