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1. Who is responsible for maintaining street gutters?

Persons owning or occupying property shall keep the sidewalks and street gutters in front of their premises free of all litter, including, but not limited to, weeds, grass, or leaves.

2. What requires a building permit?

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change of occupancy of a building or structure; or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Department of Planning and Community Development and obtain the required permits.

3. I submitted a complete, accurate permit application. When will my permit be ready for pick up?

City staff will contact the applicant when their permit is ready to be picked up. Additionally, City staff will inform the applicant of any permit fees to be paid.

4. What is my property zoned?

There are 27 different zoning categories within the City of Galveston. Please contact a planner in the Department of Planning and Community Development for assistance with determining the zoning of your property. Each zoning category has specific land uses which are allowed. The land uses allowed within each zoning district are listed in the appendices of the Galveston Zoning Standards, which is available on the City Code webpage.

5. What restrictions are there on properties in a historic district?

Simple repair or replacement of matching materials and design, as well as minor alterations to property, can be reviewed by the historic preservation officer (HPO), during the building permit process. New construction, major alterations to the structure, or work beyond the administrative approval of the HPO must be reviewed by the Landmark Commission.

All review of work will be based on the design guidelines for historic districts in Galveston, which is available for a nominal fee through the Department of Planning and Community Development. Approval of paint colors in residential historical districts is not required.

6. What is the difference between abandoned vehicles and junked vehicles?

Abandoned is a vehicle which monopolizes the curb over 48 hours. Junked is a vehicle that is inoperable and/or has expired safety / license stickers on private property.

7. Which properties require beachfront construction permits?

The coastal regulations apply to all property within 1,000 feet of the mean high tide. This may include properties on the second and third rows from the beach, as well as some properties north of FM 3005. A survey will determine your property's distance from the mean high tide level. Beachfront construction permit applications may be obtained from the Department of Planning and Community Development or the City of Galveston CIty Code webpage. All construction within this zone will require obtaining a beachfront construction permit prior to the issuance of a building permit. Please contact a planner in the Department of Planning and Community Development for further assistance.

8. What are the landscaping requirements for my business?

The landscaping requirements are listed in the Galveston Zoning Standards, Section 29-67 (g), which is available on the City of Galveston City Code webpage . Please be advised, there are special landscaping regulations [Section 29-99 (e)] for all properties within the Broadway Overlay Zone. Landscaping which meets the current regulations is required for all new construction and new businesses. A change in property ownership and/or significant improvements to the property may also require the owner to update the existing landscaping to meet the current regulations.

9. What signs require a permit?

Most, if not all, signs require permits, including those painted directly on the walls of buildings. The primary sign regulations are listed in the Galveston Zoning Standards, Section 29-82, which is available on the City of Galveston City Code webpage . Additional sign regulations are listed for specific development zones. Please contact the Division of Planning to determine the property's zoning and applicable sign regulations.

10. How do I open a business?

The Department of Planning and Community Development must determine whether the land use is allowed within the zoning district, proper permits have been obtained for signage or any construction or interior build-outs, and the parking and landscaping are appropriate for the business. Upon completion of these requirements, an application for a Certificate of Occupancy may be submitted to the Building Division. A Certificate of Occupancy is required for all businesses or change in land use in the City of Galveston prior to opening.