New Braunfels, TX Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Chapter 114, Article I of the city code governs hedges, retaining walls, steps and fences that abut a street or alley. Sec. 114-1 requires the entire structure to sit on the abutting private lot, with no portion in the right-of-way; the only exception is a wall's footing, which the director of public works may allow to run beneath the right-of-way surface. Regardless of location, the city engineer must approve the retaining wall's design before it goes in, since a failed wall can undermine an adjoining public street or alley.

Separately, the city's adopted 2021 International Building Code exempts retaining walls that are not over 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, from needing a building permit, unless the wall supports a surcharge or impounds a Class I, II or IIIA liquid (Sec. 14-27(e), amending IBC Sec. 105.2). Taller walls, or any wall carrying that kind of load, need a permit from the Building Safety Division created under Sec. 14-1. Appendix D's residential building permit fee schedule charges $0.50 per linear foot for retaining wall permits on walls over 24 inches, due with the building permit application.

A wall or footing placed in the right-of-way without approval is an obstruction the city can order removed under Sec. 114-6, on a deadline of up to 15 days from written notice. If the owner does not comply, code enforcement can perform the removal itself, bill the owner, and file a lien with the county clerk for any unpaid cost plus ten percent annual interest.