Frequently Asked Questions

Past and present City budgets are available for viewing at the City Secretary's Office located on the second floor of City Hall at 823 Rosenberg or online!

• Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday 7:30am – 7:30pm

For more information, weekend or holiday schedules call 409-797-3900 Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Park & Ride Bus - Call 1-800-266-2320 Dial A Ride - Call 409-797-3909

 All other Routes - Call 409-797-3900

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, New Years, and Easter.
Other Holidays we operate on a reduced schedule.

Please call 409-797-3900 Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for Holiday Schedule information.

 Dial A Ride Service hours are:

•             Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
•             Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
•             We provide service 6 days a week
•             To apply for Dial a Ride services call 409-797-3909 or 409-797-3900

We are located at 3115 Market Street in Galveston, Texas.
Our office hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday, excluding holidays.

For schedule information, call 409-797-3900 during office hours

Any project that involves changing the exterior of a property, including additions, new construction, demolition, moderate repair, and/or replacement of architectural features, requires Landmark Commission review. Minor repair or replacement of architectural features, most fencing, rear decks and other items allowed under administrative approval, may be reviewed by the historic preservation officer during the building permit process and often will not require further review.

To determine if your project requires Landmark Commission review, you should contact the Development Services Department at 409-797-3660 to discuss the planned work well in advance of the anticipated start of construction.

All review of work will be based on the Design Standards for Historic Properties. 

These guidelines were created utilizing the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, as developed by the National Park Service.

Article 10 of the Land Development Regulations, provides for the creation by City Council of historic districts and the Landmark Commission to administer and regulate the construction, reconstruction, alteration, or razing of buildings and other structures in the districts.

It is recognized that Galveston is known nation-wide for its historic architecture, cultural, and historical traditions and for the preservation of these resources. Through this ordinance, the City Council aims to preserve, enhance, and perpetuate those aspects of the city that have historical, cultural, and architectural merit.

No, interior alterations are not reviewed by the Landmark Commission.  However, you should contact the Building Division to determine if building permits are required for your project.

As with all other boards in the City of Galveston, the application process takes approximately four to six weeks. The Development Services Department must notify the surrounding property owners of the proposed project. A staff report is also prepared for submission to the Landmark Commission.

The Landmark Commission meets on the first and third Mondays of each month.

The Commission consists of seven members:

• Position 1. An owner of a commercial building or commercial business located in a historic zoning district or an owner of a residential condominium in the Strand/Mechanic Historic District;
• Position 2. An owner of a residential historic structure located in a historic zoning overlay or historic district;
• Position 3. An owner of a historic structure located in a historic zoning overlay or historic district;
• Position 4. An owner of a historic structure located in a historic zoning overlay or historic district, or an owner of a structure located in a neighborhood conservation district;
• Position 5. A practicing design professional, including but not limited to: an architect, a landscape architect, an engineer, or an interior designer;
• Position 6. Any resident of the City, including within a NCD or historic zoning overlay or historic district;
• Position 7. Any resident of the City, including within a NCD or historic zoning overlay or historic district; and
• Position 8. A member of City Council, who shall be non‐voting on the Landmark Commission.

On an annual basis, we provide grants to City Departments in the areas of public service (recreation, education, youth activities, etc.), public facilities improvement (infrastructure improvements, park development, neighborhood centers, etc..), planning, affordable housing initiatives (home-ownership) and code enforcement. The grant funds are provided to the city from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Each funded activity must be eligible under HUD guidelines and meet one of HUD's national objectives of benefiting low-moderate income persons; eliminate slum or blight; or meet an urgent community development need (approved by HUD). Please contact our office at (409) 797-3820 for more information.

Yes, eligible homebuyers may receive up to $14,500 in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds for downpayment and closing cost assistance to aid in the purchase of their first home.

No, the Galveston Housing Authority provides Section 8 and other public housing programs. The Galveston Housing Authority may be reached at (409) 765-1900.

Lift Academy. (Flight School)

- 317-471-2200 

- Flight School Website

Scholes International Airport is a public use airport however at this time we do not have commercial air service. The closest airport with commercial air service is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), located in Houston, Texas, about 45 minutes from Galveston. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Galveston.

If you are taking a cruise out of Galveston, Hobby Airport has many shuttle services that will transport you directly to the cruise terminal. 

A fixed base operator (FBO) is a commercial business that operates on the airport and provides support services to general aviation operators such as fuel services, tie-downs, window washing, rental cars, and much more. The FBO at Scholes Airport is Island Jet Center, (409) 572-2555. 

Yes! These services can be reserved through the following businesses.

Biplane Air Tours: Scallywag Air

- (409) 465-3169

-Scallywag Air Website

Helicopter Tours: Galveston Helicopters

- (409) 750-1699

- Galveston Helicopters Website 

Skydiving: Skydive Galveston

- (409) 256-9613

-Skydive Galveston Website

As federal regulations on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, are still evolving, it’s critical to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. Scholes International Airport advises commercial and recreational UAS operators to always check the Federal Aviation Administration UAS web page for any new updates regarding UAS policies and procedures.

The Scholes International Airport participates in the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) program. LAANC was set up to increase access for drone pilots who want to fly into controlled airspace near an airport.

Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace near airports must receive an airspace authorization through a LAANC Service Supplier before they fly. You no longer contact the local Air Traffic Control Tower for this authorization.

The LAANC capability is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107, or under the exception for Recreational Flyers. You can find a list of approved LAANC Service Suppliers here.

Helpful Links
Know Before You Fly

UAS Model Aircraft

FAA Drone Zone

Take I-45 south exit at 61st Street. Take a right on 61st Street until you dead end into Seawall Boulevard. Take a right at Seawall Boulevard toward 83rd Street. Take a right at 83rd Street, continuing to the 4th stop sign (0.9 of a mile) and U-turn onto Terminal Drive. The terminal building will be on your right. A free parking lot is available to the right of the terminal building. The circular drive is for 15-minute passenger loading/unloading only.

The FBO,Island Jet Center, tries to promote their own car rentals first, but they can reserve cars for Enterprise if the person has an Emerald Number. If you do not have an Emerald number, contact Enterprise directly for car delivery. Hertz and Avis also deliver if contacted directly.

Yes. You may go to our website at https://galvestontx.epayub.com to pay your water bill.

No. You can provide an application by Fax( 409-242-2148)  or by email ( customerservice@galvestontx.gov) or by coming to our location at 823 25^th Street First Floor Suite 102.

Yes.  You may go to our website at https://galvestontx.epayub.com to view your bill online. 

Yes.  Please contact a Water Billing Customer Service Representative to sign up.   You can reach them at  409-797-3550  Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.

If you are already registered to view your Bill and or Pay your bill online, Login to your account https://galvestontx.epayub.com and under Account Settings, Click the 'Edit' for Auto Pay.

Yes. Please see forms  Click here: Utility Billing Forms

Our fax number is (409) 242-2148.

Click here to go to City Secretary Public Records request page.

Golf cart registration permits may be obtained from the Galveston Police Department. Police Department headquarters is located at 601 54th Street. Owners can apply for golf cart permits between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The golf cart registration application will soon be available online at the Galveston Police Department’s website. Additionally, applications can be obtained from any Galveston police officer. Golf cart owners will need to provide the following information to register their carts: 1) Name and address of the Applicant owner. 2) Location where the vehicle is regularly stored overnight. 3) Model, make, name and golf cart identification number. 4) Current driver’s license. 5) Proof of financial responsibility. Each registered golf cart will be issued a registration permit decal that must be clearly displayed on the cart’s right front panel (driver’s side). The registration permit is good for one year from the date of registration, or such time as revoked, or the golf cart is transferred to a new owner. Carts registered 103rd Street and east will be issued a green decal; carts registered west of 103rd Street will be issued a red decal.

Through approval of this ordinance the Galveston City Council amended Chapter 34 of the city’s code. To view the City of Galveston’s online charter and code please visit www.galvestontx.gov or click here. Members of the public wishing to view ordinance 10-028 can also request a copy from the City Secretary’s Office by calling (409) 797-3510 or they can visit the office, located on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 823 Rosenberg, Galveston, TX, during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Answer 1 

Submit payments to ... address before July 15th.

The City will fill your request within 10 days.

Every other Friday at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 a.m.

Every other Friday at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 a.m.

This inquiry is often avoided in fear the answer will be "yes." It is crucial that all property owners contact the respective department(s) to receive accurate information. The property owner is responsible to obtain all required permits. Please keep in mind we are here to help you throughout your projects.

When in doubt, check with the Permitting Division at 409-797-3620. Construction without a permit will result in double or triple permit fees, and may result in corrective action through Municipal Court.

Every department includes their own fee schedule. For example, the Building Division's fees are determined as a percent of the total amount (in dollars) of labor and materials. A list of fees can be seen below.

The LDR's (i.e. Land Development Regulations) establish specific standards for all development and redevelopment proposals. Ultimately, this document acts as a checklist to guide responsible development.

Bulk regulations are a combination of land use controls, which include: lot standards, setbacks, building height, parking, landscaping, and more. Bulk regulations vary depending on the zoning district.

There are two ways to locate your property lines. The first requires a metal detector and patience. If you property was recently platted (within the past 30 years) use the metal detector to find the property pins. On the other hand, hiring a Land Surveyor can be more accurate. These professionals analyze points, angles, and distances to precisely locate the property lines.

The purpose of a site plan is to illustrate the scope of a project. For example: if you want to build a shed in the backyard you must submit a site plan that shows where the work is going to be done. More importantly, the plan must show the dimensions between the property line(s) and the proposed structure.

Zoning maps are available electronically under the "Maps & GIS" tab to the left.

Article 2 in the Land Development Regulations provides information to help determine if specific land uses (such as short-term rentals) are permitted or prohibited within your district. Currently, short-term rentals are allowed in every district on the island with the exception being R-0.

Yes. Applications to do so can be found by clicking the "Applications & Fees" tab. These requests must be reviewed by the Planning Commission as well as City Council.