Austin Planning

Austin Planning

Annexation

Resources regarding changes to city boundaries and special districts located within the City’s jurisdiction.

Jump to: Annexation | Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Boundaries | Special Districts

City Policy Regarding Annexation

Annexation is the process by which cities extend their municipal services, regulations, voting privileges & taxing authority to new territory. By expanding the territory subject to city ordinances, regulations and codes, annexation improves the city’s economic base and enables Austin to manage growth & development.

In accordance with the City’s annexation policies described in the Imagine Austin comprehensive plan, the City should annex areas in order to:

  • Apply zoning and development standards, including environmental protection
  • Create efficiencies in service delivery, particularly for public safety services
  • Maximize the return on the City’s investment in infrastructure and business incentives
  • Protect and expand the tax base
  • Provide municipal services beyond those available in rural areas

Municipal annexations must follow the procedures outlined by the Texas Local Government Code. Annexation laws and procedures were changed significantly effective December 1, 2017. Please call staff for more information.

View Austin recent and proposed anexations since 2018 (Web)

Annexation Hearings

On May 21, 2026, Austin City Council will hear case C7a-2026-0003, regarding the full-purpose annexation of approximately 2,614 acres of land in eastern Travis County, located between the Colorado River, US Highway 183, and State Highway 130. The area is currently in Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction and is adjacent to the City of Austin’s current full purpose jurisdiction boundary. Full purpose annexation into Austin’s city limits has been requested for this property by the owner. Annexation of this parcel is not expected to affect the boundaries of Austin’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

On March 26, 2026, Austin City Council approved case C7a-2026-0001, Ross Road Right-of-Way annexation area (approximately 9.776 acres), located along Ross Road from the intersection of State Highway 71 East to approximately 381.35 feet south of Saint Thomas Drive. Full purpose annexation into Austin’s city limits has been authorized by Travis County Commissioners’ Court. The right-of-way property is currently located in Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction contiguous to Council District 2. The proposed annexation will not expand Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

On June 8, 2023, Austin City Council approved: case C7a-2022-0012, 10701 Dessau Road annexation area (approximately 11.9 acres), located in Travis County near the intersection of Dessau Road and Wandering Way. Full purpose annexation into Austin’s city limits has been requested for this property by its owner. The area is currently in Austin limited purpose jurisdiction within City Council District 1 and is privately owned. The proposed annexation is associated with zoning case C14-2022-0133. The current use of the area is low density single family residential. Annexation of this parcel is not expected to affect the boundaries of Austin’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.

Additional Resources

City Policy Regarding Adjustment of ETJ Boundaries

The extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is the unincorporated land within 5 miles of Austin’s full purpose city limit not within the city limits or ETJ of another city. Austin’s ETJ currently extends into 4 counties including Williamson, Travis, Hays, and Bastrop.  From time to time, two cities may agree to adjust their ETJ boundaries to achieve more logical boundaries. A City Council making a request for an ETJ adjustment should direct it to the Mayor with copies to the City Manager and appropriate Planning and Zoning Department staff. All adjustments are evaluated according to the City’s ETJ Policy (PDF) in order to ensure that they will not negatively impact Austin’s interests.

Senate Bill 2038, passed during the Texas 88th legislative session (88R, 2023), amended state law to creates processes for property owners or residents to petition the City of Austin to be released either directly (Subchapter D) or by election (Subchapter E) from the City’s ETJ. The City Clerk's Office has more information about how to submit a petition.

City Policy Regarding Special Districts

Water Districts

Water districts are created to finance infrastructure for water, sewer, roads, drainage, and water quality as well as to maintain parks. Types of water districts include Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and Water Control and Improvement Districts (WCIDs). Developers who wish to create new water districts in the City's ETJ must request City consent before creation and meet the criteria described in the City's MUD Policy (PDF).

Public Improvement Districts

A Public Improvement District (PID) is a tool that can be used to meet community needs by funding supplemental or enhanced public improvements or services that would not otherwise be constructed or provided in a timely manner. Property owners who wish to create new PIDs in the City's ETJ must request City consent before creation and meet the criteria described in the City's PID Policy (PDF).

Please refer to the updated fee schedule (Web) for current fees.