Jurisdiction & Land Use

City Limits, ETJ, and Unincorporated Comal County Are Not the Same

Where your property sits — inside city limits, in the ETJ, or in unincorporated county land — determines which rules apply to you.

Comal County Home & Property

New Braunfels has a city limit boundary. Outside that is the ETJ — extraterritorial jurisdiction — which extends about 3.5 miles. The ETJ is still unincorporated, so you do not pay city property taxes and cannot vote in city elections. But the city can review subdivision plats there.

Beyond the ETJ is the rest of unincorporated Comal County. County rules apply there, not city zoning. This matters for things like land use, permits, and whether you can run a short-term rental. Always check which jurisdiction your address is in before you buy or build.

Source to confirm: City of New Braunfels – Planning Services

More Comal County notes

Property Tax

Who Sets Your Property Value in Comal County

The Comal Appraisal District values all property in the county — it is separate from the tax office that collects your bill.

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Homestead Exemption

How the Homestead Exemption Works in Comal County

If this is your main home, you can apply for a homestead exemption that lowers the taxable value of your property.

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Senior Tax Break

Over-65 Property Tax Freeze in Comal County

Homeowners 65 or older get an extra school tax exemption and a tax ceiling that keeps their school taxes from rising.

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Agricultural Appraisal

Ag Valuation Can Cut Your Property Tax Bill in Comal County

Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may be taxed on its productive value — which is often far lower than market value.

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