Search Results for: annexation
Texas Legislature Tightens State Reins over Local Control
As Daenerys rode the dragon Drogon and sacked King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, I was reminded of the just closed 86th Texas legislative session and its effect on local control. “Local control” is the notion that the better form of government is the government closest to the people because it is more responsive… Read More »
Enforcing Building Codes in a City’s ETJ in Texas
Cities routinely collect permit fees as they go about enforcing their building codes, but what is a city in Texas to do about development in its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)? According to a recent appellate court decision, a city cannot pursue code enforcement in its ETJ. However, (1) that case may be appealed to the… Read More »
Why Are States Fighting with Their Cities?
This past week, I just finished fighting off a surprise attack in the form of a lawsuit that included an emergency hearing on an application for a temporary restraining order, possible appeal to the court of appeals with an emergency motion to stay the TRO if it was granted. It wasn’t granted. I thought… Read More »
Southeast Texas Astros? What Happens When Texas Hampers Local Control?
Who wants to write a legal blog while basking in the glow of the Houston Astros winning the World Series in Game 7 or when the biggest-ever parade in the City of Houston’s history is happening? Go ‘Stros! This win has made Houston Strong, stronger. But as I watched most of the government leaders… Read More »
Is Texas Empowering Texas Cities?
If you have been reading our firm blogs recently or just watching the local news here in our part of Texas, you know our state elected officials met this summer in the 85th Legislative session to write more laws; and write they did. At last unofficial count by me, there are 213 new laws… Read More »
Vesting: When a Property Development Plan is Grandfathered … or Not
VESTING (Not an article of clothing) (Not assuming office) (Not what Warren Buffet does) Does the NFL change rules in the middle of a football game? The NCAA? Is it fair for a city to change the rules in the middle of developing a parcel of land? With the recent tower fires in London… Read More »
How to Know Which House Fixtures Can Leave with the Seller
Let’s say you’re in the market for a new home. You go to an open house in your target area and find “the one.” Walking in, you’re wowed by the layout, the natural lighting, and the kitchen—oh, the kitchen! It has brand new, ultra-modern frosted glass cabinets, all new high-end stainless steel appliances, and… Read More »
How May a Home Rule City Annex Land?
Everything is bigger in Texas, they say, and sometimes cities grow in size by annexation. Such an expansion is governed by sets of procedures under state law as well as city charter for home rule cities. A home rule city may manage its own affairs and looks to state law to see what it… Read More »