Council authorizes interlocal agreement ceding subdivision‑plat jurisdiction in ETJ to Coryell County

Copperas Cove City Council on June 17 authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement granting Coryell County exclusive jurisdiction to regulate subdivision plats and related permits within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Bobby Lewis, the city’s development services director, told council the city has limited authority in its ETJ and noted that Lampasas County previously was granted similar jurisdiction. Lewis said Coryell County’s commissioners approved the same interlocal agreement on May 13 and that under the agreement the county will accept subdivision plat applications in the ETJ and will send copies to the city upon receipt. The city will notify Coryell County of any ETJ boundary changes that result from annexation.

Why it matters: The change transfers plat review authority in the ETJ from the city to Coryell County, removing the city’s responsibility for subdivision permitting outside city limits. Lewis told council the agreement was intended to provide a single county‑level permitting route for properties in the ETJ and to clarify procedures for notification and coordination.

Council action

Council voted to authorize the mayor to execute the interlocal agreement; the motion passed by voice vote.

What remains the same

Lewis clarified during council questions that building permits and inspections for properties inside the city limits will continue to be handled by the city. The interlocal agreement applies only to the ETJ and does not change in‑city permitting or inspections.