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2005 Texas Local Government Code CHAPTER 212. MUNICIPAL REGULATION OF SUBDIVISIONS AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 212. MUNICIPAL REGULATION OF SUBDIVISIONS AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT SUBCHAPTER A. REGULATION OF SUBDIVISIONS § 212.001. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Extraterritorial jurisdiction" means a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction as determined under Chapter 42, except that for a municipality that has a population of 5,000 or more and is located in a county bordering the Rio Grande River, "extraterritorial jurisdiction" means the area outside the municipal limits but within five miles of those limits. (2) "Plat" includes a replat. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 212.002. RULES. After a public hearing on the matter, the governing body of a municipality may adopt rules governing plats and subdivisions of land within the municipality's jurisdiction to promote the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the municipality and the safe, orderly, and healthful development of the municipality. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.0025. CHAPTER-WIDE PROVISION RELATING TO REGULATION OF PLATS AND SUBDIVISIONS IN EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION.. The authority of a municipality under this chapter relating to the regulation of plats or subdivisions in the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction is subject to any applicable limitation prescribed by an agreement under Section 242.001. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 523, § 6, eff. June 20, 2003. § 212.003. EXTENSION OF RULES TO EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. (a) The governing body of a municipality by ordinance may extend to the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality the application of municipal ordinances adopted under Section 212.002 and other municipal ordinances relating to access to public roads or the pumping, extraction, and use of groundwater by persons other than retail public utilities, as defined by Section 13.002, Water Code, for the purpose of preventing the use or contact with groundwater that presents an actual or potential threat to human health. However, unless otherwise authorized by state law, in its extraterritorial jurisdiction a municipality shall not regulate: (1) the use of any building or property for business, industrial, residential, or other purposes; (2) the bulk, height, or number of buildings constructed on a particular tract of land; (3) the size of a building that can be constructed on a particular tract of land, including without limitation any restriction on the ratio of building floor space to the land square footage; (4) the number of residential units that can be built per acre of land; or (5) the size, type, or method of construction of a water or wastewater facility that can be constructed to serve a developed tract of land if: (A) the facility meets the minimum standards established for water or wastewater facilities by state and federal regulatory entities; and (B) the developed tract of land is: (i) located in a county with a population of 2.8 million or more; and (ii) served by: (a) on-site septic systems constructed before September 1, 2001, that fail to provide adequate services; or (b) on-site water wells constructed before September 1, 2001, that fail to provide an adequate supply of safe drinking water. (b) A fine or criminal penalty prescribed by the ordinance does not apply to a violation in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. (c) The municipality is entitled to appropriate injunctive relief in district court to enjoin a violation of municipal ordinances or codes applicable in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 822, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 68, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 731, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 212.004. PLAT REQUIRED. (a) The owner of a tract of land located within the limits or in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality who divides the tract in two or more parts to lay out a subdivision of the tract, including an addition to a municipality, to lay out suburban, building, or other lots, or to lay out streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended to be dedicated to public use or for the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on or adjacent to the streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts must have a plat of the subdivision prepared. A division of a tract under this subsection includes a division regardless of whether it is made by using a metes and bounds description in a deed of conveyance or in a contract for a deed, by using a contract of sale or other executory contract to convey, or by using any other method. A division of land under this subsection does not include a division of land into parts greater than five acres, where each part has access and no public improvement is being dedicated. (b) To be recorded, the plat must: (1) describe the subdivision by metes and bounds; (2) locate the subdivision with respect to a corner of the survey or tract or an original corner of the original survey of which it is a part; and (3) state the dimensions of the subdivision and of each street, alley, square, park, or other part of the tract intended to be dedicated to public use or for the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on or adjacent to the street, alley, square, park, or other part. (c) The owner or proprietor of the tract or the owner's or proprietor's agent must acknowledge the plat in the manner required for the acknowledgment of deeds. (d) The plat must be filed and recorded with the county clerk of the county in which the tract is located. (e) The plat is subject to the filing and recording provisions of Section 12.002, Property Code. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 1046, § 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. § 212.0045. EXCEPTION TO PLAT REQUIREMENT: MUNICIPAL DETERMINATION. (a) To determine whether specific divisions of land are required to be platted, a municipality may define and classify the divisions. A municipality need not require platting for every division of land otherwise within the scope of this subchapter. (b) In lieu of a plat contemplated by this subchapter, a municipality may require the filing of a development plat under Subchapter B if that subchapter applies to the municipality. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 212.0046. EXCEPTION TO PLAT REQUIREMENT: CERTAIN PROPERTY ABUTTING AIRCRAFT RUNWAY. An owner of a tract of land is not required to prepare a plat if the land: (1) is located wholly within a municipality with a population of 5,000 or less; (2) is divided into parts larger than 2-1/2 acres; and (3) abuts any part of an aircraft runway. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 212.005. APPROVAL BY MUNICIPALITY REQUIRED. The municipal authority responsible for approving plats must approve a plat or replat that is required to be prepared under this subchapter and that satisfies all applicable regulations. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 1046, § 2, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. § 212.006. AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVAL GENERALLY. (a) The municipal authority responsible for approving plats under this subchapter is the municipal planning commission or, if the municipality has no planning commission, the governing body of the municipality. The governing body by ordinance may require the approval of the governing body in addition to that of the municipal planning commission. (b) In a municipality with a population of more than 1.5 million, at least two members of the municipal planning commission, but not more than 25 percent of the membership of the commission, must be residents of the area outside the limits of the municipality and in which the municipality exercises its authority to approve subdivision plats. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 212.0065. DELEGATION OF APPROVAL RESPONSIBILITY. (a) The governing body of a municipality may delegate to one or more officers or employees of the municipality or of a utility owned or operated by the municipality the ability to approve: (1) amending plats described by Section 212.016; (2) minor plats involving four or fewer lots fronting on an existing street and not requiring the creation of any new street or the extension of municipal facilities; or (3) a replat under Section 212.0145 that does not require the creation of any new street or the extension of municipal facilities. (b) The designated person or persons may, for any reason, elect to present the plat for approval to the municipal authority responsible for approving plats. (c) The person or persons shall not disapprove the plat and shall be required to refer any plat which the person or persons refuse to approve to the municipal authority responsible for approving plats within the time period specified in Section 212.009. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 345, § 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 92, § 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 566, § 1, eff. June 2, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1130, § 2, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 402, § 13, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 212.007. AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVAL: TRACT IN EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF MORE THAN ONE MUNICIPALITY. (a) For a tract located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of more than one municipality, the authority responsible for approving a plat under this subchapter is the authority in the municipality with the largest population that under Section 212.006 has approval responsibility. The governing body of that municipality may enter into an agreement with any other affected municipality or with any other municipality having area that, if unincorporated, would be in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the governing body's municipality delegating to the other municipality the responsibility for plat approval within specified parts of the affected area. (b) Either party to an agreement under Subsection (a) may revoke the agreement after 20 years have elapsed after the date of the agreement unless the parties agree to a shorter period. (c) A copy of the agreement shall be filed with the county clerk. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.008. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL. A person desiring approval of a plat must apply to and file a copy of the plat with the municipal planning commission or, if the municipality has no planning commission, the governing body of the municipality. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.009. APPROVAL PROCEDURE. (a) The municipal authority responsible for approving plats shall act on a plat within 30 days after the date the plat is filed. A plat is considered approved by the municipal authority unless it is disapproved within that period. (b) If an ordinance requires that a plat be approved by the governing body of the municipality in addition to the planning commission, the governing body shall act on the plat within 30 days after the date the plat is approved by the planning commission or is considered approved by the inaction of the commission. A plat is considered approved by the governing body unless it is disapproved within that period. (c) If a plat is approved, the municipal authority giving the approval shall endorse the plat with a certificate indicating the approval. The certificate must be signed by: (1) the authority's presiding officer and attested by the authority's secretary; or (2) a majority of the members of the authority. (d) If the municipal authority responsible for approving plats fails to act on a plat within the prescribed period, the authority on request shall issue a certificate stating the date the plat was filed and that the authority failed to act on the plat within the period. The certificate is effective in place of the endorsement required by Subsection (c). (e) The municipal authority responsible for approving plats shall maintain a record of each application made to the authority and the authority's action taken on it. On request of an owner of an affected tract, the authority shall certify the reasons for the action taken on an application. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.010. STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL. (a) The municipal authority responsible for approving plats shall approve a plat if: (1) it conforms to the general plan of the municipality and its current and future streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds, and public utility facilities; (2) it conforms to the general plan for the extension of the municipality and its roads, streets, and public highways within the municipality and in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, taking into account access to and extension of sewer and water mains and the instrumentalities of public utilities; (3) a bond required under Section 212.0106, if applicable, is filed with the municipality; and (4) it conforms to any rules adopted under Section 212.002. (b) However, the municipal authority responsible for approving plats may not approve a plat unless the plat and other documents have been prepared as required by Section 212.0105, if applicable. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. § 212.0101. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: USE OF GROUNDWATER. (a) If a person submits a plat for the subdivision of a tract of land for which the source of the water supply intended for the subdivision is groundwater under that land, the municipal authority responsible for approving plats by ordinance may require the plat application to have attached to it a statement that: (1) is prepared by an engineer licensed to practice in this state or a geoscientist licensed to practice in this state; and (2) certifies that adequate groundwater is available for the subdivision. (b) The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission by rule shall establish the appropriate form and content of a certification to be attached to a plat application under this section. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 460, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 99, § 2(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 212.0105. WATER AND SEWER REQUIREMENTS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) This section applies only to a person who: (1) is the owner of a tract of land in a county in which a political subdivision that is eligible for and has applied for financial assistance through Subchapter K, Chapter 17, Water Code; (2) divides the tract in a manner that creates any lots that are intended for residential purposes and are five acres or less; and (3) is required under this subchapter to have a plat prepared for the subdivision. (b) The owner of the tract: (1) must: (A) include on the plat or have attached to the plat a document containing a description of the water and sewer service facilities that will be constructed or installed to service the subdivision and a statement of the date by which the facilities will be fully operable; and (B) have attached to the plat a document prepared by an engineer registered to practice in this state certifying that the water and sewer service facilities described by the plat or on the document attached to the plat are in compliance with the model rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code; or (2) must: (A) include on the plat a statement that water and sewer service facilities are unnecessary for the subdivision; and (B) have attached to the plat a document prepared by an engineer registered to practice in this state certifying that water and sewer service facilities are unnecessary for the subdivision under the model rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code. (c) The governing body of the municipality may extend, beyond the date specified on the plat or on the document attached to the plat, the date by which the water and sewer service facilities must be fully operable if the governing body finds the extension is reasonable and not contrary to the public interest. If the facilities are fully operable before the expiration of the extension period, the facilities are considered to have been made fully operable in a timely manner. An extension is not reasonable if it would allow a residence in the subdivision to be inhabited without water or sewer services. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 422, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 927, § 13, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.0106. BOND REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL GUARANTEES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) This section applies only to a person described by Section 212.0105(a). (b) If the governing body of a municipality in a county described by Section 212.0105(a)(1)(A) or (B) requires the owner of the tract to execute a bond, the owner must do so before subdividing the tract unless an alternative financial guarantee is provided under Subsection (c). The bond must: (1) be payable to the presiding officer of the governing body or to the presiding officer's successors in office; (2) be in an amount determined by the governing body to be adequate to ensure the proper construction or installation of the water and sewer service facilities to service the subdivision but not to exceed the estimated cost of the construction or installation of the facilities; (3) be executed with sureties as may be approved by the governing body; (4) be executed by a company authorized to do business as a surety in this state if the governing body requires a surety bond executed by a corporate surety; and (5) be conditioned that the water and sewer service facilities will be constructed or installed: (A) in compliance with the model rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code; and (B) within the time stated on the plat or on the document attached to the plat for the subdivision or within any extension of that time. (c) In lieu of the bond an owner may deposit cash, a letter of credit issued by a federally insured financial institution, or other acceptable financial guarantee. (d) If a letter of credit is used, it must: (1) list as the sole beneficiary the presiding officer of the governing body; and (2) be conditioned that the water and sewer service facilities will be constructed or installed: (A) in compliance with the model rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code; and (B) within the time stated on the plat or on the document attached to the plat for the subdivision or within any extension of that time. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. § 212.011. EFFECT OF APPROVAL ON DEDICATION. (a) The approval of a plat is not considered an acceptance of any proposed dedication and does not impose on the municipality any duty regarding the maintenance or improvement of any dedicated parts until the appropriate municipal authorities make an actual appropriation of the dedicated parts by entry, use, or improvement. (b) The disapproval of a plat is considered a refusal by the municipality of the offered dedication indicated on the plat. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.0115. CERTIFICATION REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH PLAT REQUIREMENTS. (a) For the purposes of this section, land is considered to be within the jurisdiction of a municipality if the land is located within the limits or in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality. (b) On the approval of a plat by the municipal authority responsible for approving plats, the authority shall issue to the person applying for the approval a certificate stating that the plat has been reviewed and approved by the authority. (c) On the written request of an owner of land, a purchaser of real property under a contract for deed, executory contract, or other executory conveyance, an entity that provides utility service, or the governing body of the municipality, the municipal authority responsible for approving plats shall make the following determinations regarding the owner's land or the land in which the entity or governing body is interested that is located within the jurisdiction of the municipality: (1) whether a plat is required under this subchapter for the land; and (2) if a plat is required, whether it has been prepared and whether it has been reviewed and approved by the authority. (d) The request made under Subsection (c) must identify the land that is the subject of the request. (e) If the municipal authority responsible for approving plats determines under Subsection (c) that a plat is not required, the authority shall issue to the requesting party a written certification of that determination. If the authority determines that a plat is required and that the plat has been prepared and has been reviewed and approved by the authority, the authority shall issue to the requesting party a written certification of that determination. (f) The municipal authority responsible for approving plats shall make its determination within 20 days after the date it receives the request under Subsection (c) and shall issue the certificate, if appropriate, within 10 days after the date the determination is made. (g) If both the municipal planning commission and the governing body of the municipality have authority to approve plats, only one of those entities need make the determinations and issue the certificates required by this section. (h) The municipal authority responsible for approving plats may adopt rules it considers necessary to administer its functions under this section. (i) The governing body of a municipality may delegate, in writing, the ability to perform any of the responsibilities under this section to one or more persons. A binding decision of the person or persons under this subsection is appealable to the municipal authority responsible for approving plats. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.03, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 567, § 1, eff. June 2, 1997; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 978, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.012. CONNECTION OF UTILITIES. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an entity described by Subsection (b) may not serve or connect any land with water, sewer, electricity, gas, or other utility service unless the entity has been presented with or otherwise holds a certificate applicable to the land issued under Section 212.0115. (b) The prohibition established by Subsection (a) applies only to: (1) a municipality and officials of a municipality that provides water, sewer, electricity, gas, or other utility service; (2) a municipally owned or municipally operated utility that provides any of those services; (3) a public utility that provides any of those services; (4) a water supply or sewer service corporation organized and operating under Chapter 67, Water Code, that provides any of those services; (5) a county that provides any of those services; and (6) a special district or authority created by or under state law that provides any of those services. (c) An entity described by Subsection (b) may serve or connect land with water, sewer, electricity, gas, or other utility service regardless of whether the entity is presented with or otherwise holds a certificate applicable to the land issued under Section 212.0115 if: (1) the land is covered by a development plat approved under Subchapter B or under an ordinance or rule relating to the development plat; (2) the land was first served or connected with service by an entity described by Subsection (b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) before September 1, 1987; (3) the land was first served or connected with service by an entity described by Subsection (b)(4), (b)(5), or (b)(6) before September 1, 1989; or (4) the municipal authority responsible for approving plats issues a certificate stating that: (A) the land: (i) was sold or conveyed to the person requesting service by any means of conveyance, including a contract for deed or executory contract, before: (a) September 1, 1995, in a county defined under Section 232.022(a)(1); or (b) September 1, 2005, in a county defined under Section 232.022(a)(2); (ii) is located in a subdivision in which the entity has previously provided service; (iii) is located outside the limits of the municipality; (iv) is located in a county to which Subchapter B, Chapter 232, applies; and (v) is the site of construction of a residence, evidenced by at least the existence of a completed foundation, that was begun on or before: (a) May 1, 1997, in a county defined under Section 232.022(a)(1); or (b) September 1, 2005, in a county defined under Section 232.022(a)(2); or (B) the land was not subdivided after September 1, 1995, in a county defined under Section 232.022(a)(1), or September 1, 2005, in a county defined under Section 232.022(a)(2), and: (i) water service is available within 750 feet of the subdivided land; or (ii) water service is available more than 750 feet from the subdivided land and the extension of water service to the land may be feasible, subject to a final determination by the water service provider. (d) An entity described by Subsection (b) may provide utility service to land described by Subsection (c)(4)(A) only if the person requesting service: (1) is not the land's subdivider or the subdivider's agent; and (2) provides to the entity a certificate described by Subsection (c)(4)(A). (e) A person requesting service may obtain a certificate under Subsection (c)(4)(A) only if the person provides to the municipal authority responsible for approving plats either: (1) a copy of the means of conveyance or other documents that show that the land was sold or conveyed to the person requesting service before September 1, 1995, or before September 1, 2005, as applicable, and a notarized affidavit by that person that states that construction of a residence on the land, evidenced by at least the existence of a completed foundation, was begun on or before May 1, 1997, or on or before September 1, 2005, as applicable; or (2) a notarized affidavit by the person requesting service that states that the property was sold or conveyed to that person before September 1, 1995, or before September 1, 2005, as applicable, and that construction of a residence on the land, evidenced by at least the existence of a completed foundation, was begun on or before May 1, 1997, or on or before September 1, 2005, as applicable. (f) A person requesting service may obtain a certificate under Subsection (c)(4)(B) only if the person provides to the municipal authority responsible for approving plats an affidavit that states that the property was not sold or conveyed to that person from a subdivider or the subdivider's agent after September 1, 1995, or after September 1, 2005, as applicable. (g) On request, the municipal authority responsible for approving plats shall provide to the attorney general and any appropriate local, county, or state law enforcement official a copy of any document on which the municipal authority relied in determining the legality of providing service. (h) This section may not be construed to abrogate any civil or criminal proceeding or prosecution or to waive any penalty against a subdivider for a violation of a state or local law, regardless of the date on which the violation occurred. (i) In this section: (1) "Foundation" means the lowest division of a residence, usually consisting of a masonry slab or a pier and beam structure, that is partly or wholly below the surface of the ground and on which the residential structure rests. (2) "Subdivider" has the meaning assigned by Section 232.021. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1062, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, § 18.34, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 404, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 708, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.013. VACATING PLAT. (a) The proprietors of the tract covered by a plat may vacate the plat at any time before any lot in the plat is sold. The plat is vacated when a signed, acknowledged instrument declaring the plat vacated is approved and recorded in the manner prescribed for the original plat. (b) If lots in the plat have been sold, the plat, or any part of the plat, may be vacated on the application of all the owners of lots in the plat with approval obtained in the manner prescribed for the original plat. (c) The county clerk shall write legibly on the vacated plat the word "Vacated" and shall enter on the plat a reference to the volume and page at which the vacating instrument is recorded. (d) On the execution and recording of the vacating instrument, the vacated plat has no effect. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.014. REPLATTING WITHOUT VACATING PRECEDING PLAT. A replat of a subdivision or part of a subdivision may be recorded and is controlling over the preceding plat without vacation of that plat if the replat: (1) is signed and acknowledged by only the owners of the property being replatted; (2) is approved, after a public hearing on the matter at which parties in interest and citizens have an opportunity to be heard, by the municipal authority responsible for approving plats; and (3) does not attempt to amend or remove any covenants or restrictions. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.0145. REPLATTING WITHOUT VACATING PRECEDING PLAT: CERTAIN SUBDIVISIONS. (a) A replat of a part of a subdivision may be recorded and is controlling over the preceding plat without vacation of that plat if the replat: (1) is signed and acknowledged by only the owners of the property being replatted; and (2) involves only property: (A) of less than one acre that fronts an existing street; and (B) that is owned and used by a nonprofit corporation established to assist children in at-risk situations through volunteer and individualized attention. (b) An existing covenant or restriction for property that is replatted under this section does not have to be amended or removed if: (1) the covenant or restriction was recorded more than 50 years before the date of the replat; and (2) the replatted property has been continuously used by the nonprofit corporation for at least 10 years before the date of the replat. (c) Sections 212.014 and 212.015 do not apply to a replat under this section. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1130, § 1, eff. June 18, 1999. § 212.015. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN REPLATS. (a) In addition to compliance with Section 212.014, a replat without vacation of the preceding plat must conform to the requirements of this section if: (1) during the preceding five years, any of the area to be replatted was limited by an interim or permanent zoning classification to residential use for not more than two residential units per lot; or (2) any lot in the preceding plat was limited by deed restrictions to residential use for not more than two residential units per lot. (b) Notice of the hearing required under Section 212.014 shall be given before the 15th day before the date of the hearing by: (1) publication in an official newspaper or a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the municipality is located; and (2) by written notice, with a copy of Subsection (c) attached, forwarded by the municipal authority responsible for approving plats to the owners of lots that are in the original subdivision and that are within 200 feet of the lots to be replatted, as indicated on the most recently approved municipal tax roll or in the case of a subdivision within the extraterritorial jurisdiction, the most recently approved county tax roll of the property upon which the replat is requested. The written notice may be delivered by depositing the notice, properly addressed with postage prepaid, in a post office or postal depository within the boundaries of the municipality. (c) If the proposed replat requires a variance and is protested in accordance with this subsection, the proposed replat must receive, in order to be approved, the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members present of the municipal planning commission or governing body, or both. For a legal protest, written instruments signed by the owners of at least 20 percent of the area of the lots or land immediately adjoining the area covered by the proposed replat and extending 200 feet from that area, but within the original subdivision, must be filed with the municipal planning commission or governing body, or both, prior to the close of the public hearing. (d) In computing the percentage of land area under Subsection (c), the area of streets and alleys shall be included. (e) Compliance with Subsections (c) and (d) is not required for approval of a replat of part of a preceding plat if the area to be replatted was designated or reserved for other than single or duplex family residential use by notation on the last legally recorded plat or in the legally recorded restrictions applicable to the plat. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 345, § 2 to 5, eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 1046, § 3, eff. Aug. 30, 1993. § 212.016. AMENDING PLAT. (a) The municipal authority responsible for approving plats may approve and issue an amending plat, which may be recorded and is controlling over the preceding plat without vacation of that plat, if the amending plat is signed by the applicants only and is solely for one or more of the following purposes: (1) to correct an error in a course or distance shown on the preceding plat; (2) to add a course or distance that was omitted on the preceding plat; (3) to correct an error in a real property description shown on the preceding plat; (4) to indicate monuments set after the death, disability, or retirement from practice of the engineer or surveyor responsible for setting monuments; (5) to show the location or character of a monument that has been changed in location or character or that is shown incorrectly as to location or character on the preceding plat; (6) to correct any other type of scrivener or clerical error or omission previously approved by the municipal authority responsible for approving plats, including lot numbers, acreage, street names, and identification of adjacent recorded plats; (7) to correct an error in courses and distances of lot lines between two adjacent lots if: (A) both lot owners join in the application for amending the plat; (B) neither lot is abolished; (C) the amendment does not attempt to remove recorded covenants or restrictions; and (D) the amendment does not have a material adverse effect on the property rights of the other owners in the plat; (8) to relocate a lot line to eliminate an inadvertent encroachment of a building or other improvement on a lot line or easement; (9) to relocate one or more lot lines between one or more adjacent lots if: (A) the owners of all those lots join in the application for amending the plat; (B) the amendment does not attempt to remove recorded covenants or restrictions; and (C) the amendment does not increase the number of lots; (10) to make necessary changes to the preceding plat to create six or fewer lots in the subdivision or a part of the subdivision covered by the preceding plat if: (A) the changes do not affect applicable zoning and other regulations of the municipality; (B) the changes do not attempt to amend or remove any covenants or restrictions; and (C) the area covered by the changes is located in an area that the municipal planning commission or other appropriate governing body of the municipality has approved, after a public hearing, as a residential improvement area; or (11) to replat one or more lots fronting on an existing street if: (A) the owners of all those lots join in the application for amending the plat; (B) the amendment does not attempt to remove recorded covenants or restrictions; (C) the amendment does not increase the number of lots; and (D) the amendment does not create or require the creation of a new street or make necessary the extension of municipal facilities. (b) Notice, a hearing, and the approval of other lot owners are not required for the approval and issuance of an amending plat. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 92, § 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995. § 212.017. CONFLICT OF INTEREST; PENALTY. (a) In this section, "subdivided tract" means a tract of land, as a whole, that is subdivided. The term does not mean an individual lot in a subdivided tract of land. (b) A person has a substantial interest in a subdivided tract if the person: (1) has an equitable or legal ownership interest in the tract with a fair market value of $2,500 or more; (2) acts as a developer of the tract; (3) owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock or shares of or owns either 10 percent or more or $5,000 or more of the fair market value of a business entity that: (A) has an equitable or legal ownership interest in the tract with a fair market value of $2,500 or more; or (B) acts as a developer of the tract; or (4) receives in a calendar year funds from a business entity described by Subdivision (3) that exceed 10 percent of the person's gross income for the previous year. (c) A person also is considered to have a substantial interest in a subdivided tract if the person is related in the first degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code, to another person who, under Subsection (b), has a substantial interest in the tract. (d) If a member of the municipal authority responsible for approving plats has a substantial interest in a subdivided tract, the member shall file, before a vote or decision regarding the approval of a plat for the tract, an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the interest and shall abstain from further participation in the matter. The affidavit must be filed with the municipal secretary or clerk. (e) A member of the municipal authority responsible for approving plats commits an offense if the member violates Subsection (d). An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor. (f) The finding by a court of a violation of this section does not render voidable an action of the municipal authority responsible for approving plats unless the measure would not have passed the municipal authority without the vote of the member who violated this section. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 561, § 38, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, § 5.95(27), eff. Sept. 1, 1995. § 212.0175. ENFORCEMENT IN CERTAIN COUNTIES; PENALTY. (a) The attorney general may take any action necessary to enforce a requirement imposed by or under Section 212.0105 or 212.0106 or to ensure that water and sewer service facilities are constructed or installed to service a subdivision in compliance with the model rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code. (b) A person who violates Section 212.0105 or 212.0106 or fails to timely provide for the construction or installation of water or sewer service facilities that the person described on the plat or on the document attached to the plat, as required by Section 212.0105, is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 plus court costs and attorney's fees. (c) An owner of a tract of land commits an offense if the owner knowingly or intentionally violates a requirement imposed by or under Section 212.0105 or 212.0106 or fails to timely provide for the construction or installation of water or sewer service facilities that the person described on a plat or on a document attached to a plat, as required by Section 212.0105. An offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) A reference in this section to an "owner of a tract of land" does not include the owner of an individual lot in a subdivided tract of land. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. § 212.018. ENFORCEMENT IN GENERAL. (a) At the request of the governing body of the municipality, the municipal attorney or any other attorney representing the municipality may file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to: (1) enjoin the violation or threatened violation by the owner of a tract of land of a requirement regarding the tract and established by, or adopted by the governing body under, this subchapter; or (2) recover damages from the owner of a tract of land in an amount adequate for the municipality to undertake any construction or other activity necessary to bring about compliance with a requirement regarding the tract and established by, or adopted by the governing body under, this subchapter. (b) A reference in this section to an "owner of a tract of land" does not include the owner of an individual lot in a subdivided tract of land. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.SUBCHAPTER B. REGULATION OF PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT § 212.041. MUNICIPALITY COVERED BY SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies only to a municipality whose governing body chooses by ordinance to be covered by this subchapter or chose by ordinance to be covered by the law codified by this subchapter. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 125, § 1, eff. May 11, 1993; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 1046, § 4, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, § 10.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. § 212.042. APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER A. The provisions of Subchapter A that do not conflict with this subchapter apply to development plats. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.043. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Development" means the new construction or the enlargement of any exterior dimension of any building, structure, or improvement. (2) "Extraterritorial jurisdiction" means a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction as determined under Chapter 42. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.044. PLANS, RULES, AND ORDINANCES. After a public hearing on the matter, the municipality may adopt general plans, rules, or ordinances governing development plats of land within the limits and in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality to promote the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the municipality and the safe, orderly, and healthful development of the municipality. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.045. DEVELOPMENT PLAT REQUIRED. (a) Any person who proposes the development of a tract of land located within the limits or in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality must have a development plat of the tract prepared in accordance with this subchapter and the applicable plans, rules, or ordinances of the municipality. (b) A development plat must be prepared by a registered professional land surveyor as a boundary survey showing: (1) each existing or proposed building, structure, or improvement or proposed modification of the external configuration of the building, structure, or improvement involving a change of the building, structure, or improvement; (2) each easement and right-of-way within or abutting the boundary of the surveyed property; and (3) the dimensions of each street, sidewalk, alley, square, park, or other part of the property intended to be dedicated to public use or for the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on or adjacent to the street, sidewalk, alley, square, park, or other part. (c) New development may not begin on the property until the development plat is filed with and approved by the municipality in accordance with Section 212.047. (d) If a person is required under Subchapter A or an ordinance of the municipality to file a subdivision plat, a development plat is not required in addition to the subdivision plat. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1091, § 28, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. § 212.046. RESTRICTION ON ISSUANCE OF BUILDING AND OTHER PERMITS BY MUNICIPALITY, COUNTY, OR OFFICIAL OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY. The municipality, a county, or an official of another governmental entity may not issue a building permit or any other type of permit for development on lots or tracts subject to this subchapter until a development plat is filed with and approved by the municipality in accordance with Section 212.047. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.047. APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT PLAT. The municipality shall endorse approval on a development plat filed with it if the plat conforms to: (1) the general plans, rules, and ordinances of the municipality concerning its current and future streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, playgrounds, and public utility facilities; (2) the general plans, rules, and ordinances for the extension of the municipality or the extension, improvement, or widening of its roads, streets, and public highways within the municipality and in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, taking into account access to and extension of sewer and water mains and the instrumentalities of public utilities; and (3) any general plans, rules, or ordinances adopted under Section 212.044. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.048. EFFECT OF APPROVAL ON DEDICATION. The approval of a development plat is not considered an acceptance of any proposed dedication for public use or use by persons other than the owner of the property covered by the plat and does not impose on the municipality any duty regarding the maintenance or improvement of any purportedly dedicated parts until the municipality's governing body makes an actual appropriation of the dedicated parts by formal acceptance, entry, use, or improvement. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.049. BUILDING PERMITS IN EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. This subchapter does not authorize the municipality to require municipal building permits or otherwise enforce the municipality's building code in its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. § 212.050. ENFORCEMENT; PENALTY. (a) If it appears that a violation or threat of a violation of this subchapter or a plan, rule, or ordinance adopted under this subchapter or consistent with this subchapter exists, the municipality is entitled to appropriate injunctive relief against the person who committed, is committing, or is threatening to commit the violation. (b) A suit for injunctive relief may be brought in the county in which the defendant resides, the county in which the violation or threat of violation occurs, or any county in which the municipality is wholly or partly located. (c) In a suit to enjoin a violation or threat of a violation of this subchapter or a plan, rule, ordinance, or other order adopted under this subchapter, the court may grant the municipality any prohibitory or mandatory injunction warranted by the facts including a temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, or permanent injunction. (d) A person commits an offense if the person violates this subchapter or a plan, rule, or ordinance adopted under this subchapter or consistent with this subchapter within the limits of the municipality. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate offense. (e) A suit under this section shall be given precedence over all other cases of a different nature on the docket of the trial or appellate court. (f) It is no defense to a criminal or civil suit under this section that an agency of government other than the municipality issued a license or permit authorizing the construction, repair, or alteration of any building, structure, or improvement. It also is no defense that the defendant had no knowledge of this subchapter or of an applicable plan, rule, or ordinance. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.SUBCHAPTER C. DEVELOPER PARTICIPATION IN CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS § 212.071. DEVELOPER PARTICIPATION CONTRACT. Without complying with the competitive sealed bidding procedure of Chapter 252, a municipality with 5,000 or more inhabitants may make a contract with a developer of a subdivision or land in the municipality to construct public improvements, not including a building, related to the development. If the contract does not meet the requirements of this subchapter, Chapter 252 applies to the contract if the contract would otherwise be governed by that chapter. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 47(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1547, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. § 212.072. DUTIES OF PARTIES UNDER CONTRACT. (a) Under the contract, the developer shall construct the improvements and the municipality shall participate in their cost. (b) The contract: (1) must establish the limit of participation by the municipality at a level not to exceed 30 percent of the total contract price, if the municipality has a population of less than 1.8 million; or (2) may allow participation by a municipality at a level not to exceed 70 percent of the total contract price, if the municipality has a population of 1.8 million or more. (b-1) In addition, if the municipality has a population of 1.8 million or more, the municipality may participate at a level not to exceed 100 percent of the total contract price for all required drainage improvements related to the development and construction of affordable housing. Under this subsection, affordable housing is defined as housing which is equal to or less than the median sales price, as determined by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, of a home in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in which the municipality is located. (c) In addition, the contract may also allow participation by the municipality at a level not to exceed 100 percent of the total cost for any oversizing of improvements required by the municipality, including but not limited to increased capacity of improvements to anticipate other future development in the area. (d) The municipality is liable only for the agreed payment of its share of the contract, which shall be determined in advance either as a lump sum or as a factor or percentage of the total actual cost as determined by municipal ordinance. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 47(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1526, § 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1999; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1075, § 1, eff. June 18, 2005. § 212.073. PERFORMANCE BOND. The developer must execute a performance bond for the construction of the improvements to ensure completion of the project. The bond must be executed by a corporate surety in accordance with Chapter 2253, Government Code. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 47(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, § 5.95(17), eff. Sept. 1, 1995. § 212.074. ADDITIONAL SAFEGUARDS; INSPECTION OF RECORDS. (a) In the ordinance adopted by the municipality under Section 212.072(b), the municipality may include additional safeguards against undue loading of cost, collusion, or fraud. (b) All of the developer's books and other records related to the project shall be available for inspection by the municipality. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 47(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989.SUBCHAPTER D. REGULATION OF PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES § 212.101. APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER TO CERTAIN HOME-RULE MUNICIPALITY. This subchapter applies only to a home-rule municipality that: (1) has a charter provision allowing for limited-purpose annexation; and (2) has annexed territory for a limited purpose. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 23.02(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. § 212.102. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Affected area" means an area that is: (A) in a municipality or a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction; (B) in a county other than the county in which a majority of the territory of the municipality is located; (C) within the boundaries of one or more school districts other than the school district in which a majority of the territory of the municipality is located; and (D) within the area of or within 1,500 feet of the boundary of an assessment road district in which there are two state highways. (2) "Assessment road district" means a road district that has issued refunding bonds and that has imposed assessments on each parcel of land under Subchapter C, Chapter 1471, Government Code. (3) "State highway" means a highway that is part of the state highway system under Section 221.001, Transportation Code. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 23.02(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 8.289, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 212.103. TRAFFIC OR TRAFFIC OPERATIONS. (a) A municipality may not deny, limit, delay, or condition the use or development of land, any part of which is within an affected area, because of: (1) traffic or traffic operations that would result from the proposed use or development of the land; or (2) the effect that the proposed use or development of the land would have on traffic or traffic operations. (b) In this section, an action to deny, limit, delay, or condition the use or development of land includes a decision or other action by the governing body of the municipality or by a commission, board, department, agency, office, or employee of the municipality related to zoning, subdivision, site planning, the construction or building permit process, or any other municipal process, approval, or permit. (c) This subchapter does not prevent a municipality from exercising its authority to require the dedication of right-of-way. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 23.02(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. § 212.104. PROVISION NOT ENFORCEABLE. A provision in a covenant or agreement relating to land in an affected area that would have the effect of denying, limiting, delaying, or conditioning the use or development of the land because of its effect on traffic or traffic operations may not be enforced by a municipality. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 23.02(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997. § 212.105. SUBCHAPTER CONTROLS. This subchapter controls over any other law relating to municipal regulation of land use or development based on traffic. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 23.02(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.SUBCHAPTER E. MORATORIUM ON PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES § 212.131. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Essential public facilities" means water, sewer, or storm drainage facilities or street improvements provided by a municipality or private utility. (2) "Residential property" means property zoned for or otherwise authorized for single-family or multi-family use. (3) "Property development" means the construction, reconstruction, or other alteration or improvement of residential or commercial buildings or the subdivision or replatting of a subdivision of residential or commercial property. (4) "Commercial property" means property zoned for or otherwise authorized for use other than single-family use, multifamily use, heavy industrial use, or use as a quarry. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.132. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter applies only to a moratorium imposed on property development affecting only residential property, commercial property, or both residential and commercial property. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.133. PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTING MORATORIUM. A municipality may not adopt a moratorium on property development unless the municipality: (1) complies with the notice and hearing procedures prescribed by Section 212.134; and (2) makes written findings as provided by Section 212.135, 212.1351, or 212.1352, as applicable. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.134. NOTICE AND PUBLIC HEARING REQUIREMENTS. (a) Before a moratorium on property development may be imposed, a municipality must conduct public hearings as provided by this section. (b) A public hearing must provide municipal residents and affected parties an opportunity to be heard. The municipality must publish notice of the time and place of a hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality on the fourth day before the date of the hearing. (c) Beginning on the fifth business day after the date a notice is published under Subsection (b), a temporary moratorium takes effect. During the period of the temporary moratorium, a municipality may stop accepting permits, authorizations, and approvals necessary for the subdivision of, site planning of, or construction on real property. (d) One public hearing must be held before the governing body of the municipality. Another public hearing must be held before the municipal zoning commission, if the municipality has a zoning commission. (e) If a general-law municipality does not have a zoning commission, two public hearings separated by at least four days must be held before the governing body of the municipality. (f) Within 12 days after the date of the first public hearing, the municipality shall make a final determination on the imposition of a moratorium. Before an ordinance adopting a moratorium may be imposed, the ordinance must be given at least two readings by the governing body of the municipality. The readings must be separated by at least four days. If the municipality fails to adopt an ordinance imposing a moratorium within the period prescribed by this subsection, an ordinance imposing a moratorium may not be adopted, and the temporary moratorium imposed under Subsection (c) expires. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 212.135. JUSTIFICATION FOR MORATORIUM: SHORTAGE OF ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES; WRITTEN FINDINGS REQUIRED. (a) If a municipality adopts a moratorium on property development, the moratorium is justified by demonstrating a need to prevent a shortage of essential public facilities. The municipality must issue written findings based on reasonably available information. (b) The written findings must include a summary of: (1) evidence demonstrating the extent of need beyond the estimated capacity of existing essential public facilities that is expected to result from new property development, including identifying: (A) any essential public facilities currently operating near, at, or beyond capacity; (B) the portion of that capacity committed to the development subject to the moratorium; and (C) the impact fee revenue allocated to address the facility need; and (2) evidence demonstrating that the moratorium is reasonably limited to: (A) areas of the municipality where a shortage of essential public facilities would otherwise occur; and (B) property that has not been approved for development because of the insufficiency of existing essential public facilities. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.1351. JUSTIFICATION FOR MORATORIUM: SIGNIFICANT NEED FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES; WRITTEN FINDINGS REQUIRED. (a) Except as provided by Section 212.1352, a moratorium that is not based on a shortage of essential public facilities is justified only by demonstrating a significant need for other public facilities, including police and fire facilities. For purposes of this subsection, a significant need for public facilities is established if the failure to provide those public facilities would result in an overcapacity of public facilities or would be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the municipality. The municipality must issue written findings based on reasonably available information. (b) The written findings must include a summary of: (1) evidence demonstrating that applying existing development ordinances or regulations and other applicable laws is inadequate to prevent the new development from causing the overcapacity of municipal infrastructure or being detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare in an affected geographical area; (2) evidence demonstrating that alternative methods of achieving the objectives of the moratorium are unsatisfactory; and (3) evidence demonstrating that the municipality has approved a working plan and time schedule for achieving the objectives of the moratorium. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 212.135(b) and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.1352. JUSTIFICATION FOR COMMERCIAL MORATORIUM IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; WRITTEN FINDINGS REQUIRED. (a) If a municipality adopts a moratorium on commercial property development that is not based on a demonstrated shortage of essential public facilities, the municipality must issue written findings based on reasonably available information that the moratorium is justified by demonstrating that applying existing commercial development ordinances or regulations and other applicable laws is inadequate to prevent the new development from being detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare of the residents of the municipality. (b) The written findings must include a summary of: (1) evidence demonstrating the need to adopt new ordinances or regulations or to amend existing ordinances, including identification of the harm to the public health, safety, or welfare that will occur if a moratorium is not adopted; (2) the geographical boundaries in which the moratorium will apply; (3) the specific types of commercial property to which the moratorium will apply; and (4) the objectives or goals to be achieved by adopting new ordinances or regulations or amending existing ordinances or regulations during the period the moratorium is in effect. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.136. EXPIRATION OF MORATORIUM; EXTENSION. A moratorium adopted under Section 212.135 or 212.1351 expires on the 120th day after the date the moratorium is adopted unless the municipality extends the moratorium by: (1) holding a public hearing on the proposed extension of the moratorium; and (2) adopting written findings that: (A) identify the problem requiring the need for extending the moratorium; (B) describe the reasonable progress made to alleviate the problem; and (C) specify a definite duration for the renewal period of the moratorium. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.1361. NOTICE FOR EXTENSION REQUIRED.. A municipality proposing an extension of a moratorium under this subchapter must publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality not later than the 15th day before the date of the hearing required by this subchapter. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 212.136(b) and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.1362. EXPIRATION OF MORATORIUM ON COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; EXTENSION. (a) A moratorium on commercial property adopted under Section 212.1352 expires on the 90th day after the date the moratorium is adopted unless the municipality extends the moratorium by: (1) holding a public hearing on the proposed extension of the moratorium; and (2) adopting written findings that: (A) identify the problem requiring the need for extending the moratorium; (B) describe the reasonable progress made to alleviate the problem; (C) specify a definite duration for the renewal period of the moratorium; and (D) include a summary of evidence demonstrating that the problem will be resolved within the extended duration of the moratorium. (b) A municipality may not adopt a moratorium on commercial property under Section 212.1352 that exceeds an aggregate of 180 days. A municipality may not adopt a moratorium on commercial property under Section 212.1352 before the second anniversary of the expiration date of a previous moratorium if the subsequent moratorium addresses the same harm, affects the same type of commercial property, or affects the same geographical area identified by the previous moratorium. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.137. WAIVER PROCEDURES REQUIRED. (a) A moratorium adopted under this subchapter must allow a permit applicant to apply for a waiver from the moratorium relating to the property subject to the permit by: (1) claiming a right obtained under a development agreement; or (2) providing the public facilities that are the subject of the moratorium at the landowner's cost. (b) The permit applicant must submit the reasons for the request to the governing body of the municipality in writing. The governing body of the municipality must vote on whether to grant the waiver request within 10 days after the date of receiving the written request. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005. § 212.138. EFFECT ON OTHER LAW. A moratorium adopted under this subchapter does not affect the rights acquired under Chapter 245 or common law. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 441, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 212.139. LIMITATION ON MORATORIUM. (a) A moratorium adopted under this subchapter does not affect an application for a project in progress under Chapter 245. (b) A municipality may not adopt a moratorium under this subchapter that: (1) prohibits a person from filing or processing an application for a project in progress under Chapter 245; or (2) prohibits or delays the processing of an application for zoning filed before the effective date of the moratorium. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1321, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005.SUBCHAPTER F. ENFORCEMENT OF LAND USE RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED IN PLATS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS § 212.151. MUNICIPALITY COVERED BY SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies only to a municipality with a population of 1.5 million or more that passes an ordinance that requires uniform application and enforcement of this subchapter with regard to all property and residents or to a municipality that does not have zoning ordinances and passes an ordinance that requires uniform application and enforcement of this subchapter with regard to all property and residents. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 893, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 230.001 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 12.002(1), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 212.131 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, § 2(107), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 212.152. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "restriction" means a land-use regulation that: (1) affects the character of the use to which real property, including residential and rental property, may be put; (2) fixes the distance that a structure must be set back from property lines, street lines, or lot lines; (3) affects the size of a lot or the size, type, and number of structures that may be built on the lot; (4) regulates or restricts the type of activities that may take place on the property, including commercial activities, sweepstakes activities, keeping of animals, use of fire, nuisance activities, vehicle storage, and parking; (5) regulates architectural features of a structure, construction of fences, landscaping, garbage disposal, or noise levels; or (6) specifies the type of maintenance that must be performed on a lot or structure, including maintenance of a yard or fence. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 230.002 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 12.002(1), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1044, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code, § 212.132 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, § 2(107), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 212.153. SUIT TO ENFORCE RESTRICTIONS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the municipality may sue in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin or abate a violation of a restriction contained or incorporated by reference in a properly recorded plan, plat, or other instrument that affects a subdivision located inside the boundaries of the municipality. (b) The municipality may not initiate or maintain a suit to enjoin or abate a violation of a restriction if a property owners' association with the authority to enforce the restriction files suit to enforce the restriction. (c) In a suit by a property owners' association to enforce a restriction, the association may not submit into evidence or otherwise use the work product of the municipality's legal counsel. (d) In a suit filed under this section alleging that any of the following activities violates a restriction limiting property to residential use, it is not a defense that the activity is incidental to the residential use of the property: (1) storing a tow truck, crane, moving van or truck, dump truck, cement mixer, earth-moving device, or trailer longer than 20 feet; or (2) repairing or offering for sale more than two motor vehicles in a 12-month period. (e) A municipality may not enforce a deed restriction which purports to regulate or restrict the rights granted to public utilities to install, operate, maintain, replace, and remove facilities within easements and private or public rights-of-way. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code, § 230.003 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 12.002, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1044, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code, § 212.133 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, § 2(107), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 212.1535. FORECLOSURE BY PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION. (a) A municipality may not participate in a suit or other proceeding to foreclose a property owners' association's lien on real property. (b) In a suit or other proceeding to foreclose a property owners' association's lien on real property in the subdivision, the association may not submit into evidence or otherwise use the work product of the municipality's legal counsel. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1044, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 212.154. LIMITATION ON ENFORCEMENT. A restriction contained in a plan, plat, or other instrument that was properly recorded before August 30, 1965, may be enforced as provided by Section 212.153, but a violation of a restriction that occurred before that date may not be enjoined or abated by the municipality as long as the nature of the violation remains unchanged. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 230.004 and amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 12.002(1), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 212.134 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, § 2(107), 3(33), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 212.155. NOTICE TO PURCHASERS. (a) The governing body of the municipality may require, in the manner prescribed by law for official action of the municipality, any person who sells or conveys restricted property located inside the boundaries of the municipality to first give to the purchaser written notice of the restrictions and notice of the municipality's right to enforce compliance. (b) If the municipality elects under this section to require that notice be given, the notice to the purchaser shall contain the following information: (1) the name of each purchaser; (2) the name of each seller; (3) a legal description of the property; (4) the street address of the property; (5) a statement that the property is subject to deed restrictions and the municipality is authorized to enforce the restrictions; (6) a reference to the volume and page, clerk's file number, or film code number where the restrictions are recorded; and (7) a statement that provisions that restrict the sale, rental, or use of the real property on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin are unenforceable. (c) If the municipality elects under this section to require that notice be given, the following procedure shall be followed to ensure the delivery and recordation of the notice: (1) the notice shall be given to the purchaser at or before the final closing of the sale and purchase; (2) the seller and purchaser shall sign and acknowledge the notice; and (3) following the execution, acknowledgment, and closing of the sale and purchase, the notice shall be recorded in the real property records of the county in which the property is located. (d) If the municipality elects under this section to require that notice be given: (1) the municipality shall file in the real property records of the county clerk's office in each county in which the municipality is located a copy of the form of notice, with its effective date, that is prescribed for use by any person who sells or conveys restricted property located inside the boundaries of the municipality; (2) all sellers and all persons completing the prescribed notice on the seller's behalf are entitled to rely on the currently effective form filed by the municipality; (3) the municipality may prescribe a penalty against a seller, not to exceed $500, for the failure of the seller to obtain the execution and recordation of the notice; and (4) an action may not be maintained by the municipality against a seller to collect a penalty for the failure to obtain the execution and recordation of the notice if the municipality has not filed for record the form of notice with the county clerk of the appropriate county. (e) This section does not limit the seller's right to recover a penalty, or any part of a penalty, imposed pursuant to Subsection (d)(3) from a third party for the negligent failure to obtain the execution or proper recordation of the notice. (f) The failure of the seller to comply with the requirements of this section and the implementing municipal regulation does not affect the validity or enforceability of the sale or conveyance of restricted property or the validity or enforceability of restrictions covering the property. (g) For the purposes of this section, an executory contract of purchase and sale having a performance period of more than six months is considered a sale under Subsection (a). (h) For the purposes of the disclosure required by this section, restrictions may not include provisions that restrict the sale, rental, or use of property on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and may not include any restrictions that by their express provisions have terminated. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 446, § 1, eff. June 14, 1989. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 230.005 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 12.002(1), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 212.135 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, § 2(107), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 212.156. ENFORCEMENT BY ORDINANCE; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) The governing body of the municipality by ordinance may require compliance with a restriction contained or incorporated by reference in a properly recorded plan, plat, or other instrument that affects a subdivision located inside the boundaries of the municipality. (b) The municipality may bring a civil action to recover a civil penalty for a violation of the restriction. The municipality may bring an action and recover the penalty in the same manner as a municipality may bring an action and recover a penalty under Subchapter B, Chapter 54. (c) For the purposes of an ordinance adopted under this section, restrictions do not include provisions that restrict the sale, rental, or use of property on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and do not include any restrictions that by their express provisions have terminated. Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 893, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 230.006 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 12.002(1), eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 212.136 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, § 2(107), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 212.157. GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTION. An action filed by a municipality under this subchapter to enforce a land use restriction is a governmental function of the municipality. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1399, § 2, eff. June 16, 2001. § 212.158. EFFECT ON OTHER LAW. This subchapter does not prohibit the exhibition, play, or necessary incidental action thereto of a sweepstakes not prohibited by Chapter 43, Business & Commerce Code, as added by Chapter 1119, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1044, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.SUBCHAPTER G. AGREEMENT GOVERNING CERTAIN LAND IN A MUNICIPALITY'S EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION § 212.171. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter does not apply to land located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality with a population of 1.9 million or more. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 522, § 1, eff. June 20, 2003. § 212.172. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT. (a) In this subchapter, "extraterritorial jurisdiction" means a municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction as determined under Chapter 42. (b) The governing body of a municipality may make a written contract with an owner of land that is located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality to: (1) guarantee the continuation of the extraterritorial status of the land and its immunity from annexation by the municipality for a period not to exceed 15 years; (2) extend the municipality's planning authority over the land by providing for a development plan to be prepared by the landowner and approved by the municipality under which certain general uses and development of the land are authorized; (3) authorize enforcement by the municipality of certain municipal land use and development regulations in the same manner the regulations are enforced within the municipality's boundaries; (4) authorize enforcement by the municipality of land use and development regulations other than those that apply within the municipality's boundaries, as may be agreed to by the landowner and the municipality; (5) provide for infrastructure for the land, including: (A) streets and roads; (B) street and road drainage; (C) land drainage; and (D) water, wastewater, and other utility systems; (6) authorize enforcement of environmental regulations; (7) provide for the annexation of the land as a whole or in parts and to provide for the terms of annexation, if annexation is agreed to by the parties; (8) specify the uses and development of the land before and after annexation, if annexation is agreed to by the parties; or (9) include other lawful terms and considerations the parties consider appropriate. (c) An agreement under this subchapter must: (1) be in writing; (2) contain an adequate legal description of the land; (3) be approved by the governing body of the municipality and the landowner; and (4) be recorded in the real property records of each county in which any part of the land that is subject to the agreement is located. (d) The parties to a contract may renew or extend it for successive periods not to exceed 15 years each. The total duration of the original contract and any successive renewals or extensions may not exceed 45 years. (e) A municipality in an affected county, as defined by Section 16.341, Water Code, may not enter into an agreement under this subchapter that is inconsistent with the model rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code. (f) The agreement between the governing body of the municipality and the landowner is binding on the municipality and the landowner and on their respective successors and assigns for the term of the agreement. The agreement is not binding on, and does not create any encumbrance to title as to, any end-buyer of a fully developed and improved lot within the development, except for land use and development regulations that may apply to a specific lot. (g) An agreement under this subchapter constitutes a permit under Chapter 245. (h) An agreement between a municipality and a landowner entered into prior to the effective date of this section and that complies with this section is validated. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 522, § 1, eff. June 20, 2003. § 212.173. CERTAIN COASTAL AREAS. This subchapter does not apply to, limit, or otherwise affect any ordinance, order, rule, plan, or standard adopted by this state or a state agency, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. Section 1451 et seq.), and its subsequent amendments, or Subtitle E, Title 2, Natural Resources Code. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 522, § 1, eff. June 20, 2003. § 212.174. MUNICIPAL UTILITIES. A municipality may not require an agreement under this subchapter as a condition for providing water, sewer, electricity, gas, or other utility service from a municipally owned or municipally operated utility that provides any of those services. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 522, § 1, eff. June 20, 2003.SUBCHAPTER Z. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS § 212.901. DEVELOPER REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SURETY. (a) To ensure that it will not incur liabilities, a municipality may require, before it gives approval of the plans for a development, that the owner of the development provide sufficient surety to guarantee that claims against the development will be satisfied if a default occurs. (b) This section does not preclude a claimant from seeking recovery by other means. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 48(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989. § 212.902. SCHOOL DISTRICT LAND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. (a) This section applies to agreements between school districts and any municipality which has annexed territory for limited purposes. (b) On request by a school district, a municipality shall enter an agreement with the board of trustees of the school district to establish review fees, review periods, and land development standards ordinances and to provide alternative water pollution control methodologies for school buildings constructed by the school district. The agreement shall include a provision exempting the district from all land development ordinances in cases where the district is adding temporary classroom buildings on an existing school campus. (c) If the municipality and the school district do not reach an agreement on or before the 120th day after the date on which the municipality receives the district's request for an agreement, proposed agreements by the school district and the municipality shall be submitted to an independent arbitrator appointed by the presiding district judge whose jurisdiction includes the school district. The arbitrator shall, after a hearing at which both the school district and municipality make presentations on their proposed agreements, prepare an agreement resolving any differences between the proposals. The agreement prepared by the arbitrator will be final and binding upon both the school district and the municipality. The cost of the arbitration proceeding shall be borne equally by the school district and the municipality. (d) A school district that requests an agreement under this section, at the time it makes the request, shall send a copy of the request to the commissioner of education. At the end of the 120-day period, the requesting district shall report to the commissioner the status or result of negotiations with the municipality. A municipality may send a separate status report to the commissioner. The district shall send to the commissioner a copy of each agreement between the district and a municipality under this section. (e) In this section, "land development standards" includes impervious cover limitations, building setbacks, floor to area ratios, building coverage, water quality controls, landscaping, development setbacks, compatibility standards, traffic analyses, and driveway cuts, if applicable. (f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the applicability of or waive fees for fire, safety, health, or building code ordinances of the municipality prior to or during construction of school buildings, nor shall any agreement waive any fee or modify any ordinance of a municipality for an administration, service, or athletic facility proposed for construction by a school district. Added by Acts 1990, 71st Leg., 6th C.S., ch. 1, § 3.18, eff. Sept. 1, 1990. § 212.903. CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION WORK ON COUNTY-OWNED BUILDINGS OR FACILITIES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) This section applies only to a county with a population of 250,000 or more. (b) A municipality is not authorized to require a county to notify the municipality or obtain a building permit for any new construction or renovation work performed within the limits of the municipality by the county's personnel or by county personnel acting as general contractor on county-owned buildings or facilities. Such construction or renovation work shall be inspected by a registered professional engineer or architect licensed in this state in accordance with any other applicable law. A municipality may require a building permit for construction or renovation work performed on county-owned buildings or facilities by private general contractors. (c) This section does not exempt a county from complying with a municipality's building code standards when performing construction or renovation work. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 271, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 368, § 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1999. § 212.904. APPORTIONMENT OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS. (a) If a municipality requires as a condition of approval for a property development project that the developer bear a portion of the costs of municipal infrastructure improvements by the making of dedications, the payment of fees, or the payment of construction costs, the developer's portion of the costs may not exceed the amount required for infrastructure improvements that are roughly proportionate to the proposed development as approved by a professional engineer who holds a license issued under Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, and is retained by the municipality. (b) A developer who disputes the determination made under Subsection (a) may appeal to the governing body of the municipality. At the appeal, the developer may present evidence and testimony under procedures adopted by the governing body. After hearing any testimony and reviewing the evidence, the governing body shall make the applicable determination within 30 days following the final submission of any testimony or evidence by the developer. (c) A developer may appeal the determination of the governing body to a county or district court of the county in which the development project is located within 30 days of the final determination by the governing body. (d) A municipality may not require a developer to waive the right of appeal authorized by this section as a condition of approval for a development project. (e) A developer who prevails in an appeal under this section is entitled to applicable costs and to reasonable attorney's fees, including expert witness fees. (f) This section does not diminish the authority or modify the procedures specified by Chapter 395. Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 982, § 1, eff. June 18, 2005.
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