New Braunfels residents voice complaints on rise in parking notices

A free parking pass can be issued to residents from the city parks and recreation.

Pick-up Truck, Tow Truck
sefa ozel/Getty Images/iStockphoto

MYSA
By Victoria Lopez
Updated November 24, 2023 4:49 p.m.

The Texas Hill Country continues to grow, and with that comes change. Except no one said those changes included parking fees. Many New Braunfels residents took to social media to share their complaints about new parking lot fees, tickets, and towing. 

A New Braunfels resident shared a photo of a parking notice they received in the mail on a local Facebook group page, asking residents if they had received one and if it was even real. Turns out they are, many lots in the area have actually turned paid lots after a certain hour.

“I've been parking there AFTER business hours for years and not once been told not to along with the other 60 cars that park there to go downtown… just wondering if this is something new,” the Facebook user said. 

The comment section quickly flooded with complaints from residents, voicing their issues with the newly listed parking fees. A user confirmed that this parking fee has been around for some time, “It’s been paid parking now for a few months. Luckily, your car didn’t get towed to San Antonio.”

Another user said, “So much for ‘That little quaint German Town called New Braunfels.’ That's okay, I'll take my car and business elsewhere.”

One other resident warned the resident to be careful, stating, “Be careful; some of the places downtown will tow your car to San Antonio.” 

The consensus in the comment section is residents simply don’t want to pay for parking at businesses or locations that were once free. Although there isn’t much to be done since they are privately owned properties, there are resources residents can use to find free city-provided parking near downtown. 

New Braunfels resident parking pass
City of New Braunfels

The City of New Braunfels offers a free resident parking pass, which will allow them to park in the pay-to-park lots on Elizabeth Street, Hinman Island Drive, and San Antonio Street. The parking pass does exclude parking on Prince Solms. Without a pass, parking at those lots would cost anywhere between $10 and $30 dollars.

Map of where to park with a New Braunfels resident parking pass
City of New Braunfels

Proof of residency is required to receive a pass, including a valid driver's license, a current New Braunfels Utilities statement with photo ID, or another current utility statement with photo ID. The city’s general reference map will be used for proof of residency. 

Up to three tickets will be issued per household and are valid for three years. Additional stickers may be issued with proof of ownership of more than three vehicles.

Passes can be picked up at the Parks and Recreation administrative office at 110 Golf Course Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Residents can also pick up passes at the Das Rec Center at 345 Landa Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130.