Deck permit in New Braunfels, TX
It depends — some deck work in New Braunfels needs a permit, some doesn't.
You do not need a permit for a deck that is 200 square feet or smaller, no more than 30 inches above the ground at any point, not attached to the house, and not serving the required exit door. A deck that misses even one of those limits needs a permit. The exemption also drops away if the property has a special flood hazard area on it.
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 200 sq ft |
| Fee | Decks fall under flat work in the residential fee schedule: $0.25 per square foot. |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 14-29, amendment (b), IRC R105.2, Building item 8 |
| Based on | 2021 IRC as amended by the City of New Braunfels |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the New Braunfels building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
New Braunfels's code doesn't set a specific fine for this work. In practice the department can issue a stop-work order, and unpermitted work tends to surface during a sale, when the buyer's inspector or the title company asks for it.
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Braunfels | — | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| San Antonio | 30 mi | Depends | Over 300 sq ft |
| Round Rock | 63 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Killeen | 98 mi | Yes | Plan on a building permit to build or replace a deck, att… |
| College Station | 125 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
| Waco | 140 mi | Depends | Over 200 sq ft |
Other work in New Braunfels
- Fence Depends
- Deck Depends
- Shed Depends
- Swimming Pool Depends
- Roof Replacement Yes
- Water Heater Yes
- HVAC Replacement Yes
- Electrical Panel Yes
- Demolition —
- Driveway —
- Tree Removal —
- Sign Depends
- Short-Term Rental Yes
- ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Yes
- Garage Depends
- Basement —
- Above-Ground Pool Depends
Questions people ask
My deck is right at the limit. Does that count?
The exemption has to fit exactly — if the code says a size or height, being at or under it keeps you exempt, and going a single inch over doesn't. When you're close to the line, measure before you buy materials, and call the department if the number is borderline.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
New Braunfels can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.