Council amends code to require sidewalks at permitting stage for new builds, infill

The New Braunfels City Council on June 23 approved a code amendment to Chapter 144 that requires new developments and new building permits to include sidewalks at the permitting/construction stage, closing a gap staff said previously allowed some developments to avoid sidewalk installation.

Planning and public works staff explained that sidewalk requirements historically were triggered only when a property was platted and that many older neighborhoods and some recent developments therefore lack continuous sidewalks. The amendment keeps the existing waiver and variance processes for topographic or other site constraints and will not apply to accessory structures, additions or most remodels, staff said.

Mr. Looney, planning staff, said the change is intended to improve pedestrian connectivity, meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and implement adopted plans that call for more sidewalks. Council members asked whether the requirement would add significant permitting time; staff replied the reviewers would include sidewalk plans as part of normal plan review and that developers already propose sidewalks in many new subdivisions.

Council approved the ordinance on first reading and then voted on second reading the same night; Mayor Pro Tem Spradley moved for approval and Council member Lebowski seconded. The motion carried.

Staff said the amendment applies to new subdivisions and infill vacant‑lot construction and to demolition/rebuilds (those will trigger the sidewalk requirement), while allowing the current waiver process where sidewalks are infeasible. Staff agreed to supply the city council with sidewalk inventory figures on request.