State law requires a landowner to obtain a city's written consent before creating a district within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The City of San Antonio (City) grants this consent through a City Council resolution. The City establishes conditions for its consent through a development agreement with the landowners, which must be approved by City Council.
This process allows the Regional Planning Division to negotiate development agreements with landowners that outline the conditions under which the City consents to the creation of a district.
Development agreements include infrastructure and development standards, as well as rules and responsibilities that apply to the property if it is annexed in the future. The agreements also outline the powers delegated to the created entity to construct roads and water, wastewater, or drainage facilities.
Special districts include Public Improvement Districts (PIDs), Water Control and Improvement Districts, Fresh Water Supply Districts, and other similar districts. The most common request is for the City's consent to the county's creation of a Chapter 382 PID.
As part of the City's FY 2027 budget process, City Council approved updated fees for special districts. These fees took effect on October 1, 2026.
The updated fees are:
The City will bill these fees to the petitioner.
Below is a table including Districts that exist in the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) and the associated ordinances and resolutions.
Visit the Bexar County Special Improvement Districts website to see a list of Special Districts created by Bexar County.