New Braunfels, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Sec. 82-7
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per day
- Permitted landing site
- New Braunfels Municipal Airport
- Exception path
- City manager permit, special events only
- Scope
- Any location within city limits
Summary
New Braunfels bars any flying machine, device, or vehicle from taking off or landing anywhere in the city: language broad enough to sweep in recreational drones outside the municipal airport.
No fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft, ultralight vehicles or other type of flying machine, device or vehicle shall take off or land at any location within the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
The FAA controls U.S. airspace and preempts most local flight-path rules, but New Braunfels regulates the ground side: Sec. 82-7 makes it unlawful for 'any... flying machine, device or vehicle' to take off or land within city limits. The only carve-outs are fixed/rotary-wing aircraft at New Braunfels Municipal Airport with FAA or state approval, rotary-wing landings at McKenna Memorial Hospital by permission, or a special event authorized in advance by the city manager. Routine hobby drone flights don't fit any of those exceptions.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.00, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a recreational drone at home in New Braunfels?
Does the FAA override this local rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Braunfels
Texas rules heatmap·Compare New Braunfels to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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