Beach parking rates in Gulf Shores will change starting July 1, though residents will still be able to park for free in all paid city lots.

The updated ordinance applies to Gulf Place, West Gulf Place, all public parking areas north of Alabama Highway 182 between East 3rd Street and West 2nd Street, as well as other designated areas.

Starting July 1, non-resident parking rates will be $2 per hour from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., north of Beach Boulevard; $3 per hour from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., south of Beach Blvd; $4 per hour from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. in designated areas; and overnight parking remains prohibited after 2 a.m. in beach front lots and at Lagoon Pass Park.

There will be a $75 fine for any parking violation and an additional $75 charged every 24 hours the vehicle remains in violation. Vehicles may be towed or booted if parked illegally for more than five hours, parked overnight in restricted areas or if outstanding fines are unpaid.

Currently, paid parking in Gulf Shores is in place March 1 through Nov. 30. On July 1 moving forward, the new paid parking rates will be year-round.

The updates, which Gulf Shores City Council approved at its June 8 meeting, were developed in coordination with beach-area businesses to address concerns about long-term parking, limited turnover and customer access during peak periods, according to the city.

The goal is to create an easier, more consistent and accessible system for residents, visitors and business owners.

“Listening to our business community has been essential in shaping these updates. By improving turnover in our highest-demand areas, we’re ensuring that residents and visitors can get to the beach and access local shops and restaurants more easily and efficiently,” Mayor Robert Craft said.

As previously reported by GCM, the current rate for parking at Gulf Place and West 5th Street is $5 for five hours and $15 for the entire day. The fee is $15 for parking at public streets with beach access: West Gulf Place, West 6th Street, West 10th Street, West 13th Street and Lagoon Pass.

Residents will continue to park free in all public beach parking areas with a valid Hurricane Re-Entry Decal, and East Gulf Place will remain reserved for resident-only parking, and according to Gulf Shores Communications Manager Cory Pippin, "any public parking outside of the beach area as defined remains free."