EMERGENCY RULES
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has adopted emergency rules that enable coastal counties and municipalities affected by Tropical Storm Alberto and Hurricane Beryl to expedite the beachfront construction and dune protection permitting process. Specifically, 31 Texas Administrative Code §15.18 (Emergency Dune Restoration, Stabilization and Repair of Damaged Habitable Structures, and Repair and Shortening of Dune Walkovers) allows the authorization of dune restoration, emergency stabilization and repair of habitable structures, and emergency repairs and shortening of dune walkovers following a storm. The rules are in response to the vulnerability and danger to public health, safety, and welfare caused by the widespread damage to dunes and habitable structures along the middle and upper Texas coast.
TS Alberto Hurricane Beryl Emergency Rules TAC 15
Hurricane Beryl GLO Emergency Rules Memo
July 2024 GLO Emergency Rules Quick Guide
In Texas, public access to Gulf Coast beaches is not just the law, it is a constitutional right.
Walking along the beach in Texas has been a privilege since Texas was a Republic, and the Texas Land Commissioner protects this public right for all Texans by enforcing the Texas Open Beaches Act.
Texas Coasts
Searchable web application showing available public access points on the Texas beaches and the amenities at those points.
Texas Beach Accessibility Guide
Guidance for local governments adopting and implementing beach accessibility measures for persons with disabilities.
Guia De Accesibilidad Para Las Playas De Texas
Guidance for local governments adopting and implementing beach accessibility measures for persons with disabilities. (Spanish Translation)
Dune Protection and Improvement Manual for the Texas Gulf Coast
Guidelines for dune protection and improvement along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Dunas Costenas Manual De Proteccion y Mejora De Dunas Para La Costa Del Golfo De Texas
Guidelines for dune protection and improvement along the Texas Gulf Coast. (Spanish Translation)
Beachfront Construction Certificates and Dune Protection Permits FAQ
Guidelines for construction certificates and dune protection permits on the Texas gulf coast.
Dune Construction and Restoration
Guidelines for dune construction and restoration on the Texas Gulf coast.
No Walking or Driving on Dunes
Guidelines about laws prohibiting walking and driving on dunes.
Mitigation Sequence
Guidelines to consider if adverse impacts to dunes and dune vegetation may take place during construction
Local Beach Access Plans
Cities and counties along the coast are required to adopt laws to protect the public's beach access rights and outline local coastal construction requirements. These local laws are adopted as a beach access and dune protection plan. The Land Office reviews local beach access plans and certifies that they meet the minimum state standards set forth in the Open Beaches Act, Dune Protection Act, and the General Land Office Beach/Dune Rules.
Local Beach Access Plans and Erosion Response Plans establish requirements for beach access points, construction standards and beach user fees.
• Brazoria County (148 pages) December 2022
• Cameron County (153 pages) September 1, 2022
• Chambers County (49 pages) August 1993
• City of Corpus Christi (243 pages) June 2012
• City of Freeport (174 pages) October 2012
• City of Galveston (152 pages) March 2021
• City of Jamaica Beach (79 pages) July 2012
• City of Port Aransas (111 pages) August 2012
• City of Port Arthur (47 pages) April 1994
• City of South Padre Island (116 pages) February 2016
• Galveston County (153 pages) August 2012
• Jefferson County (47 pages) March 1994
• Matagorda County (114 pages) January 2013
• Nueces County (97 pages) June 2012
• Town of Quintana (48 pages) August 2012
• Village of Surfside Beach (140 pages) February 2024