Local businesses in Galveston

Galveston had 53,695 residents in the 2020 Census, and its Building Division runs permitting for all of them. Building and plumbing permits are applied for through the city's Accela customer portal, and the city builds to the 2021 code cycle with local amendments.

Electrical, general and HVAC contractors register with the city. The city's registration page lists a $200 fee, then $25 a year, plus $300,000 of liability insurance naming the city and a $25,000 surety bond for building and electrical contractors. State law bars cities from charging registration fees to state-licensed electricians and AC contractors, though permit fees still apply, so ask the city what your trade pays. Ask any contractor for their city registration before you sign.

Galveston windstorm, beachfront and historic reviews

Galveston County is a TDI first-tier catastrophe area, so re-roofs, additions and repairs are built to TDI standards and inspected for a WPI-8, the certificate TWIA wind and hail coverage depends on. You can look up a property's existing certificates on TDI's windstorm site or at 800-248-6032, option 3.

Within 1,000 feet of the Gulf mean high tide line, work also needs a Beachfront Construction Certificate and Dune Protection Permit, except on properties landward of the seawall. Plan on 4 to 6 weeks, including 10 business days of General Land Office review. In the locally designated historic districts, exterior work goes to the Historic Preservation Officer and sometimes the Landmark Commission.

• Power. Galveston is in ERCOT's retail-choice market. CenterPoint or TNMP delivers the power depending on your address, and you pick the retail provider.
• Water. The city runs the island's water and sewer utility. Ask the utility about any watering rules before you book pool or washing work.
• Floodplain. All floodplain development needs a city permit; the current FEMA maps took effect in 2019, and the Floodplain Administrator is at 409-797-3814.
• Mosquitoes. Galveston County Mosquito Control sprays the city; request a spray at 800-842-5622.
• Bulk trash. Sanitation takes bulk items on your regular trash day, but freon appliances must be emptied and red-tagged by a certified technician first.
• Appraisal. The Galveston Central Appraisal District values island property; protests can be filed online.

Renting your place out short term adds one more step: a $250 annual city registration and a GVR number in every listing.

Galveston home and exterior services

• Roofing companies and the WPI-8 inspection
• AC repair and the TDLR license check
• Plumbers and the city plumbing permit
• Electricians, including solar and panel work
• Pest control for termites and mosquitoes
• Pressure washing and house cleaning, including rental turnovers
• Movers on and off the island

Galveston professional services

• Attorneys
• Dentists
• Real estate agents who know windstorm and flood paperwork
• Gyms and fitness memberships

Galveston is part of our Houston and Gulf Coast region. Across the causeway, compare Texas City and League City, also in Galveston County.