Purpose: This bulletin is to provide information on Building Move Permits for existing buildings, it is not applicable to manufactured homes as defined by the International Residential Code (IRC), or pre-manufactured buildings that are certified by the State of Texas, Industrialized Housing and Buildings Program. Moving permits for state-certified buildings must be obtained through the state; links to access information on that process are is provided below. The permit requirements outlined here are applicable to the relocation of existing buildings either into or out of the city limits of New Braunfels. A permit is also required to move a building from one location within the city to another location within the city even if on the same property. This process is in accordance with City Code, Chapter 14, Section 14-5, which states that “…no building or structure shall be moved, removed, converted, or demolished without first obtaining any necessary permits therefore from the building official and complying with all applicable requirements of the city.”

The City of New Braunfels Building Safety Division, in collaboration with the New Braunfels Police Department, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU), Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative(GVEC), and the City’s Historic Preservation Office, have developed this bulletin to better inform our customers with regard to the process and the applicable requirements.

Scope: This document is applicable only in the municipal jurisdiction of the City of New Braunfels and does not override or negate any state or federal regulations. Applicants should understand that for any building move that will cross or utilize TXDOT right-of-way for any portion of the proposed route, a separate TXDOT permit is required. For information on state permits applicants go online or call the TXDOT Permit Coordinator (New Braunfels Area) at (210) 615-5866.

Process Steps

• The following process steps outline how the Building Move Permit application will be submitted, reviewed and issued by the City of New Braunfels.
• For buildings to be placed within the city limits, the applicant must obtain, at minimum, a foundation permit before the move permit will be processed. Application for a foundation permit may be made online through the link below.
• Applicant submits the completed Building Move Permit Application (attached) with all required submittal documents either in paper format at the Building Permit desk at City Hall or through the online portal.
• The owner and contractor certifications on the application must be signed and dated and the contractor of record must be registered with the Building Safety Division prior to issuance of the permit.

Upon verification by Building Safety Division staff that the submittal is complete, the submittal package will be routed to designated staff with applicable agencies from the Police Department, New Braunfels Utilities, Guadalupe Valley Electric Coop, and the City’s Historic Preservation Office for review. The review by applicable utility agencies will be based upon the proposed route for the move and the service area for electrical connection. The applicant may receive requests for additional information directly from staff with the reviewing agency concerning the application. Any revisions required or changes made to the submittal package shall be included in the response back from the reviewing agency to the Building Safety Division with the signed and dated signature form within 10 business days. If the reviewing agency cannot approve the application, the agency will notify the Building Safety Division of the reason(s) for denial within 10 business days.

When all applicable reviewing agencies have signed and dated the application and notified the Building Safety Division of approval, the assigned reviewer will approve the Building review and assess the fees for the permit.

Upon payment of applicable fees, the permit is issued by the Building Safety Division , and the applicant will receive an email with an attached PDF file of the permit card for reference.

The applicant or contractor must ensure that any applicable permits from TXDOT have been obtained and that any necessary coordination with local utility providers is scheduled in advance of the move.

Applicant or contractor must notify the New Braunfels Police Department on the day of the scheduled move at least one hour in advance by calling Dispatch at (830) 221-4100

Attachments:

Building Move Permit Application

Summary: This bulletin is informational in nature and is provided as a customer service initiative. The approval of the building move permit should not be construed as a final approval of the building location, use, or proposed occupancy. It is highly recommended that a full building permit for the proposed structure be obtained by the owner prior to the submittal of the building move permit. For proposed building locations within the city limits, a full building permit submittal must be initiated by the owner within (30) days of the placement of the building. Only upon completion of all improvements required under the full building permit scope and approved inspections of all work performed will the certificate of occupancy for the building be issued. Failure to submit an application or failure to complete the requirements of the full building permit within a reasonable time may result in penalties against the property owner as prescribed by law. 

Prepared By: Kevin Collins, PE, Building Official

Reviewed By: Tim Brinkkoeter, Police Department

Caleb Gasparek, Historic Preservation Officer Justin Burkhardt, New Braunfels Utilities Richard McKinney, Guadalupe Valley Electric

Authorized By: Christopher Looney, Director- Planning & Development Services