THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUILDING PIERS AND BOATHOUSES ON ONO ISLAND 


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Ono Island Piers Docks Boathouses Amon

If you’re dreaming of a waterfront lifestyle on Ono Island in Orange Beach, Alabama, and envisioning your own private pier or boathouse, it’s essential to understand the detailed rules, permitting process, and coastal realities that come with building over water. As a homeowner and real estate advisor here on Ono Island, I can help guide buyers through this process—from dock designs to working with the ACC and Army Corps of Engineers.

Here’s my complete guide to help you navigate everything you need to know.

 Who Governs What: Know the Key…

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HOW I GROW LUSH PAMPAS GRASS ON THE GULF COAST


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

One of the most striking landscape features I see on Ono Island and throughout the Gulf Coast is pampas grass. Its tall, feathery plumes bring movement and drama to a garden—and when it's thriving, it feels wild, elegant, and wonderfully coastal.

As a homeowner and real estate advisor here on the island, I’ve learned exactly what pampas grass needs to look full, strong, and sculptural year-round. If you’re trying to encourage faster growth, or just want those big, showy plumes, I’d love to share a few of my favorite tips from experience.

 Why I Love Pampas…

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CAN YOU BUILD TWO CANAL-FRONT DOCKS ON ONE LOT ON ONO ISLAND?


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Ono Island Canal Lots Piers Docks Boathouses Orange Beach Alabama

As a real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono Island, I often receive questions from prospective buyers about what can and can’t be built on waterfront lots—especially when it comes to docks and boathouses. One question I recently helped a buyer navigate was:

“Can I build two docks or boathouses on one canal-front lot on Ono Island?”

Here’s what you need to know before you begin planning your waterfront dream:

 Can You Build Two Docks or Boathouses on One Canal Lot?

No, Ono Island’s Architectural Control Committee (ACC) rules do not…

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LIVING IN ONO NORTH: A HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO THE HOA AND REC CENTER By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Ono Island Orange Beach Alabama

As a homeowner and real estate advisor here on Ono Island, I always enjoy introducing clients to the unique neighborhoods that make this island so special. One of my personal favorites is Ono North—a gated residential area tucked away near the island’s north side that blends natural surroundings with fantastic amenities. Whether you’re moving here full-time or looking for a second home on the water, Ono North offers a well-rounded lifestyle that’s both private and community-driven.

What to Expect from the Ono North HOA

When you purchase a…

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BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME ON ONO ISLAND: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE CHECKLISTs

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Ono Island Homes For Sale Orange Beach Alabama

As a homeowner and real estate advisor specializing in Ono Island, I often work with buyers who are building their dream home for the first time. Whether you're designing a forever retreat or an investment property, understanding the building requirements is essential—especially in Ono North, where the architectural integrity of our neighborhood is carefully protected.

The Ono North ACC Checklist for New Single Family Residences is your go-to guide when applying for a building permit. Let me walk you through the key…

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Building a Boathouse in Orange Beach: What You Need to Know

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.
Orange Beach Alabama Boat House Permits

As a local real estate advisor and homeowner here on the Gulf Coast, I’m often asked about building a pier and boathouse—especially in Orange Beach, Alabama, where waterfront living is a dream for boaters and coastal enthusiasts alike. Whether you're considering building a full-time residence or a second home with boat access, understanding the process is essential to making that dream a reality.

Recently, I came across a waterfront lot in Orange Beach that reminded me just how valuable it is when a property already has the right pieces in place for boathouse construction. When done correctly, a pier and…

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1031 Exchanges: Orange Beach vs. Gulf Highlands | Gulf Coast Real Estate

Orange Beach Alabama 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges

I recently had a great conversation with a client preparing to sell her out of state rental property and reinvest in the Gulf Coast using a 1031 tax-deferred exchange. She and her husband have multiple homes and are now looking for something coastal—private, peaceful, and profitable.

She told me she loved the look and feel of Gulf Highlands, Florida, where the homes sit on larger lots and you’re not staring directly into your neighbor’s window. She’s also open to Navarre and Perdido Key, but kept circling back to Orange Beach, Alabama as a possible “sleeper” market with upside potential. And I couldn’t agree more.

Florida vs. Alabama: Where Should You Invest?

…

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INTERIOR VACANT LOTS FOR SALE ON ONO ISLAND

What to Know Before You Build in This Premier Gated Community
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Ono Island Interior Lots and Vacant Land For Sale


If you’ve been searching for a rare opportunity to build your dream home or investment property on Ono Island, interior lots may be the perfect place to begin. These non-waterfront parcels offer all the privacy, security, and prestige of life behind the gates—without the premium price tag of canal or bay-front property.

As of June 15, 2025, available interior lots are priced from $169,000 to $299,000. These parcels are generally 90' x 150', flat, and located in X and AE flood zones—making them easier and…

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Short-Term Rental Potential at The Bluffs in Orange Beach


By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Bluffs Orange Beach Alabama Homes For Sale Rentals

For those considering a short-term rental investment near the beach in Orange Beach, The Bluffs is one of the most promising opportunities available. Tucked just north of the Gulf State Park Pavilion and adjacent to the popular Coastal restaurant, this luxury community combines Gulf-front proximity with modern home design—an ideal mix for income-generating vacation properties.

Based on current projections from comparable homes in the area, gross rental income at The Bluffs can exceed $380,000 annually.

 Projected Rental Revenue by Season

Here's a…

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New Construction in Orange Beach: Understanding Pile-ons and Foundation Choices on the Coast


By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

Orange Beach Alabama Pylons New Home Building Construction

When building a new construction home in Orange Beach, Alabama, understanding the foundation system is one of the most important steps in creating a structurally sound, long-lasting home that will endure coastal conditions. As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor and longtime homeowner, I’ve walked many lots and collaborated with skilled builders who know exactly what it takes to start from the ground up—literally.

What Are Pilings?

Pilings or foundation piles, are long vertical structural members driven deep into…

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