Lot feasibility in Austin’s Travis County ETJ
For a lot outside city limits, the first research question is who has authority over the property today. In Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, subdivision, drainage and wastewater questions can involve different offices and separate records.
$200 USDplus applicable tax · one parcel
Report coverage
The parcel must lie in unincorporated Travis County and within Austin’s current ETJ. Online property search uses Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) records and checks mapped jurisdiction. A boundary crossing or unclear result needs coverage confirmation before ordering.
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Confirm the current boundary
Look up the parcel in Austin’s Jurisdictions Webmap and confirm both county and jurisdiction. An Austin mailing address or an older listing map is not enough to establish ETJ status.
Austin describes processes for boundary adjustments and property releases from the ETJ. If the tract has a release request or a disputed boundary history, confirm its present status with the City before relying on an older jurisdiction label. Our coverage here is limited to unincorporated Travis County land currently within Austin’s ETJ.
Separate subdivision from construction review
Planning to divide a tract brings a different question from building on an existing lot. Travis County’s subdivision guidance directs Austin ETJ applicants to the City’s subdivision process. Start with the property’s legal description and recorded plat, then confirm which City and County reviews your proposal needs.
The County’s residential permit guide asks for site contours, easements, grading and waterways, with additional documentation for a tract partly in a floodplain. Check these against proposed building and driveway locations before committing to a layout.
Resolve wastewater and service questions early
Find out whether the intended project would use a sewer connection or an on-site sewage facility, commonly called a septic system. For septic applications, Travis County asks about distance to sewer and a site plan showing wells, water lines, easements, waterways, slopes and the proposed system.
Those details matter when reserving space for a house, driveway and wastewater system on the same lot. Confirm connection availability with the utility provider and septic requirements with the responsible permitting office before treating a service assumption as settled.
What your report brings together
Deed-restriction research and unofficial title-chain documents, applicable zoning and flood information, terrain and slope analysis, and an interactive 3D LiDAR view. The report identifies sources, assumptions and questions that need follow-up.
Every report receives human review before delivery. Your report page includes a summary PDF, full report PDF and a downloadable 3D view.
Preliminary research for one confirmed parcel. The report does not replace a survey, engineering, formal title examination, legal or professional advice, or official approval to build. Read the purchase terms.