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Fire Marshal's Office
The Fire Marshal’s Office oversees fire prevention, inspections, and code enforcement in both new and existing buildings. The team also conducts plan reviews for new construction, building renovations, and fire and life safety systems. In addition to investigating fires, the office provides public education programs to promote fire safety throughout the community.
Quick Links
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Request an Inspection Online
Access the online portal for requesting a Fire Safety inspection. This portal also provides the ability to make all permit-related payments online.
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Permits and Forms
Easy access to necessary Fire Marshal's Office forms and documents, including permit submittal requirements.
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Report a Yellow or Red Tag
Use this online tool to report a yellow or red tag to the New Braunfels Fire Marshal's Office from a third party inspector.
Resources
Permits & Inspections Info
Before You Begin: Important Reminders
- A valid email address is required. This is the main way we’ll contact you.
- Create an account before submitting. A confirmation email will be sent to complete setup.
- Portal Password Requirements: 8+ characters, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number.
- Communications will come from: cwmessenger@nbtexas.org
Submitting Applications
- Submit your application anytime through the Online Portal.
- You'll receive a confirmation email with your permit/reference number.
- Ensure all applications are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
Inspection Requests
- All inspection and re-inspection requests must be made through the Portal. Please do not email or call your inspector to schedule.
- We aim to complete inspections within two business days of your request.
- Inspectors will assign a four-hour window (AM/PM) with a 30-minute courtesy call before arrival.
- If your inspection is canceled by staff, the inspection will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Re-Inspection Fees
- Re-inspection fees apply for any failed inspections or no-shows.
- These fees must be paid before the inspection can be rescheduled.
Permit Review Timelines
- The Fire Marshal’s Office strives to review permits within 10 business days, provided all materials are submitted correctly.
Information for Residents
Outdoor Burning, Fire Pits, & Fireworks
Open burning is not allowed inside New Braunfels City Limits. Under certain circumstances, a burn permit will be issued if all aspects of the 2021 IFC section 307 and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements are met. Learn more about TCEQ. Fireworks are not allowed inside New Braunfels City limits. Requirements for a fire pit can be found online.
Insurance Ratings
Your insurance agency is responsible for finding out the specific rating from ISO. (800) 444-4554 Option #2, Community Mitigation Department, may be of assistance. You can also use the interactive fire department map to determine station locations.
Our ratings for the city limits and ESD 7 are as follows: Either ISO 1, ISO 8B, or ISO 10.
- If your home is greater than 5 miles from a New Braunfels fire station, then you are an ISO 10. Doesn’t matter if you are in the city limits or not.
- If your home is within 5 miles of a New Braunfels fire station but greater than 1000 feet from a hydrant, then you are an ISO 8B.
- If your home is within 5 miles of a New Braunfels fire station and less than 1000 feet from a hydrant, then you are an ISO 1.
Fire Reports
To get a copy of a fire report, you must submit an open records request through the City Secretary's Office.
Information for Developers
Plan Reviews & Permits
- All commercial construction requires a Fire Department plan review.
- Submit plans through the City’s online permitting portal.
- Review timelines vary based on scope but typically take up to 10 business days.
Inspections
- Inspections are required for all permitted fire protection systems and features.
- Request inspections through the online portal; 24-hour notice is required. Please allow at least two business days for your inspection to be scheduled.
- A passing inspection is needed before occupancy.
Common Fire Code Topics
- Fire Lines: Fire line permits are separate from the construction permits and must have a permit through the Fire Department. You must be registered with the State of Texas as an RME-G or a Texas Professional Engineer (PE) qualified to design fire lines.
- Hydrants: Neighborhoods require that a hydrant be within 400 feet of all portions of a dwelling unit. We suggest that hydrants be located at all intersections and we will allow some variation from the 400 feet requirement. Hydrants should not be at the end of a cul-de-sac.
- Knox Box: Required for most commercial properties for emergency access.
Additional Notes
- For technical specs (e.g., fire flow, FDC placement), refer to the City of New Braunfels Fire Code Amendments.
- Questions? Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office directly for project-specific guidance.