Start here
If your wall is leaning or the yard is sinking, begin with the repair or replace guide. It shows how to tell a patch job from a full rebuild.
- Costs per foot and what changes the price.
- Permits and who to call in each city.
- Bulkhead materials: vinyl, timber, steel and concrete.
- Verify a contractor before you sign.
- Glossary of terms you will hear.
Not sure where the lot sits? The area guides cover each shore from Chickasaw Creek to Fish River.
Find your property records first
Property records show who owns the land and what was permitted before. Pull them before you call anyone.
- In Mobile County, the Revenue Commission runs the property search, and Probate indexes deeds back to 1813. Mobile County records
- In Baldwin County, the Revenue Commissioner has a parcel search by address or parcel number. Baldwin County property search
- Baldwin County keeps older permits on one page and permits from November 1, 2020 onward in its CitizenServe portal. Baldwin County permit history
Storms, flood zones and insurance
Storms decide how long a wall lasts. Read the storm guide and the flood zone guide together.
- Insurance: a federal flood policy leaves out seawalls, bulkheads and docks. NFIP policy form
- Shoreline erosion along the bay.
- Living shorelines as a softer option.
Show sourcesHide sources
- Mobile County Revenue Commission; Probate Court Records SearchSource reviewed 2026-11-04
- Search For Property - AssuranceWeb Property (Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner)Source reviewed 2026-10-31
- Search Permits, Reports, Certificates of Occupancy, & Elevation Certificates | Baldwin County Building DepartmentSource reviewed 2026-10-31
- 44 CFR Part 61, Appendix A(1), Standard Flood Insurance Policy, Dwelling FormSource reviewed 2026-10-31