Where can I find more information on Lake Georgetown?
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:
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Residents living in the ETJ
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Landowners owning the majority value of land in the area
Requirements:
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Petition must include signatures from more than 50% of registered voters in the area or majority in land value (per county tax records)
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Signatures must be collected within 180 days
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A map and legal description of the area must be provided
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Certain areas are excluded (e.g., near military bases, in industrial districts, or areas under strategic partnership agreements)
What Happens Next:
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If requirements are met, the city must release the area
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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
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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:
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Residents of the ETJ area
Requirements:
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Petition must be signed by at least 5% of registered voters in the area
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Must include a map and legal description
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The same or similar area cannot be petitioned again for two years
Election Process:
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City must hold an election on the next uniform election date after 90 days
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Only residents in the proposed area may vote
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City covers election costs
If Approved:
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If a majority vote in favor, the city must release the area
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If the city does not act within 15 days (or next council meeting), the area is automatically released
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Area cannot be re-added without landowner request
Voluntary Release Option:
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The city may choose to release the area voluntarily instead of holding an election