Construction within the Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act jurisdiction along Padre Island and Mustang Island requires General Land Office concurrence and adherence to building setbacks measured from the line of vegetation.
The Texas Open Beaches Act and Coastal Erosion Act administered by the Texas General Land Office govern beachfront construction in unincorporated and incorporated portions of Padre Island and Mustang Island within Corpus Christi limits. Structures must sit landward of the line of vegetation, and seaward of that line public beach access cannot be impaired. The GLO reviews construction certificates, dune protection permits issued by Nueces County, and storm-related rebuild plans. After major hurricanes and beach erosion events the line shifts, and lots that once held homes can become unbuildable. Permits also coordinate with FEMA V-zone elevation rules.
Building seaward of the line of vegetation without GLO concurrence may result in removal orders, denial of certificates of occupancy, and ineligibility for FEMA flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program for coastal high-hazard areas.
See how Corpus Christi's coastal zone permits rules stack up against other locations.
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