Knowledge Base

How to Request Release from the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)

Effective Date: September 1, 2023

Texas residents and landowners now have two options to request removal from a city's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ): by Petition or by Election.

Option 1: Release by Petition

Who Can File:

• Residents living in the ETJ

• Landowners owning the majority value of land in the area

Requirements:

• Petition must include signatures from more than 50% of registered voters in the area or majority in land value (per county tax records)

• Signatures must be collected within 180 days

• A map and legal description of the area must be provided

• Certain areas are excluded (e.g., near military bases, in industrial districts, or areas under strategic partnership agreements)

What Happens Next:

• If requirements are met, the city must release the area

• If the city does not act within 45 days (or by the next council meeting after 30 days), the area is automatically released by law

• Once released, the area cannot be re-added to the ETJ or city limits unless requested by the landowner

Option 2: Release by Election

Who Can Request:

• Residents of the ETJ area

Requirements:

• Petition must be signed by at least 5% of registered voters in the area

• Must include a map and legal description

• The same or similar area cannot be petitioned again for two years

Election Process:

• City must hold an election on the next uniform election date after 90 days

• Only residents in the proposed area may vote

• City covers election costs

If Approved:

• If a majority vote in favor, the city must release the area

• If the city does not act within 15 days (or next council meeting), the area is automatically released

• Area cannot be re-added without landowner request

Voluntary Release Option:

• The city may choose to release the area voluntarily instead of holding an election

For more information regarding Disannexing from Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), please visit our website here.

Need Help?

Contact the Planning Department at planning@georgetown.org or call (512) 930-3575.