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Foley, AL

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STR Regulations for Foley, Alabama

Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Foley, Alabama. The City of Foley requires operators to obtain both a business license and a short-term rental permit for each unit. All applications and renewals are submitted online through the City’s Citizenserve portal, and at least one Fire Inspection is required before licenses and permits are issued.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Foley, AL

  • Create an account on the City of Foley’s Citizenserve portal (if you do not already have one).
  • Apply for a City of Foley Business License covering your short-term rentals.
  • Apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit for each individual rental property in Foley.
  • Upload a driver’s license for at least one owner/partner.
  • Await City approval and Fire Inspector scheduling.
  • Pay for and receive your business license and permit(s) once approved.

Step-by-step application workflow (City of Foley)

  • Go to the Citizenserve portal.
  • Log in (or register if you do not have an account).
  • Services → Business Licenses → Apply online.
  • Apply for the business license; select the exact short-term rental categories.
  • Do not select “home-based business” unless you live in Foley and operate from your home.
  • Enter your total gross revenue for all short-term rentals in Foley for the prior year.
  • Upload a driver’s license for at least one owner/partner; sign and submit the application.
  • Submit a separate permit application for each short-term rental property.
  • Provide the name of the person responsible for each unit (this information is shared with Police/Fire for emergencies).
  • If you have more than one property, select “SAVE & ADD ANOTHER” at the bottom of the permit page.
  • Wait for City approval; a Fire Inspector will conduct an inspection.
  • Once approved and paid, the City will issue the business license and each permit.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

  • City of Foley Business License (one license covers all short-term rental activities within the city).
  • Short-Term Rental Permit (one permit per rental unit).
  • At least one owner/partner’s driver’s license (uploaded in the business license application).
  • Fire Inspection is required prior to issuance.
  • Safety requirements are listed on the Citizenserve portal under “Submittal requirements” on the Business License page; they can also be emailed upon request.
  • Applications must be completed online via Citizenserve; manual or paper submissions are not described in the source.

Specific Regulations for STRs in Foley, AL

  • A business license is required for the business operations.
  • A permit is required for each short-term rental property.
  • A driver’s license for at least one owner/partner is required.
  • Fire inspection is required before issuance of licenses/permits.
  • Responsible party contact information is required for each unit and is shared with Police/Fire for emergency purposes.
  • Applications must be submitted via Citizenserve.
  • No city-specific zoning, occupancy caps, or separate tax remittance procedures are provided in the source materials.

County and State Notes

  • Baldwin County-specific STR requirements are not provided in the source documents; confirm directly with county authorities as needed.
  • Alabama state-level rules beyond local licensing (e.g., sales/lodging taxes, zoning, HOA restrictions) are not covered in the source documents.

Contact Information

  • City of Foley permitting and licensing: online via Citizenserve.
  • Safety Requirements: available under “Submittal requirements” on the Business License page in Citizenserve; the City can email a copy upon request.
  • For inspection scheduling and application status: use the Citizenserve portal; specific phone/email contacts for STR programs are not provided in the source.

Links to Source Pages

Notes:

  • Applications and renewals are submitted online; the process for renewals mirrors initial applications via the portal.
  • Safety requirements must be met prior to final approval and issuance of licenses/permits.

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Foley

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
9/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full Foley Market Analysis →

Photos of Foley

Overview of Foley

Foley, Alabama is a small city located in Baldwin County, in the southern part of the state. With an estimated population of around 21,000 residents, Foley is a growing community known for its warm hospitality and vibrant local culture. The city is situated approximately 30 miles south of Mobile, Alabama, making it a relatively short drive from one of the state's major urban centers.

Foley is increasingly popular for short-term rentals, driven largely by its proximity to the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. Tourists and vacationers frequently use Foley as a base to explore the region's attractions. One of the major landmarks in Foley is the Foley Railroad Museum, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and serves as an engaging family destination. The Graham Creek Nature Preserve is another popular spot, offering extensive outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and kayaking.

Foley is also home to OWA, an expansive entertainment destination that features an amusement park, shopping, dining, and live entertainment, attracting families and tourists year-round. The city's easy access to The Wharf in nearby Orange Beach, renowned for its marina, entertainment options, and shopping, further enhances its appeal as a destination for short-term rentals.

The combination of charming local attractions, proximity to major metropolitan areas, and access to natural beauty makes Foley, AL, an attractive option for short-term visitors looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

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