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What is the ETJ?
The extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is an area that is outside of Raleigh city limits but subject to Raleigh zoning and building regulations. North Carolina state law allows cities to establish ETJ areas to more effectively regulate development and plan for infrastructure like water and sewer.
Is the ETJ inside city limits?
No, areas inside the ETJ are not in city limits and an expansion of the ETJ does not annex properties. Raleigh can more readily consider requests for annexation from property owners inside the ETJ.
What city services are provided inside the ETJ?
Residents of Raleigh’s ETJ do not receive most city services such as water, sewer, trash pickup, and fire response. Properties inside the ETJ can obtain these services by requesting to annex into Raleigh city limits.
Do property owners in the ETJ pay city taxes?
There are no taxes directly associated with the ETJ. Property owners located in Raleigh’s ETJ do not pay city taxes.
Can ETJ residents vote in city elections?
Residents of Raleigh’s ETJ do not vote for City Council members. A member of Raleigh’s Planning Commission, a group that advises City Council on planning matters, acts as a representative of the ETJ. The Wake County Commission appoints this individual.
What is the Southeast Special Area Study?
The Southeast Special Area Study is a planning project focused on the future land use, conservation and natural resources, transportation, and public utility infrastructure of approximately 18 square miles in southeast Wake County.
The City Council adopted the recommendations of the Southeast Special Area Study at the April 4, 2023 meeting. The Final Report and Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CP-12-21) are the result of public engagement between 2019 and 2021.
What’s next?
The City Council authorized expansion of the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) into the Southeast Special Study Area (SESSA).