Short-term rental district approved - al.com: "GULF SHORES — In an attempt to better regulate the vacation rental business, the City Council on Monday unanimously approved a law that limits the short-term leasing of homes and duplexes to West Beach and about a dozen properties beyond that area that are currently operated as tourist housing.
Technically, elected officials said, short-term rentals were never allowed in residential neighborhoods under the city's zoning laws. The new ordinance codifies for the first time a right to rent properties for terms of less than 180 days within the so-called 'tourist rental overlay district.'
Specifically, that district includes all property zoned for single-family homes or duplexes west of Ala. 59 and south of West Second Avenue, as well as that south of Little Lagoon west of West Seventh Street."