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What is the ETJ?
The extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is an area that is outside of Raleigh city limits but subject to Raleigh zoning and building regulations. North Carolina state law allows cities to establish ETJ areas to more effectively regulate development and plan for infrastructure like water and sewer.
In the 2025 session, the General Assembly passed Senate Law 30, which prohibits municipalities in Wake County from expanding ETJ until December 31, 2028.
Is the ETJ inside city limits?
No, areas inside the ETJ are not in city limits and an expansion of the ETJ does not annex properties. Raleigh can more readily consider requests for annexation from property owners inside the ETJ.
What city services are provided inside the ETJ?
Residents of Raleigh’s ETJ do not receive most city services such as water, sewer, trash pickup, and fire response. Properties inside the ETJ can obtain these services by requesting to annex into Raleigh city limits.
Do property owners in the ETJ pay city taxes?
There are no taxes directly associated with the ETJ. Property owners located in Raleigh’s ETJ do not pay city taxes.
Can ETJ residents vote in city elections?
Residents of Raleigh’s ETJ do not vote for City Council members. A member of Raleigh’s Planning Commission, a group that advises City Council on planning matters, acts as a representative of the ETJ. The Wake County Commission appoints this individual.
If my property is outside of the ETJ, can I petition the city for annexation?
Per city policy (Resolution 2022-380), the City of Raleigh does not accept annexation petitions for property outside the ETJ (except in limited circumstances).
Per city policy (Resolution 2025-717), no property outside the Priority Annexation Boundary will be eligible for annexation before October 26, 2026.
Petitions for annexation for eligible properties outside of Raleigh’s ETJ must be accompanied by a rezoning application.
For more information, please visit the Annexations webpage.