Coastal Building Code

New Coastal Construction in Galveston County Needs a WPI-8 Certificate

Homes in the Texas coastal zone must be built to windstorm-resistant standards and get a certificate — without it, getting wind insurance can be hard.

Galveston County Home & Property

The Texas Department of Insurance requires that structures in the first-tier coastal counties meet windstorm construction standards. When a home passes inspection, the owner gets a WPI-8 certificate (or a WPI-8-C, which TWIA issued for construction completed between January 2017 and May 2020). This certificate is what TWIA uses to confirm the home qualifies for windstorm coverage.

If you are buying an older coastal home that was never inspected, getting TWIA coverage can be difficult or impossible. Ask your seller or real estate agent for the WPI-8 certificate before you close. If you are building new in Galveston County, make sure your contractor schedules the required inspections. Check tdi.texas.gov for details.

Source to confirm: TWIA — Coverage and Eligibility

More Galveston County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Galveston County

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax office collects what you owe — and they are two separate offices.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill in Galveston County

If you own and live in your home, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces how much of your property value gets taxed.

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MUD / PID / Special Districts

Galveston County Has Dozens of Special Tax Districts

Many newer neighborhoods in the county sit inside a Municipal Utility District or other special district that adds an extra layer of taxes to your bill.

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Windstorm Insurance

Most Galveston County Homes Need a Separate Windstorm Policy

Private home insurance in Galveston County usually does not cover hurricane wind damage, so many owners must buy a separate policy from TWIA.

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