Moving to New Braunfels, TX?

New Braunfels regulates sound under Sec. 82-9 of its Code of Ordinances. Within 100 feet of residential zoning, sound may reach 85 decibels from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is limited to 75 decibels at all other times. The ordinance was last substantially revised in 2015.

New Braunfels does not publish a stand-alone clock-based construction-hours window in its noise rules. Construction noise is governed by the general decibel standards in Sec. 82-9, which allow up to 85 decibels from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. within 100 feet of residential zoning and 75 decibels at all other times.

New Braunfels treats persistently barking or noisy animals as a public nuisance under Chapter 6, Animals. An animal that unreasonably annoys people or substantially interferes with residents' enjoyment of life or property may be declared a nuisance and the owner cited. Complaints go to Animal Welfare & Rescue / Code Compliance.

New Braunfels prohibits short-term rentals in all residential zoning districts. STRs are allowed only in non-residential zones (with a Special Use Permit, except C-4/C-4A/C-4B), require a city permit, annual life-safety inspection, $500,000 liability insurance, and payment of the city's 7% hotel occupancy tax. Initial permit $206; annual renewal $128.

The possession, use, sale, or discharge of fireworks is illegal inside the New Braunfels city limits. Violations are a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, and fireworks may be confiscated. Fireworks remain legal in unincorporated Comal County (outside the city).

Open burning is not allowed inside the New Braunfels city limits. The Fire Marshal may issue a burn permit only when all requirements of the adopted International Fire Code (2021 IFC Section 307) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules are met. Backyard recreational fires are treated separately and are allowed under conditions.

Backyard recreational fires are allowed in New Braunfels under the Fire Department's published conditions: the fire cannot exceed 36 inches in diameter or 24 inches in height, must stay at least 25 feet from a structure (15 feet for chimineas), must be constantly attended with a way to extinguish it, and may burn only dry natural material.

New Braunfels bans parking, standing, or storing oversized vehicles - including RVs - on residential streets and on private property in residential districts (Chapter 126). The ordinance targets vehicles over 20,000 pounds or longer than 22 feet, wider than 8 feet, or taller than 8 feet, with an exception for brief loading and unloading.

Under Sec. 144-5.3-2, fences and walls in New Braunfels may be up to 8 feet tall in residential, multifamily, non-residential, and park areas. In a required front yard, a fence may be no taller than 36 inches, or 4.5 feet if it is at least 50 percent open. Height is measured from the lowest adjacent ground level.

All fences and walls in New Braunfels require a building permit under Sec. 144-5.3-2, and must meet all permit and plan-review submittal requirements, including an engineered foundation when necessary. Fences in public easements need a gate or removable panel for access, and fences are prohibited in drainage easements.

Under Sec. 6-51 of the New Braunfels Code, all dogs, cats, and other animals must be kept under restraint and may not run at large or stray. The city also requires registration of dogs and cats over 4 months old that have a current rabies vaccination. Unrestrained animals can be impounded.

New Braunfels allows backyard hens through a permit program: up to five hens (no roosters) in R-1 through R-4 zoning on lots of at least 5,000 square feet. A separate general rule allows fowl on large tracts (40,000+ sq ft, up to 50 fowl per 40,000 sq ft), kept at least 100 feet from any neighboring residence.