The City of Spring Branch issues two kinds of permit, for signs and for outdoor lighting, both only for property inside the city limits. This page explains who needs one, how to apply, and what to expect.

Not inside the city? The city does not issue building or development permits. If your property is in unincorporated Comal County, those are handled by Comal County. If it is inside the City of Bulverde or its ETJ, contact the City of Bulverde.

What’s regulated

The city regulates two things you may be planning, and each requires a permit from the City Commission.

Signs (permit required)

Signs within the city are regulated by the city’s Sign Ordinance. Review it to see what is allowed and what requires approval before you apply:

Sign Ordinance 2026-1 (PDF)

Outdoor lighting (permit required)

Installing new outdoor lighting, or replacing existing outdoor lighting, requires a lighting permit from the City Commission. This applies to outdoor lighting generally, not just signs, including building lights and parking-lot fixtures. Some lighting is exempt, such as holiday lighting and low-output string lights. The Outdoor Lighting Ordinance has the standards, exemptions, and permit details:

Outdoor Lighting Ordinance 2021-2 (PDF)

How to apply

1. Confirm your property is inside the city limits (above).
2. Email the city at info@cityofspringbranch.org and we will send you the correct application, for a sign or for outdoor lighting, plus a list of what to include.
3. Email your completed application back to the same address.

Each application has a $100 fee.

What happens next

Your application is reviewed by the City Commissioners and voted on at the next City Commission meeting. If your timeline is urgent, the city can call a special meeting to decide sooner. Most applications are resolved within about two weeks, and no longer than four.

Questions

Email info@cityofspringbranch.org and we will help.