American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)?

1. Authority granted by a state to a city to regulate land use within its own boundaries

2. Authority granted by a state to a city to regulate zoning beyond its boundaries

3. A method for enforcing state taxes on local businesses

4. A federal mandate for urban development

The correct answer is: Authority granted by a state to a city to regulate zoning beyond its boundaries

Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) refers specifically to the authority granted by a state to a local government, typically a city, allowing it to exercise land use regulations or zoning powers beyond its own municipal boundaries. This mechanism is particularly useful for urban areas experiencing development pressures that extend into surrounding regions. For example, a city may want to regulate growth in areas just outside its borders to ensure compatible land uses with existing developments. By exercising ETJ, the city can implement zoning laws, land use planning, and other regulations to manage growth and development effectively, thus protecting its interests and ensuring coherent urban planning. This form of jurisdiction often comes into play in areas that are transitioning from rural to urban uses, where unregulated growth could lead to conflicts or adverse impacts on the city’s residents and infrastructure. Therefore, the focus of ETJ is on proactive regulation to manage spatial growth impacts effectively, which distinguishes it from other concepts related to municipal authority.