You Don’t Have to Be Powerless in the ETJ
If you own property in a city’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) in Texas, you might feel stuck—governed by city rules, but with none of the voting power or public services that come with being inside city limits.
Fortunately, you have rights. And thanks to recent laws like SB 2038, those rights are stronger than ever.
Here’s a breakdown of your legal protections, what you’re entitled to—and how Free My Property can help you take back control.
What Being in an ETJ Really Means
When your land sits in the ETJ, it’s outside the city—but not outside city influence. ETJ property owners are often subject to:
- Zoning restrictions
- Development regulations
- Subdivision and infrastructure requirements
Yet they typically receive:
- No city water or sewer services
- No police or fire protection
- No say in city elections
This imbalance is what led to growing demand for reform—and legislative change.
Senate Bill 2038 Changed Everything
Passed in 2023, Senate Bill 2038 gives property owners a way out. You now have the right to:
- File a petition to remove your property from a city’s ETJ
- Require the city to respond within 45 days
- Be automatically released if the city fails to act
You no longer need city approval to be free of ETJ regulation. That’s a massive shift in power—from cities to landowners.
What Legal Rights You Still Hold in the ETJ
Even if you haven’t filed for ETJ removal yet, you are still protected by:
- Chapter 42 of the Local Government Code, which limits city authority
- Chapter 277 of the Election Code, which governs valid petitions
- The Texas Constitution, which protects against unlawful takings and excessive regulation
You also have the right to:
- Receive notice of any annexation or rezoning attempt
- Challenge city actions that exceed legal boundaries
- Seek legal remedy for regulatory overreach
How Free My Property Enforces Your Rights
We help property owners:
- Verify their ETJ status and city obligations
- Understand what restrictions do and don’t apply
- Prepare Chapter 277-compliant petitions
- File legally airtight removal requests
We track deadlines, coordinate with city staff, and handle rejections at no extra cost under our Enhanced and Comprehensive plans.
The Risks of Doing Nothing
If you don’t assert your rights:
- Cities can delay or deny development on your land
- STR (Short-Term Rental) rules can restrict your income
- Zoning can shift in ways that harm your long-term plans
Taking action now gives you more control—and fewer surprises down the road.
You Have More Power Than You Think
Being in the ETJ doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Texas law now puts the power back in the hands of property owners. But knowing your rights is only step one—exercising them is what changes outcomes.
Free My Property helps landowners across Texas claim their legal power, escape the ETJ, and protect what they’ve worked hard to own.
📞 Call (512) 842-9112 or start your petition today: https://freemyproperty.com/get-started
About Free My Property
Free My Property is the only service in Texas focused solely on helping landowners remove their properties from municipal ETJs. We combine legal expertise, signature compliance, and real-time coordination with cities to deliver fast, affordable, and guaranteed results.
Visit https://freemyproperty.com or call (512) 842-9112 to get started.