Extraterritorial Jurisdiction and Annexation
Planning Beyond the City Limits
The City of Springtown’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, commonly referred to as the ETJ, is the unincorporated area located outside the city limits where the City has limited planning and subdivision authority. The purpose of the ETJ is to help promote orderly growth, protect public health and safety, and ensure that development occurring near the city is planned in a way that supports long-term infrastructure, drainage, transportation, and community needs.
As of May 28, 2026, the City of Springtown’s ETJ extends one mile from the City’s current corporate limits.
Subdivision Authority in the ETJ
Through an interlocal agreement with Parker County, the City of Springtown exercises subdivision authority within its ETJ. This means that proposed subdivisions in the ETJ are reviewed for compliance with applicable subdivision regulations before lots are created or plats are recorded.
Subdivision review helps ensure that new development is designed with appropriate access, drainage, utility planning, lot layout, right-of-way dedication, and infrastructure standards. This process protects future property owners, nearby residents, emergency service providers, and the broader community by ensuring that growth outside the city limits occurs in a coordinated and responsible manner.
The City’s ETJ authority does not make ETJ properties part of the City. Properties located in the ETJ remain outside the city limits unless they are formally annexed in accordance with Texas law.
Annexation Under Texas Law
Annexation is the process by which property located outside the city limits becomes part of the City. Under current Texas law, annexation of property into the City of Springtown is generally voluntary and occurs only at the request of the property owner.
A property owner who wishes to have land annexed into the City must submit a petition requesting annexation. Before annexation may be completed, the City and property owner must also agree to a written services plan or services agreement outlining the municipal services that will be provided to the property and the timeframe for providing those services.
This process ensures that annexation is transparent, voluntary, and based on mutual agreement between the property owner and the City.
Why Annexation May Be Requested
Property owners may request annexation for several reasons, including access to municipal utilities, development opportunities, City services, or inclusion within the City’s zoning and development framework. Each request is reviewed individually based on the property’s location, available infrastructure, service needs, development plans, and consistency with the City’s long-term planning goals.
Annexation may allow a property to receive City services such as water, wastewater, police protection, street maintenance, zoning oversight, and other municipal services, depending on the terms of the agreed services plan and the City’s ability to serve the property.
Responsible Growth and Coordination
The City of Springtown works closely with Parker County, property owners, developers, engineers, and residents to ensure that development in the ETJ is reviewed carefully and planned responsibly. The City’s subdivision authority in the ETJ helps protect public infrastructure, reduce future development conflicts, support safe transportation access, and ensure that growth near Springtown is compatible with the City’s long-term vision.
Residents, property owners, and developers with questions about ETJ subdivision requirements, platting, or voluntary annexation are encouraged to contact City Hall before beginning the development process.
More information about applicable state statutes regarding municipalities and their ETJs and annexation can be found in Chapter 42 (ETJ) and Chapter 43 (Annexation) of the Texas Local Government Code.