PRESENTER: Presenter
Christopher J. Looney, AICP, Planning and Development Services Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Public hearing and first reading of an ordinance regarding proposed amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances: Chapter 144, regarding sidewalk requirements.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning and Development Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Case Number: ORD25-145
Staff Contact:
Mary Lovell, Sr. Planner
(830) 221-4051 | mlovell@newbraunfels.gov
Initiatives and goals of the City demonstrate that a complete sidewalk network is critical to a healthy and vibrant community. Envision New Braunfels, the Strategic Plan, and the Land Use Fiscal Analysis support the development of a complete and connected sidewalk network citywide, enhancing safety, accessibility, and walkability for all residents.
Pursuant to the Comprehensive Plan, the City continuously reviews the current standards, practices, and procedures for the development and sustainability of the community. The requirement to install sidewalks along public roadways is only outlined in Chapter 118, Subdivision Platting, solely as a component of the subdivision platting process. Hence, only if a property needs to be platted is the sidewalk requirement presently triggered. It is reasonable and appropriate for sidewalks to be installed at the time of development and redevelopment of a property, regardless of the platting circumstances.
ISSUE:
It is recognized that there is an opportunity to more effectively facilitate completion of the sidewalk network through installation at the time of building permitting for properties where the platting circumstances may not mandate the requirement. Amendments and additions to Chapter 144 are recommended to achieve safe pedestrian walkways by requiring sidewalks at the time of building permitting, in addition to the present requirement at the platting stage.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REFERENCE:
The proposed ordinance amendment would be consistent with the following actions from Envision New Braunfels:
• Action 1.12: Collaborate with internal and external partners and stakeholders to identify and connect sidewalk and bicycle lanes to trails to improve access and connectivity to key hubs and desirable destinations.
• Action 1.3: Encourage balanced and fiscally responsible land use patterns.
• Action 3.19: Improve walkability across town to attract younger generations seeking pedestrian connections.
• Action 7.1: Implement a sidewalk improvement program to install and replace sidewalks or walking trails where they do not exist or have gaps, particularly near and to/from schools.
• Action 7.4: Strengthen sidewalk requirements in the City’s codes.
• Action 7.5: Continue development of sidewalks and trails to increase interconnectivity by five percent each year to support the reduction of carbon footprint.
• Action 7.7: Ensure that local development codes that require sidewalks, trails, lanes, or paths include healthy living, safety, and vehicular congestion relief as an intent.
• Action 7.8: Enhance pedestrian quality of the City by limiting the realm of the automobile.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☒Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity ☐Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
• Identify and establish planning, capital, and operating funding to support and maintain a well-connected transportation network serving pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, children, older individuals, individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.
• Develop a sidewalk inventory and process to assess pedestrian connectivity and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and establish priorities for funding, constructing, and maintaining pedestrian improvements.
• Inform residents and visitors of transportation options on the City’s website and social media platforms, including transit services, sidewalks, trails, and bikeways.
• Increase bikeway, trail, and sidewalk miles and increase walk and bike scores.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The following fiscal goal, as discussed in the Land Use Fiscal Analysis (LUFA), is supported by the proposed amendment:
• The proposed amendment supports the LUFA’s goal of ensuring development helps close, not increase, resource gaps, such as sidewalks, and will further strengthen the City’s long-term fiscal health.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an ordinance amendment adding Section 144-5.31 within Article V. Development Standards, Chapter 144, Zoning Ordinance. This would be in addition to existing language in Chapter 118, Subdivision Platting Ordinance.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 3, 2025, and recommended approval (6-1-0).
RESOURCE LINKS:
Chapter 118-49 - Sidewalks: <https://library.municode.com/tx/new_braunfels/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH118SUPL_ARTIVDEST_S118-49SI>