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Planning Commission Hears Proposal to Extend Dune Walkover at 801 East Beach Drive
Summary
At a March 4 public hearing, city staff presented a proposal to extend a public dune walkover at 801 East Beach Drive; the item was presented for review only while the applicant pursues a beachfront construction certificate with the GLO.
Galveston Planning Commission members heard a staff presentation March 4 on a proposed 235-foot extension of an existing dune walkover at 801 East Beach Drive. The item was presented as a public hearing; no formal action was taken by the commission.
City staff said the project would extend an existing public walkover and remove a portion of the current structure. Staff displayed Bureau of Economic Geology maps, elevation and contour surveys, proposed project drawings and site photos to show the walkover’s position relative to the dune and adjacent properties.
Staff member Kyle said the beachfront construction certificate for the work is currently with the GLO and that the city often waits for GLO comments before issuing a public hearing, but the applicant requested an earlier hearing to address public-safety and access issues. "They actually did have somebody get bit by rattlesnake, I believe, in 2023," Kyle said, noting urgency to restore safe public access. Staff also said the walkover is one of the public walkovers outlined in the city’s beach access plan.
Commissioners asked whether silt fencing shown in the photos was required or could be added at the applicant’s discretion. Staff said the proposed alignment moves the new structure farther seaward to anticipate dune migration and reduce the need for repeated sand fencing or future adjustments. City staff concluded the presentation by saying this was a public hearing for administrative-code requirements and that the staff report had concluded.
No members of the public signed up to speak. The public comment portion was closed and the commission took no action at the meeting. Staff said it will proceed after receiving GLO comments; no timetable for final permitting was specified.
