Beachfront Construction

Construction activities proposed within 1,000 feet of the mean high tide line of the Gulf of Mexico require a Beachfront Construction Certificate/Dune Protection Permit before the work can begin.

Contact the Coastal Resources Division Staff at CoastalResources@galvestontx.gov for questions about the application process.

Application Forms

Beachfront Construction Certificate/Dune Protection Permit Application (PDF)

Annual Beach Maintenance Permit Application (PDF)

Texas General Land Office Issues Temporary Suspension of the Line of Vegetation (LOV)

The Texas General Land Office notified the City of Galveston on March 30, 2021 that an Order has been issued that temporarily suspends the determination of the Line of Vegetation (LOV) for two years and suspends certain enforcement actions for the removal of houses on the public beach for three years in parts of Galveston.

Under the Order, for a period of two years, the public beach will extend to a line 200 feet inland from the line of mean low tide as established by a licensed state land surveyor. For permitting purposes, local governments will be required to use 200 feet landward of MLT as the LOV, as applicable depending on the local government’s Beach Access & Dune Protection Plan. This Order applies to homeowners, businesses, and local governments during the permitting process.

More information about the Order can be found on the Texas General Land Office website:

https://www.glo.texas.gov/coast/coastal-management/lov-resources/index.html

Temporary Suspension of LOV & Enforcement Order (.pdf)

FAQs (.pdf)

Galveston Maps (.pdf)

Coastal Construction Manual, Fourth Edition

A two-volume publication that provides a comprehensive approach to planning, siting, designing, constructing, and maintaining homes in the coastal environment.

Volume I (link) provides information about hazard identification, siting decisions, regulatory requirements, economic implications, and risk management.

Volume II (link) contains in-depth descriptions of design, construction, and maintenance practices that, when followed, will increase the durability of residential buildings in the harsh coastal environment and reduce economic losses associated with coastal natural disasters.