In the City Council work session on April 1st, the City Council members discussed allowing a reduction of up to 20% for required parking spaces if a development project provides boat slips along the canal waterway. This would assist the new " 24 Canal" project which is planned for the Gulf Shores Waterway Village.

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The proposed amendment would apply to business uses in specific zoning districts, such as neighborhood business and ICW zoning districts, which encourage waterfront developments to provide boat parking spaces. The amendment allows for a maximum 20% reduction in the minimum required automobile parking spaces, with each boat parking space reserved exclusively for that purpose.

Site plan review and approval, along with verification of a Army Corp of Engineering permit, are mandatory for establishing boat parking areas.

Undeveloped or underdeveloped properties on the north side of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) North Zone will also benefit from the provision discussed.

The proposed amendment would immediately reduce parking requirements for three proposed projects on the ICW, two of which are already under construction.