The City of Galveston Planning Commission on a unanimous vote approved case 25P‑042, extending a license to use (LTU) the public right-of-way for construction fencing and scaffolding adjacent to 30220 First Street until 2027.

Staff told the commission the property is designated a Galveston landmark and that the Landmark Commission voted to recommend approval. Staff said the prior LTU, granted in 2024, expired on Sept. 30, 2025, and that the applicant requested an extension to allow completion of exterior renovations.

“The applicant is requesting a license to use the public right of way to retain construct construction fencing and scaffolding associated with ongoing renovations to the building,” staff said in its presentation. The staff report noted 12 public notices were sent and none were returned, and that there were no objections from utilities or other city departments.

Applicant Dylan DeVito told the commission the project team is “at about 90% construction drawings” and expects to submit for permit in early November, with work beginning in early 2026. “We are requesting a 2 year, application renewal, to help get us through the construction period, which is anticipated for about 20 months,” DeVito said.

Commissioners and staff discussed public-safety and pedestrian-access concerns because the existing fencing closes the sidewalk. One commissioner cautioned that projects frequently take longer than planned and that, on long-duration sites, the commission has required a protected pedestrian walkway instead of a closed sidewalk. Staff confirmed the existing fence had been in place for multiple years and described earlier temporary approvals made for public-safety reasons.

After public comment closed, a commissioner moved to approve case 25P‑042 “as presented by staff.” A second followed; the chair called the vote and announced the motion passed unanimously. The approval included the conditions recommended by staff.

The applicant was advised by commissioners that if the project returns after an extended delay they should be prepared to provide a covered/ protected pedestrian pathway instead of continued full sidewalk closure.

The Landmark Commission will consider related matters at its Oct. 20, 2025 meeting, and staff noted conditions 1–3 (project-specific) and 4–9 (standard conditions) would apply to the LTU.