New Braunfels · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Feral Cat Colony Ordinance Review
The city is weighing changes to its feral cat colony ordinance, which governs trap-neuter-return programs and the volunteers who manage colonies. Board members want stronger enforcement "teeth" and better education for people who want to help but don't know proper TNR practice.
Northwest Park Master Plan Project Update
The 145-acre park plan drew broad support for trails and green space, but Wasser Ranch residents strongly oppose the Pater/Alster secondary entrance, citing school traffic, speeding, and drainage. The Parks Board endorsed the plan 7-0; adoption comes back November 9.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3
The board will discuss updates to the downtown grant program and review new applications submitted by local business owners. These grants help fund improvements that keep downtown New Braunfels vibrant and attractive.
Rezoning Request for Sun Retreats Texas Hill Country (141 Rueckle Road)
Sun Communities installed ten manufactured homes at its Rueckle Road RV park without valid zoning, after city staff mistakenly issued permits that were later revoked. The council denied the retroactive rezone and ordered a compliance review — a precedent-setting stance against 'ask forgiveness' development.
2026 Roadway Impact Fee Rate Review
The city updated its five-year roadway impact fee study, with big fee increases especially inside the loop (Service Area 2). The council chose to collect 100% of the maximum fee rather than build an incentive/discount program, with the new rates effective April 1, 2027.
Downtown Housing and Public Incentives
The board will discuss updates to the downtown grant program and review new applications submitted by local business owners. These grants help fund improvements that keep downtown New Braunfels vibrant and attractive.
2027 Heritage HOT Grant Process
City commission members will receive training on how to score upcoming grant applications for local arts and heritage programs. This session ensures fair and consistent evaluation of community funding requests.
Linden Ranch construction noise in District 3
Multiple residents near the Linden Ranch apartment development described rock crushing and construction from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, since August. Staff said the current ordinance allows those hours, is benchmarking amendments, and police will take decibel readings; the developer was urged to skip Sundays.
Automated License Plate Reader Program
Two speakers urged the city to drop its Flock ALPR contract, citing 745,000+ vehicle reads in 30 days, security breaches elsewhere, and little publicized benefit data. One asked the council not to renew when the contract comes up.
Right-of-Way Acquisition for Barbarosa Road and Saur Lane
The city plans to spend up to $3.1 million to acquire right-of-way and utility easements needed to move forward with the Barbarosa Road and Saur Lane improvements project.
2027 River Season Fees and Ordinance Changes
The committee will review proposed changes to Ordinance 86-16 to see if water vessels should be granted access to the last public exit.
Committee Budget and Future Project Funding
Members will look into potential funding sources to establish a dedicated committee budget for upcoming local projects.
FY 2026 Third Quarter Financial Report
The council is reviewing the city's financial performance and spending halfway through the fiscal year's final stretch.
Downtown Managed Parking Program
City officials reviewed the first year of the paid parking system, highlighting strong turnover and reinvestment funds, while several business owners argued that QR code confusion and lack of parking hurt retail and restaurant traffic.
Park at Dogwood Affordable Housing Impact Fee Waiver
The board debated whether to provide $500,000 in public funds to help cover impact fees for a 76-unit affordable housing development. Supporters emphasized the need for workforce housing, while public commenters questioned developer fees and public subsidies.
Dittlinger Mill Redevelopment
Oxbow Development Group presented preliminary plans for the adaptive reuse of the Dittlinger Mill site into a mixed-use district with retail, dining, and public spaces. Residents expressed excitement along with concerns regarding traffic, parking, and building heights.
Comal and Guadalupe Counties Workforce Study
A comprehensive workforce study is underway to survey industry leaders and gather data on job needs, retention, and training requirements in Comal and Guadalupe counties.
Northwest Park Lease Agreement
The board approved a five-year lease to allow immediate primitive public access and trail development on a newly acquired 130-acre park property.
CTTC Building Tenancy
The board received updates on ongoing capital improvement projects and the Creekside Town Center development. These updates help track how public funds are being used to support local infrastructure and commercial growth.
Economic Development Negotiations with Gener8tor
The council considered an Economic Development Corporation recommendation to fund a $1.125 million multi-year entrepreneurship incubator project with Gener8tor, but ultimately decided to postpone the vote.
Solid Waste Residential Services Rate Adjustments
City staff presented a proposal to raise residential solid waste rates for the first time since 2010, moving from a split rate to a combined $20 monthly fee starting in April 2027, followed by annual $2 increases through 2031 to offset surging equipment and disposal costs.
Pahmeyer Road Traffic Calming
Residents and board members weighed a new traffic calming plan designed to slow down speeding drivers on Pahmeyer Road.
Gruene Road Boutique Hotel and Commercial Rezoning
Commissioners pushed back on carving commercial zoning out of one lot in the middle of an R-1 neighborhood — the base zoning stays even if the rental use ends. The applicant himself agreed the city's ordinance forces this awkward rezoning, hinting at a possible rule change the council could consider.
Short-Term Rental Zoning
The commission drew a clear line: a short-term rental wrapped in a commercial rezone inside an established single-family neighborhood got denied, while similar requests in commercial or transitional areas were supported. Expect more of these cases as the city balances tourism housing against neighborhood character.
Code Amendments for Unimproved Parking, Sidewalks, and Drainage
A commissioner asked whether short-term rentals trigger sidewalk requirements. Staff explained new primary structures now require sidewalks under an updated ordinance, but STR conversions don't — and council could impose them case-by-case as conditions.
Police Officer Psychological Examination Standards
The commission will consider updates to the psychological exam parameters for beginning police officers to ensure proper screening for candidates.
Firefighter Drug Use Disqualification Guidelines
The commission is reviewing proposed clarifications regarding drug use disqualifications for entry-level firefighter applicants.
FY 2027 Reinvestment Zone and Development Authority Budget
The advisory committee reviewed how parking revenue is reinvested into downtown New Braunfels to support wayfinding, signage, and infrastructure projects that benefit visitors and local businesses.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Adoption
The city is building out its trail and sidewalk priorities based on two rounds of community input, targeting recommended trail connections across town.
Drought Irrigation Surcharges
The city updated its drought contingency rules to permit once-per-week lawn watering through stage five while implementing stricter surcharges for heavy water users. Residents expressed mixed views on balancing conservation with household utility costs.
City Executive Leadership Search & Real Estate Lease
The council evaluated top city leadership positions, including the city manager, city attorney, and municipal court judge.
Carport Variance in Mill Street Historic District (586 West Mill Street)
Property owners want to build a detached carport that encroaches 2 feet into the side setback in a historic neighborhood. The board must weigh the homeowner's needs against historic preservation guidelines.
Residential Accessory Structure Setbacks
Homeowners requested setback variances to accommodate carports due to narrow lot layouts and lack of rear or side vehicle access.
Signage Regulations and Alternative Plans
A developer requested a larger multi-tenant monument sign for a light industrial flex-space project, offering to remove an existing billboard in 2031 as a trade-off.
Entrepreneurship Incubator Program
The EDC considered partnering with Gener8tor on a $1.2 million multi-year incubator project to help local startup businesses scale and grow.
Airport Safety and Communications
The Airport Advisory Board was scheduled to review routine administrative reports and discuss airport construction and improvement projects.
Comal River Master Plan Funding
The city discussed creating a comprehensive master plan for the Comal River to manage recreation, protect natural assets, and boost economic value.
Land Purchase Feasibility Extension for 6.7 Acres
The board extended the feasibility period on a 6.7-acre land contract to allow time for public workshops and City Council guidance on whether to proceed with purchase or sell the land.
Property Acquisition and Utility Infrastructure Easements
The council authorized eminent domain to acquire a utility easement at 470 Rio Drive for critical sewer system and lift station upgrades.
High School Stadium Traffic and Parking Management
To prevent congestion and safety hazards, the board recommended new parking and loading prohibitions on Zipp Road, Klein Meadows, and Legend Pond.
Lake Front Avenue Speed Limit
Residents living near Lake Front Avenue spoke out about dangerous speeding and tight driveways, prompting the board to recommend a 25 mph speed limit. Local leaders hope this change will protect pedestrians and make neighborhood streets safer.
School Resource Officer Staffing
Residents and council members discussed the adequacy of school resource officer coverage across local school campuses, with police leadership detailing rovers and dedicated staffing agreements with NBISD.
Police Officer Disciplinary Appeal
A police officer is appealing their indefinite suspension. This process is a standard legal requirement for civil service employees.
Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan
Several big park projects are moving: Northwest Park's master plan is nearly final, the Dry Comal Trail got a signed Union Pacific agreement with construction bidding eyed for spring 2027, and Mission Hill Park is under construction.
Employee Compensation and Tiered Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Council discussed whether to implement a tiered cost-of-living adjustment to give larger raises to lower-paid employees. While some council members favored helping lower-income workers, the city manager raised concerns about potential impacts on recruitment, retention, and existing market pay studies.
TIRZ #5 Project and Finance Plan
The board reviewed and approved the financial blueprint for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 4 near Zipp Park, which will guide future public investments and funding allocations in the area.
Chapter 380 Economic Development Program Policy Updates
The board reviewed grant applications aimed at preserving and improving downtown commercial properties and businesses.
Historic Preservation Tax Incentives and Code Amendments
The board reviewed current grant applications and project statuses to help local business owners preserve and upgrade their downtown properties.
Gruene Road Land Acquisition
The board discussed whether to move forward with purchasing parcels adjacent to Gruene 16 to retain local control over future land use.
Parkland Reimbursement
The New Braunfels City Council unanimously told Lennar Corporation "no" on their request for parkland reimbursement. That means the developer won't get taxpayer money back for green spaces they were supposed to provide anyway.