The city of New Braunfels is continuing the process of updating local development-related ordinances and will seek input from the public through a series of upcoming workshops.
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.”
