Introduction: Should You Try ETJ Removal on Your Own?
If you’re a Texas landowner trying to regain full control of your property, you’ve likely heard of Senate Bill 2038. It gives you the legal right to petition for your release from a city’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
But here’s the big question: Should you do it yourself?
Some landowners are savvy, experienced with paperwork, and feel confident handling petitions solo. Others quickly realize the rules, signature requirements, and city processes are more complicated than expected.
Let’s walk through the pros and cons of a DIY approach—and how Free My Property can still support your success.
Section 1: What DIY ETJ Removal Looks Like
If you go the do-it-yourself route, here’s what you’ll need to handle:
- Confirm your property’s ETJ status with the city or county
- Obtain the correct petition format
- Collect notarized signatures that meet Chapter 277 standards
- Attach maps, tax records, and other required documents
- Submit the petition correctly to the city
- Track the 45-day legal response window
None of these tasks are impossible—but missing a single step can delay or invalidate your entire submission.
Section 2: Pros of DIY ETJ Removal
- Cost savings: You may save on service fees if everything goes right the first time
- Hands-on control: You’ll know every detail about your petition
- Satisfaction: There’s a strong sense of accomplishment in doing it yourself
DIY works best for: - Landowners comfortable with legal forms and mapping
- Those with prior experience dealing with city departments
- Projects that aren’t time-sensitive
Section 3: Cons of Doing It Alone
- Signature mistakes: Incomplete or invalid signatures are the most common reason petitions are rejected
- Mapping confusion: Cities require very specific property descriptions (metes and bounds or GIS formats)
- Missed deadlines: If you don’t track the city’s 45-day clock, your petition could be denied without recourse
- No city guidance: Most cities offer minimal support. You’re expected to know the law and meet it perfectly
Section 4: How Free My Property Supports DIY Landowners
Free My Property was designed to support every type of landowner—including those who want to manage the process themselves.
With our Essential Plan, you get:
- Pre-formatted, SB 2038-compliant petition templates
- A Chapter 277 signature compliance guide
- A checklist for mapping, tax documents, and submission
- Optional add-ons for remote notarization or review
Think of it as a legal toolkit built by people who file these petitions every day.
Section 5: When DIY Isn’t Worth the Risk
If any of the following apply, consider letting Free My Property manage the process for you:
- You have multiple parcels or shared ownership
- You’ve been denied before
- You’re facing deadlines from a developer or zoning conflict
- Your city has a track record of non-responsiveness
Our Enhanced and Comprehensive Plans handle everything—from document prep to city resubmissions.
Conclusion: Whether You DIY or Delegate, We’ve Got Your Back
DIY ETJ removal is possible. But it’s not always easy.
Free My Property supports Texans who want to do it themselves—and those who want it done right the first time. No matter your path, we’ll help you reclaim your property rights.
📞 Call (512) 842-9112 or explore your options at https://freemyproperty.com/get-started
About Free My Property
Free My Property is the only service in Texas dedicated exclusively to helping landowners remove their property from a city’s ETJ. Whether you want to take the reins yourself or rely on expert support, our flexible plans offer the tools, experience, and guarantees to get it done right.
Visit https://freemyproperty.com or call (512) 842-9112 to speak with our team.
