ETJ Elimination and Planning Advisory Board Restructuring
At a glance
What: State Session Law 2026-56 eliminated the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), so the City is restructuring the Planning Advisory Board and removing ETJ references from its ordinances.
Where it stands: Council approved a code amendment restructuring the Planning Advisory Board on September 8; the board was reconstituted with nine city-appointed members. One seat was filled on September 22 (term to 6/30/2027).
Next: Hearings on Unified Development Ordinance amendments removing ETJ references are listed for November 17.
Details
The City's ETJ was eliminated by Session Law 2026-56.
The Planning Advisory Board now has nine members appointed by the City.
Council approved a code amendment relating to Session Law 2026-56 restructuring the Planning Advisory Board (reported in the September 22 minutes; this meeting's own minutes were not read).
Staff presented the formal Unified Development Ordinance amendment removing ETJ references, including Board of Adjustment membership and a sidewalk provision, as a formality after House Bill 116 removed the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction (about 1,151 parcels, fewer after recent annexations). The county's zoning took effect at midnight on October 5-6. The board unanimously recommended approval of the ordinances amending the UDO and official zoning map. Staff said owners outside the city may still request voluntary annexation through the City Clerk's and City Manager's offices, subject to distance, House Bill 116 limits and utility extension costs.