The Ultimate Guide to Building Piers and Boathouses on Ono Island

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."

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

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?

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."

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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Ono North Recreation Center & HOA Guide | Life on Ono Island

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."

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 the Single Family Residence Checklist

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."

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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How to Build a Boathouse in Orange Beach | Permits + Setbacks

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

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

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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Interior Vacant Lots for Sale on Ono Island

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.

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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Benefits of a Metal Roof in Orange Beach | Gulf Coast Homes

The Advantages of a Metal Roof on the Gulf Coast

Why I Love a Metal Roof on the Gulf Coast

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

Living and working along the Gulf Coast—especially here in Orange Beach and Ono Island—means understanding how our environment shapes not only our lifestyle, but also the smart decisions we make as homeowners. One of the best decisions I see more and more Gulf Coast homeowners making? Choosing a metal roof.

Aesthetic Appeal Meets Sound Design

Metal roofs offer a sleek, architectural look that complements everything from a classic coastal cottage to a modern beach retreat. The color selections are stunning—from soft…

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New Construction Ono Island Homes | Sales Trends and Market Activity 2025

NEW CONSTRUCTION ONO ISLAND SALES AND ACTIVITY 

The new construction market on Ono Island continues to show defined buyer preferences, active movement in key price ranges, and steady overall demand. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, what it means, and how you can take advantage of the current market trends.

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Can You Build a Dock on Ono Island? What to Know About Seagrass and Permits

Can You Build a Dock or Boathouse on Ono Island? What to Know About Seagrass, Permits & Restrictions

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."
www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/

Many of my buyers on Ono Island dream of owning a waterfront home with a private dock or boathouse. But before you start sketching designs for a lift or party deck, it’s important to understand one critical factor that affects your ability to build: submerged aquatic vegetation, or seagrass.

Let’s walk through what seagrass means for property owners, why it’s protected, how to check for it, and what the permitting process looks like on Ono Island.

What Is the Grass in the…

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