• Long-range plans
• Development
• Public hearings & notices - how to find out what's going on
• How to effectively share your imput at a public meeting
• Am I in the city?
• Things to consider when locating your business
• When do I need a permit?

Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
The area immediately outside the city limits is referred to as the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).  The distance the ETJ may extend from the city limits is determined by the city’s population, and abutting cities negotiate the extent of their ETJs so that they don’t overlap. 

Residents in Round Rock’s ETJ usually have Round Rock postal addresses although they are not residents of the city and do not pay city taxes.  Non-residents may be required to pay a fee to use some services that are provided through city taxes.  To check your residency, look at your property tax statement or utility bill to see whether you are paying taxes or utilities to the City of Round Rock, or look up your address on CityView, or call the Planning Department at 512-218-5428.

Municipal Utility District (MUD)
Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) are areas in the ETJ where water, wastewater and fire protection services are provided through private contracts (map).  The contract to provide these services may be with the City, but is more likely with a private utility company and volunteer fire department.  To pay for these services, MUD property owners pay a MUD tax instead of city taxes.  In addition to utilities and services, the MUD also regulates land use and development through deed restrictions.  New MUDs must be approved by the City, the State and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Temporary Use Permit
A temporary use permit will allow some uses where they would otherwise not be permitted.  Examples include seasonal uses, such as Christmas tree lots, or temporary buildings during construction or remodeling.  Short-term events such as carnivals or block parties, or anything involving a street closure, must use a special event permit.

Variance
A variance is an exception to a specific provision of the Zoning Ordinance (pdf) in response to conditions in a particular site.  An example would be a setback adjustment to accommodate a large tree.  Variance requests are decided by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) as requests arise.  For more information, please refer to Zoning Ordinance Section 11.204 or contact Brad Wiseman at 512-341-3321.