Definition
Extra-Jurisdictional Territory (EJT) is an area lying outside the official legal jurisdiction of a city or other governmental unit. Despite being outside their legal boundaries, local governments may exert limited controls over these areas, the extent of which is determined by state law. EJTs are often established to manage zoning, land use, and development in areas immediately adjacent to a city to prevent nonconforming land uses and promote harmonious regional growth.
Examples
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Zoning Controls Beyond City Limits: In some states, cities have the legal authority to enforce zoning regulations in buffer zones extending up to a few miles beyond their official boundaries. This capacity helps ensure that adjacent areas develop in a manner consistent with the city’s plans and prevents undesirable land uses near city limits.
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Annexation Planning: Cities preparing for potential future expansion may use EJTs to influence land use strategies in neighboring territories. This establishes a framework for infrastructure and service provision to areas that might one day be incorporated into the city.
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Environmental Conservation: Cities can use EJTs to manage and protect natural resources in regions that impact urban environmental health, such as watersheds or forested areas, even if these regions are outside their formal jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the primary purposes of establishing Extra-Jurisdictional Territories?
The primary purposes include controlling development patterns, preventing nonconforming land uses next to city borders, planning for future expansion, and conserving environmental resources.
2. How is the extent of EJT control determined?
The extent of control and the specifics of what can be regulated within an EJT are determined by state laws, which vary by jurisdiction.
3. Can cities implement zoning in EJTs?
Yes, cities can use EJTs to extend their zoning powers beyond city limits to ensure adjacent areas develop harmoniously with urban plans.
4. What types of controls can be enforced in an EJT?
Common controls include zoning regulations, land use restrictions, development guidelines, and environmental conservation measures.
5. Are EJTs applicable only to cities?
No, other types of local governmental units, such as counties or municipalities, can also establish EJTs depending on state laws.
Related Terms
- Zoning Laws: Regulations governing the use, size, and location of buildings within certain areas to promote orderly development.
- Nonconforming Land Uses: Land uses that do not conform to current zoning regulations but may have been legally established under previous ones.
- Annexation: The process by which a city or other governmental unit incorporates additional territories into its jurisdiction.
- Buffer Zones: Areas established to separate differing land uses, often used to prevent conflicts and promote compatible development.
- Urban Planning: The process of designing and regulating the use of space within urban areas, including infrastructure, housing, and green spaces.
Online Resources
- American Planning Association
- National Association of Regional Councils
- Urban Land Institute
- Environmental Protection Agency – Smart Growth
References
- “The Practice of Local Government Planning.” International City/County Management Association (ICMA), 4th Edition.
- “Zoning Practice.” American Planning Association.
- “State and Local Governments.” U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Cities and Urban Life” by John J. Macionis and Vincent N. Parrillo
- “Planning local economic development: Theory and practice” by Edward J. Blakely and Nancey Green Leigh
- “Land Use and Society, Revised Edition: Geography, Law, and Public Policy” by Rutherford H. Platt
- “Growth Management and Public Land Acquisition: Balancing Conservation and Development” edited by Christopher Coutts and Jacqueline Carr
