What is the ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction)?
The ETJ is the unincorporated land within five miles of Austins boundary that is not within the city limits or ETJ of another city. It is the territory where Austin alone is authorized to annex land. The ETJ enables the City to extend regulations to adjacent land where development can affect quality of life within the city. ETJ regulations also help to ensure that subdivisions that may be annexed by Austin in the future meet minimum standards for road access, lot size, and other factors. In the ETJ, the City regulates land subdivision or platting and has limited authority over the creation and expansion of special districts, such as municipal utility districts. No City taxes are collected in the area, and no services are provided other than land development review. Services such as public safety, road maintenance, and parks are provided by the County. Residents in Austins ETJ may vote on City referenda which impact ETJ residents. Land subdivision in the ETJ in Travis County is regulate
