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Building Safety
Overview
The Building Division processes building permit applications and conducts all inspections required for construction within the city limits. The inspectors examine work for compliance with building, gas, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes to ensure compliance with basic construction standards for health and safety. The City has adopted the ICC Code, 2018 Edition and the 2017 edition of the National Electric Code (NEC).
The New Braunfels Building Division is responsible for the implementation of all Building Codes and City Ordinances during the construction, alteration, and improvement of the built environment to secure the beneficial interests of public life, health, and welfare. The Building Division is also charged with retention of the greatest reduction in insurance premiums for the citizens by participation in the Community Rating System and Building Code effectiveness grading schedule as well as assurance that all construction is performed by licensed and/or registered contractors. The Building Division is also responsible for the minimization of the potential for flood damage to structures in a cost effective manner as well as the timely response to the questions, issues, and concerns of the citizens of New Braunfels on matters related to the function of the Building Division.
Quick Links
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Building Permits
A detailed look at when you need a residential permit, permit requirements, and building permit procedures.
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Building Code
Information about building inspections and the building codes adopted by the City of New Braunfels, including recent updates and code interpretations.
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2021 ICC Code Adoption
Learn more about the 2021 ICC Code Adoption now underway, and what steps are next in the process.
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Floodplain Management
Learn more about how the City is dedicated to minimizing loss of life and property associated with flooding events.
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Online Payment Guide & Permit Portal
Download this PDF as a quick reference guide that contains a link to the Payment Portal and step-by-step instructions on how to make your payments.
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Forms & Applications
A complete set of all applications and forms needed for construction in New Braunfels.
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Complaint & Violation Form
File complaints about violations including construction debris, damaged sidewalks, parking, drainage concerns, unsafe occupancy, and more.
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Utilities
A complete list of the various utility companies operating within the New Braunfels city limits.
Contact Us
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Building Safety
Phone: : (830) 221-4041Fax: : (830) 608-2117
When To Use A...
When to use a registered architect:
Determine Required Services
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners has created a flowchart to better explain the requirements. This chart may help you decide if your project requires the services of a registered architect.
Other Related Links
When to use a professional engineer:
The Texas Engineering Practice Act
Chapter 1001, Texas Occupations Code Revised : June 19, 2017
§ 1001.402. Enforcement by Certain Public Officials A public official of the state or of a political subdivision of the state who is responsible for enforcing laws that affect the practice of engineering may accept a plan, specification, or other related document only if the plan, specification, or other document was prepared by an engineer, as evidenced by the engineer’s seal.
Exemptions
§ 1001.056. Construction or Repair of and Plans for Certain Buildings
(a) A person, sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint stock association, or private corporation is exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter if:
(1) a representation that engineering services have been or will be offered to the public is not made or implied; and
(2) the person or entity is erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, or repairing or is drawing plans or specifications for:
(A) a private dwelling;
(B) apartments not exceeding eight units for each building in the case of one-story buildings;
(C) apartments not exceeding four units for each building and having a maximum height of two stories;
(D) a garage or other structure pertinent to a building described by Paragraph (A), (B), or (C);
(E) a private building to be used exclusively for:
(i) farm, ranch, or agricultural purposes; or
(ii) storage of raw agricultural commodities
(F) a building having no more than one story that:
(i) is not a building exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter under Section 1001.053 or subject to Section 1001.407;
(ii) has a total floor area of not more than 5,000 square feet; and
(iii) does not contain a clear span between supporting structures greater than 24 feet on the narrow side.
(b) If a structure described by Subsections (a)(2)(F)(i) and (ii) contains unsupported spans greater than 24 feet, only the trusses, beams, or other roof supporting members must be engineered or pre-engineered.
(c) The exemption provided by this section does not apply to a person or entity that is:
(1) providing engineering design or inspection services necessary to comply with windstorm certification standards for a residential dwelling under Subchapter F, Chapter 2210, Insurance Code; or
(2) providing engineering design relating to constructing, enlarging, altering, or repairing, or drawing plans or specifications for, a residential dwelling slab located on expansive soil that meets the expansive soil classification provisions of the International Residential Code as applied in the jurisdiction in which the residential dwelling is located, unless the construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, or drawing of plans or specifications meets the International Residential Code requirements as applied in the jurisdiction in which the residential dwelling is located.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Permit?: The City of New Braunfels requires a permit any time a homeowner or general contractor intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure or land, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, irrigation, or plumbing system.
What Kind of Permit Do I Need?: The types of permits both residential and commercial are listed on our Permit Portal page.
Can I Submit a Permit Online?: Yes. Go to our Online Permit Portal. You will need to create a login and password and have a valid email address. Once account is created, you can also pay for the permit through the portal. If you are having trouble creating an account please see the Permit Portal Guide.
How Can I Search for Active Permits?: You can search for active permits in New Braunfels by address, permit number or general location by visiting the Permit Search & Status page.
Important Notes
The City of New Braunfels adopted the 2018 editions of the International Building / International Residential Codes (IBC/IRC) and the 2017 edition of the National Electric Code (NEC) as of January 28, 2019. The Building Division has copies of the ordinance incorporating the new changes.
At this time, all construction work within the city must be completed by general contractors who are registered with the city. Plumbers, electricians, and mechanical contractors must be licensed by the state and registered with the city. Both the licensing and registration have applicable fees.