Mayor Neal Linnartz
New Braunfels is a city that continues to grow and thrive, and with that growth comes new challenges, particularly in how we manage the high demand for parking in our vibrant downtown area. Last week, on May 27th, New Braunfels City Council took an important step toward addressing this issue by amending our downtown parking ordinance to officially establish paid parking areas and fees, effective July 7th.
This decision wasn’t made lightly. It follows months of community feedback, downtown business owner feedback, planning, and research into best practices from other cities that have successfully implemented modern parking systems. Our aim is to reduce congestion, improve access to high-demand areas, and enhance the overall experience for both residents and visitors.
In March of this year, City Council approved a contract with Interstate Parking to manage parking operations in both Downtown New Braunfels and our river parks. The river parking portion of the contract launched on April 1st and has already seen success, with many of our residents registering online for their free Resident River Parking Permits. The city is excited to now extend that same level of innovation and organization to our downtown area.
Under the revised ordinance, downtown parking will be organized into clearly defined zones offering a combination of free and paid parking. The paid parking zone will be limited to a few high demand blocks primarily on San Antonio Street, Castell Avenue, and Seguin Avenue, and most of the rest of the parking will be in the zone where parking is free. On-street parking, which was previously limited to 2-hour time limits, will now be managed through a digital paid parking system. Here’s how it works in the paid parking areas: The first hour of parking will be free. After that, each additional hour will cost $2, with a daily maximum fee of $10 (plus processing fees). Parking enforcement will be in effect seven days a week, from 10:00am to 10:00pm. There won’t be any meters or kiosks to hassle with. Instead, drivers will scan a QR code with their smartphone to access Interstate Parking’s secure digital payment platform. There, they will be prompted to enter their contact information, license plate number, and payment method. For added convenience, Pay-by-Text and Pay-by-Phone options will also be available. The city also remains committed to honoring those who have served our country. Disabled veterans displaying official state-issued license plates will be exempt from all downtown parking fees.
The city wants to ensure that this new system is user-friendly and accessible. That’s why Parking Ambassadors from Interstate Parking will be on hand throughout downtown to help drivers locate available parking, assist with the digital payment process, and monitor for ordinance violations. Interstate Parking has also opened a physical office in the downtown area to provide additional support. (That office is temporarily located at 162 South Seguin Ave).
To ensure compliance with the new system, parking violations will carry a fine of $100. However, if paid within 10 days, that fine will be reduced to $65. This structure is designed to encourage timely resolution while providing a fair opportunity for users to correct any honest mistakes.
As we approach the July 7th launch date, I want to emphasize that this change is ultimately about improving the downtown experience for everyone. With a better-managed parking system, we aim to increase turnover in high-demand spots, support our local businesses by making it easier for customers to find parking, and reduce the frustration that often comes with searching for a place to park.
We understand that change can be challenging, and we are committed to helping our community through this transition. That’s why we encourage all residents and visitors to visit www.newbraunfels.gov/parking for detailed information, including maps of parking zones, registration for Resident River Parking Permits, and instructions on how to use the new digital tools.
This is a pivotal moment for our city - one that reflects our dedication to smart growth, sustainability, and quality of life. I’m confident that this new system will bring lasting benefits to downtown New Braunfels and help us continue to build a community we’re all proud to call home.
Thank you for your patience, your feedback, and your commitment to making New Braunfels a better place to live, work, and visit.