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New Braunfels council reviews managed downtown parking plan proposing paid on-street system
Summary
City staff presented a plan to move downtown to a managed parking system that would introduce paid on‑street parking (first hour free, $2 per additional hour, $10 daily max), begin community outreach and aim for a June launch; council heard details but took no formal action.
The New Braunfels City Council on Monday heard a presentation outlining a proposal to move downtown to a managed parking system that would introduce paid on‑street parking and reinvest revenue into enforcement and new parking supply.
City economic and community development staff said the proposal aims to improve turnover for businesses, reduce congestion and generate funding to add parking supply. Jeff Jewell, the city’s economic and community development director, told council the plan would keep the first hour free, charge $2 for each additional hour with a $10 daily maximum, and reinvest revenue into enforcement, parking acquisitions and potential structured parking.
Jewell said the downtown area already contains more than 2,500 parking spaces with typical demand around 1,500 spaces at peak times, and that the goal of a managed system is to increase turnover so more customers can access retail and restaurants. “The first hour would be free. And each additional hour would be $2 with a daily max of $10,” Jewell said. He described a program that combines paid on‑street zones, permit programs for employees, smart technology and third‑party enforcement.
The city has selected a private vendor to provide technology and enforcement. Jewell said the vendor will not require a phone app; drivers can scan QR codes or pay by phone or text, and a staffed call center (10 a.m.–10 p.m.) will assist users. The vendor also plans a local storefront, parking ambassadors and outreach at events; Jewell said staff will begin outreach this Saturday at SangerFest. Council was told the city will run a period without citations when the system first rolls out so users can register and learn the system.
Council members asked about accessibility and exemptions. Jewell said policy around disabled‑veteran plates and handicapped license plates is still under consideration and will be addressed when staff brings ordinance language back to council. He also said currently there are not designated on‑street ADA spaces in the areas being discussed, though planned street projects (San Antonio Street reallocation) will add some ADA access.
Questions also focused on enforcement and who carries it out. Jewell said enforcement will be by the vendor, not New Braunfels police, and that vendor staff will check license plates and exemptions. He acknowledged resident concerns about losing two‑hour free parking and said the city will highlight existing free on‑street and off‑street spaces in outreach materials.
No council action was taken Monday; staff said ordinance changes will be brought forward in May and the city hopes to launch a managed parking system in June following additional outreach and open houses.
