Finding Local Officials When You Need Help

From getting a pothole filled on your street to finding out code requirements for your new bathroom, there’s a local government official who can help. The thought of calling around, though, trying to get someone’s attention at City Hall, can seem like a good way to drive yourself crazy. But it doesn’t have to be.



More and more cities, counties, and townships are making it easier to find what you need and to monitor how well they’re responding to requests. And whether you’re a community organizer or a concerned homeowner, you shouldn’t feel like you’re heading into uncharted waters. More than half of citizens had contact with local government within the last year, according to Tom Miller, president of the National Research Center.

Getting Started

Every city and town is unique, of course, but basic services for the community and homeowners tend to be similar. Local governments typically have a version of these agencies:

Code Enforcement: Also known in some places as the Department of Buildings, this is where you call about the neighbor with 100 cats or a back porch that’s falling down.


Parks and Recreation: Typically responsible for maintaining and developing local playgrounds, parks, and other recreational amenities.
Gulf Shores: 251-968-1420

Police: If the party down the block is still going strong at 3 a.m., dial the non-emergency number for your local law enforcement.
Gulf Shores: 251-968-2431    Orange Beach: 251-981-9777

Public Works: When you need a dangling tree limb removed after a big storm or the street repaved, call here. In a bigger city, this may be broken into specific entities: streets, sanitation, sewers, forestry, and so on.
Gulf Shores: 251-968-1156   Orange Beach: 251-974-5681

Recorder of Deeds: The county is usually responsible for housing deeds, and this is the place for a copy of yours or any related questions.

Orange Beach: 251-981-6779

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