BY BEN THOMPSON
A closer look
Zooming in
representative didn’t provide information on how ETJ releases are being handled. Led by Grand Prairie, more than a dozen cities are now fighting SB 2038 and the state in court over claims that the new law interferes with local decision-making powers protected in the Texas Constitution. Customers within Austin Water’s service areas would continue to receive water service from the city utility. Austin Energy’s service and coverage area are also not affected by the new legislation, according to the city.
Hundreds of properties of all sizes were released from Austin’s ETJ or were pending removal as of mid-March. That land now falls under looser county review related to development and envi- ronmental regulations, which could affect how the sites are used in the future.
Austin and Travis County officials opposed SB 2038 when it was moving through the Texas Legislature last spring. City officials are concerned over the lack of public input and “equivalent regulations” in unincorporated Travis County, where protections for water quality and natural features like Barton Springs and the Colorado River don’t apply. Travis County staff can only enforce their development policies—a much smaller rulebook than Austin’s. ETJ residents that left are now served by county sheriff’s offices. A county
Austin Executive Airport: Released in December
As of mid-March, Austin was responding to many ongoing requests for ETJ release.
What’s next
BEN THOMPSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Over 200 properties released
Austin has received a steady stream of release requests since SB 2038 went into effect with well over 5,000 acres released. Nikelle Meade, a partner with law firm Husch Blackwell specializing in land-use, said the flexibility and loosened permitting requirements outside Austin’s reach are well- received by landowners looking to “control their destiny.” And despite some contention between cities and petitioners over certain parts of the process, she said she believes it will “absolutely” continue to be a popular option. “The end result could be that development around Austin becomes less expensive to complete, thus making the developments more affordable for the end-users,” she said. Bettencourt said he valued positive reviews of the law for now, while changes could be in line
Over 80 properties pending
More than 8.3 square miles of land released
Tesla's Giga Texas: Released in March
FALCON SKY PHOTOGRAPHY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
after more time and analysis. “I was expecting there to be a steady stream of these applications and not a tidal wave of it. So we’re going to be looking at those results long-term because what gets measured gets fixed,” he said.
Austin Zoo: Released in January
BEN THOMPSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Flooring & Remodeling
KEEPING IT LOCAL SINCE 1996
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Locally Owned & Operated Consistent Team Of Contractors
ESCARPMENT BLVD.
6001 W. William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78749 512-892-4402 | www.convicthillfloorcovering.com
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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