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Development Planning
Overview
The primary purpose of the Development Planning Division is to implement the comprehensive plan through administration of the zoning ordinance, subdivision platting ordinance, sign ordinance and other ordinances as they pertain to the city's orderly growth and development. Development Planning staff's role is to provide customer service excellence to citizens, neighborhoods, businesses, property owners, and developers regarding annexation, platting, permit review, sign code enforcement, tree removal review, variances, and zoning. Staff also serves as liaison to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Access Management Board of Adjustment, and other boards and committees as needed.
Quick Links
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Zoning
Learn more about the City's Zoning Ordinance, how the City zones property, approves variances, and issues special use permits under certain circumstances.
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Platting & Subdivisions
Learn more about the process of subdividing land, starting the process of development, or continuing existing plans in New Braunfels.
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Short Term Rentals
Learn more about the permits and other requirements necessary in order to operate a short term rental property in New Braunfels.
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Public Notices
A reference guide for public notices for topics in front of the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, or City Council.
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Development Guide
Provides basic information to help you complete a successful development project in New Braunfels from start to finish.
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Mayfair
A detailed look at the 2,400-acre development owned by the Texas General Land Office on the north end of New Braunfels.
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Veramendi
A detailed look at the Veramendi development, a 2,400-acre mixed-use project that includes residential and commercial structures, ball parks, sporting courts, picnic areas, community centers, pools, and playgrounds.
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Developments & Projects
Learn more about the developments and projects underway, like downtown New Braunfels, the South Castell Avenue Plan, and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones.
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Forms and Applications
A complete list of the forms and applications needed for various development planning requests.
Resources
Commission Calendars
Application Submission Schedule
Both the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) have monthly schedules for meetings and submittals. Application deadlines are set to provide adequate time for staff review and public hearing notification required by state law.
Calendars
Annual calendars are available here:
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.
Signs
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