Texas Local Government Code requires the owner of a tract of land located within the corporate limits or within the extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of a municipality who divides the tract in two or more parts to lay out a subdivision of the tract. To receive building permits or utility service a subdivision plat is required unless local codes authorize a specific exception. In general it is unlawful to sell or make improvements to land until the local governing body has approved a plat of the proposed subdivision design and plans for the proposed infrastructure.
