Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)

With a population of over 50,000, the City of New Braunfels has a 3-1/2 mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). 

Authority within the ETJ

The City has limited review authority within the ETJ. Such review authority has been granted to cities by the state to ensure such areas that will one day be part of the incorporated city limits will be in keeping with a level of standard used within the city limits. The City has adopted ordinances establishing regulations for subdivision review and off-premise signage.

Subdivision Review

Through agreements with both Comal and Guadalupe Counties, New Braunfels reviews all proposed subdivision master plans and plats within the ETJ. The purpose of city subdivision review is to ensure that the properties are developed in accordance with the city's standards.

Signage Review
The City's Sign Ordinance prohibits the construction of new off-premise (commonly known as billboards) within the city limits and the ETJ. There are provisions for existing signs that were lawfully constructed prior to the adoption of the Sign Ordinance in 2006.

City Limits and ETJ Map (Including Surrounding Cities) 

Signs

Sign Ordinance 

The size, spacing, and number of on-premise freestanding signs are regulated by ordinance. A summary these regulations, based on zoning or location, is contained in this chart. No new off-premise signs are allowed in the city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction.

• See a list of other prohibited signs.

Sign Permits

All new signs require a permit. A permit is not required to change the face or wording on existing signs. Although not regulated by the sign ordinance, attached signage does require a building permit.

New Signs

The standard building permit application is used for sign permits, and must include a complete site plan showing the proposed location of the sign. Applications are available in the Building Division office or online. Permit fees are based on square footage or dollar value, and contractors installing signs must be licensed with the City of New Braunfels. 

Temporary Street Banner

Temporary Street Banners are for local events and local non-profits. Regulations and requirements are attached to the application.

Temporary

Temporary signs, limited to banners, require a Temporary Sign Permit. Banners must be attached to a building, and may not be attached by any means to the ground.

Conditional Sign Permits
Notwithstanding anything in the Sign Ordinance to the contrary, the erection of a sign may be approved by City Council under a conditional sign permit. The purpose is to allow for a specialized review of signs which may not be appropriate generally without certain restrictions, but which, if controlled as to the number, size, height, color, location, lighting, or relation to adjacent properties, would promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Conditional Sign Permit Application

Temporary Vending Operations

Permit Requirements
The City requires that vendors not operating from a permanent building obtain a Temporary Vending Operations Permit from the City and permission from the property owner.

The permit fee is $77 and permits are good for a maximum of 8 months in the same location for food vendors, and 6 months for non-food vendors. After the permit has expired, the Temporary Vending Operation shall leave the property, parcel, lot or address where the vending has occurred for a minimum of 30 consecutive days after which time the Temporary Vending Operation may return to the same location. 

An additional permit may be required by the Health and Food Safety Division.