FAA approves 38-foot hotel development with zoning variances in local commission meeting

The Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustments convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss a significant variance request for a new hotel project. The proposed development, Attivan Suites, is a three-story boutique hotel with 88 rooms, aimed at enhancing local hospitality offerings.

Project managers presented the case, highlighting that the site is located within the airport's flight zone, which necessitated extensive collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). After four months of negotiations, the FAA approved the project on the condition that the building be set back further from the property line. This adjustment was deemed necessary to comply with safety regulations related to air traffic.

During the meeting, board members sought clarification on various aspects of the project, including the building's elevation and design. The hotel will be constructed at a height of 38 feet, with the building pad raised by six feet to meet local flood elevation requirements. The facade will feature a combination of brick on the first floor and stucco on the upper levels, complemented by large glass windows to create a modern aesthetic.

Despite the detailed presentation, some board members expressed the need for visual renderings of the hotel, which were not immediately available during the meeting. However, the project managers assured the board that these documents had been submitted previously and could be retrieved quickly.

The board ultimately closed the public hearing without any opposition from community members and moved towards a decision. A motion was made to approve the variance request, citing the unique hardships imposed by the strict application of zoning regulations. The board recognized that enforcing these regulations would create unnecessary challenges for the applicant.

The outcome of this meeting marks a pivotal step in the development of the Attivan Suites hotel, which aims to fill a gap in Galveston's hospitality market while adhering to safety and zoning requirements. Further discussions and approvals will follow as the project progresses.