The City of Galveston Planning Commission unanimously approved text amendment 25PA‑004, which extends the restricted-use area east of Stewart Beach by roughly 1,000 feet and revises language for Access 0.13 (Pocket Park 3) in the city’s certified beach access plan.

Staff said adjacent property owners requested the change so the restricted-use designation would be uniform in front of their property. The amendment also removes temporary construction-related language at Access 0.13 now that a parking-lot improvement is complete.

Kyle (staff) described the change as an expansion of the restricted-use area that would allow vehicle access for people with ADA placards, fishermen, veterans and people launching non-motorized vessels. “So this would open actually open up a thousand more feet for ADA access, fishermen, and and non motorized vessels,” Kyle said during the presentation.

Commissioners asked how signage and access would be managed; staff said the Park Board has signage at Stewart Beach and the city is responsible for signage and coordination with the Park Board. Staff also said existing posts that mark the current boundary would be removed and relocated to the new boundary line.

Attorney Gus Knable spoke for the applicant and said, “I heard what Kyle said, and it represents the applicant’s beliefs here.” A commissioner publicly commended the developer for proposing increased beach access.

After public comment the commission moved and seconded to approve 25PA‑004 as presented by staff. The chair called the vote and the motion passed unanimously. Staff said the item will be taken to City Council in November; if council approves it the city will prepare a package for the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and the amendment will be posted in the Texas Register for 30 days of public comment. If the GLO receives sufficient responses, an additional public hearing may be scheduled.

Staff noted the change is intended to be permanent unless future action by the city or state changes the designation.