Building Division

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, City Hall is currently not accepting walk-ins.

You can submit building permit applications and code enforcement complaints online through the ePortal. The planning and coastal divisions accept applications via email. For the time being, fence, swimming pool, and roof permit applications will also be accepted via email.

Please be advised that Development Services is operating with reduced staff and some employees may not have access to their phones. For immediate assistance, we encourage you to email the Planning Counter.


ePortal User Guides

Builders’ Packet

Residential Builders Packet - Cover Opens in new window

Inspections

To request an inspection, please call (409) 797-3666 with the property address, type of inspection and permit number. Inspections requested before 7:00AM will be put on the schedule for the same day. Any inspection request received after 7:00AM will automatically be scheduled for the following day.

  • All inspections will only be available online or via the aforementioned phone number. 
  • For new residential construction and additions, all construction trades are required to be complete and scheduled simultaneously for rough-in and final inspections.

Please be aware that permits and an address must be visible from the street for all inspections. Additionally, an approved set of plans is required on all job sites for inspections.

Permitting & Plan Review

The Building Division does not accept applications via email. You may submit an application in person or online through the e-permitting website.

When in doubt, check with the Building Division at (409) 797-3660. Construction without a permit will result in double or triple permit fees, and may result in corrective action through Municipal Court.

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Contractor Registration

To register with the City of Galveston, you will need the following:

  1. $200 registration fee and $25 annual fee.
  2. Insurance and bonding information must be current.
  3. Liability insurance with a $300,000 minimum showing the City of Galveston as an additional insured and certificate holder.
  4. Surety bonds with a $25,000 minimum. Bonds must be original. Building and electrical contractors are required to have a surety bond with the obligee being "City of Galveston or assignee." HVAC contractors do not require a surety bond to register with the City of Galveston.
  5. Energy technicians are required to register with the City of Galveston. There is a separate application which can be found below.

Applications:

Please be aware that it is your responsibility, as the contractor, to call for required inspections.

Click here to view a list of registered contractors. 

Engineers

Engineering is required on all structural projects within the City of Galveston. While we recommend that you use someone from Galveston County due to their familiarity with the area, you are free to use whomever you want.

FEMA

Windstorm

Building Board of Adjustments & Appeals

The City of Galveston’s Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 9:00AM in City Council Chambers. The public and building contractors are invited to attend and participate. In order to have your plea heard, you will need to submit a completed application to the Development Services Department. For more information, email David Ewald or call (409) 797-3620.

Pre-Development Meetings

Pre-development meetings take place every other Friday at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00AM by appointment. At the meeting, you will be provided general information regarding the City of Galveston’s development process, contact information, applicable codes, applications, and fees. The staff members present will review the project and provide preliminary comments. To schedule a meeting, please fill out the meeting request form and contact Karen White at (409) 797-3608 or kwhite@galvestontx.gov.

Pre-Construction Meetings

Pre-construction meetings are designed to address potential areas of concern that could affect construction after a permit has been issued. The goal is to give contractors an idea of what to expect from the City during construction so as to reduce any confusion between them and staff. Pre-construction meetings will be mandatory prior to the issuance of a commercial building permit and highly encouraged prior to the issuance of a residential building permit. Pre-construction meetings will be available on Thursdays at 9:00, 10:00, or 11:00 a.m. by appointment. Please contact Karen White at (409) 797-3608 or kwhite@galvestontx.gov to schedule a meeting.