The land development ordinance project is a rewrite of the zoning, subdivision platting, historic preservation and sign ordinances. The ordinances adopted by City Council outline local requirements for how to layout subdivisions, what can be built on lots and how to design commercial signage, according to the city.
A publicly developed assessment regarding the ability of these codes to effectively implement the city’s long-range plan—called Envision New Braunfels—was completed this spring. Based on that assessment and continuous public input a rough draft of a revised zoning ordinance has been prepared. Zoning is a tool that cities use to ensure compatibility of land uses, according to the city.
“Through lot shapes and sizes, building dimensions, parking standards, and other rules, zoning can have a significant impact on the form of places,” City Planning Director Christopher Looney said. “New Braunfels’ current zoning districts were written in the 1960s and 1980s, therefore the rules achieve what was desired then; but they do not achieve what our community wants today.”
The city has scheduled several workshops where the public can participate in further revising the draft zoning ordinance, which will be held in the Tejas Room at New Braunfels City Hall, located at 550 Landa St. A Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting will be held on Nov. 30 from 2:30-4 p.m. A community workshop will take place later that day from 6-8 p.m. Additionally, a Technical Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Dec. 1 from 9-10:30 a.m.
“All of the workshops are open to the public,” Looney said. “We were impressed with the level and detail of input received in the surveys we received last winter, and we are excited to continue working with residents to shape the future of New Braunfels’ built environment.”
More information can be found on the land development ordinance project section of the city of New Braunfels website. Community input can be provided by emailing [email protected].
