City of New Braunfels
City of New Braunfels Development Services
CityMS4 Phase IIVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading / Drainage Permit
- Submit To
- City of New Braunfels Development Services
- Lead Time
- Plan review typically 2–4 weeks
- Application Method
- Submit via City of New Braunfels Development Services at 550 Landa St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 or online portal at newbraunfels.gov
- Fee
- Contact agency for current fee schedule
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- Portions of New Braunfels are within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone or Contributing Zone — EAA permit required for development on regulated land; portions near Comal Springs have extreme water quality sensitivity; impervious cover limits and water quality controls required by EAA
- On-Site Treatment Required
- No
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Detention required to limit post-development peak flows to pre-development levels for 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, and 100-year storms per City of New Braunfels and Comal County Drainage Criteria; Comal and Guadalupe rivers are sensitive receiving waters
- Turbidity Standard
- No numeric NTU limit; discharges must comply with TCEQ TXR150000 and not degrade Comal River, Guadalupe River, or Comal Springs water quality
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- SWPPP per TCEQ TXR150000; drainage report required for local permit
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Drainage study prepared by a Texas PE required for grading permits. New Braunfels is home to Comal Springs, the largest springs in Texas, and the headwaters of the Comal River — one of the shortest rivers in the world and a federally protected habitat for the fountain darter (endangered). EAA permit and USFWS coordination may be required for projects near the springs. The Guadalupe River generates significant tourism (tubing) and is sensitive to turbidity and recreational-use impacts.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City of New Braunfels Development Services inspects grading permits at rough grading and final stabilization.
- Inspector Qualification
- No city-specific certification required beyond TCEQ SWPPP requirements
Special Overlay Zones
Comal Springs / Comal River (Federally Protected Habitat)
Trigger: Development that could affect water quality or flow reaching Comal Springs (located in Landa Park) or the Comal River
Restriction: USFWS Section 7 consultation required for potential effects on fountain darter (federally endangered); EAA permit required; extreme water quality controls necessary; USACE permits required for work in or adjacent to the Comal River
Edwards Aquifer Recharge and Contributing Zones
Trigger: Development on land over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone or Contributing Zone
Restriction: EAA permit required; impervious cover limits apply (15% recharge zone / variable contributing zone); water quality controls and karst feature protection required; karst topography (sinkholes, caves) is widespread in this area
Guadalupe River Floodplain
Trigger: Development within FEMA-mapped 100-year floodplain along the Guadalupe River
Restriction: Floodplain development permit required from City of New Braunfels Floodplain Administrator; USACE coordination required for channel work; Guadalupe River flooding affects the tubing industry and recreational amenities
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of New Braunfels Drainage Design Standards
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
New Braunfels is in Comal County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S., between San Antonio and Austin on I-35. The city is home to Comal Springs (largest springs in Texas), the source of the Comal River (which flows through the historic Landa Park), and world-famous tubing on the Guadalupe River. The ecological significance of Comal Springs — with its federally endangered fountain darter — creates strict environmental oversight for any development with aquifer recharge or discharge implications. New Braunfels has evolved from a small German heritage community to a major growth center with significant residential, resort, and retail development.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the TCEQ state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of New Braunfels Development Services and the agency website before beginning construction.