Beach and Dune Management

Proposed Amendments and New Rules Relating to Erosion Response Plans The Texas General Land Office is withdrawing the proposed rule amendments and new rules concerning 31 TAC Chapter 15.

The Open Beaches Act (Natural Resources Code, Chapter 61. Use and Maintenance of Public Beaches) and the Dune Protection Program (Natural Resources Code, Chapter 63. Dunes) are designed to help local landowners and communities protect and preserve their beaches so that all Texans can continue to enjoy them. The responsibility for protecting the public's right to use and enjoy the beach is shared by the state and local coastal governments. Cities and counties along the coast are required to adopt laws to protect the public's beach access rights. Usually, these local laws are adopted as a dune protection and beach access plan. The state reviews local beach access plans and certifies that they meet the minimum state standards set forth in the General Land Office Beach/Dune Rules. Statewide beach access standards protect everyone's right to use and enjoy all Texas beaches.

Goals of the Beach Access and Dune Protection Program

The Beach Access and Dune Protection Program is designed to:

1. Help beachfront property owners and local governments maintain a healthy beach/dune system
2. Assist local governments in managing the Texas coast so that the interests of both the public and private landowners are protected
3. Reduce the erosion of public beaches and discourage erosion-response methods such as rigid shorefront structures that can have a harmful impact on the environment and public and private property
4. Reduce flood losses and minimize loss of life and property
5. Protect the public's right of access to, use of, and enjoyment of the public beach
6. Ensure timely and predictable governmental decision-making and permitting processes
7. Educate the public about coastal issues

Additional Links

• Slideshow: House Bill 2819 – Changes to the Open Beaches Act, Dune Protection Act, and the Management of Coastal Public Land

• Texas Beach & Bay Access Guide
• Dune Protection Guide
• Dune Protection and Improvement Manual
• Texas Shoreline Change Atlas at the Bureau of Economic Geology

September 18, 2006 Texas Open Beaches Enforcement Policy September 14, 2006 Provisions of 31 Texas Administrative Code §15.11, Repairs to Certain Houses Located Seaward of the Boundary of the Public Beach August 29, 2006 Notification letter sent to coastal communities regarding upcoming coastal survey July 21, 2006 Patterson Announces Relocation/Removal Expense Reimbursement Program for houses on the public beach June 7, 2006 Patterson Press Conference at End of 2-Year Moratorium Land Commissioner discusses homes on the public beach September 2005 Emergency Provisions for Stabilization and Repair of Damaged Structures In Response To Hurricane Rita (TAC §15.13) June 8, 2004 Texas General Land Office issues two-year moratorium for 116 houses on the public beach

 

For more information on beach and dune management, please email the Beach/Dune Program or call 1-800-998-4GLO or (512) 463-9309.

Last updated on 13 November 2008.