Volume 9, No. 7 • July 2016
NORTH TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION
4410 Fairway Boulevard Wichita Falls, TX 76308
P: 940.692.2211 F: 940.692.2214
www.nthba.com
From the President Many of you may remember several of us that have been attending state meetings reporting on the issues some areas have been having regarding their extraterritorial jurisdictions or ETJ (Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is the legal ability of a government to exercise authority beyond its normal boundaries.) Below is a victory to a 3yr. or longer battle that TAB had a major role in helping local HBA’s win. MAJOR VICTORY FOR PROPERTY RIGHTS AND HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: TEXAS SUPREME COURT RELEASES BIZIOS OPINION On May 27, 2016 the Texas Supreme Court released its opinion in the Town of Lakewood Village v. Bizios. In doing so, the Court affirmed the Court of Appeals for the Second District of Texas' finding that the Texas Local Government Code does not grant general-law municipalities the power to enforce building code ordinances within their respective extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJ). The fact pattern for the case involved an overzealous city that was enforcing its building codes and sizeable fees on a homeowner in the city's ETJ, where property owners do not receive city services nor have the right to vote in city council elections. This decision is a major victory for private property rights and housing affordability, and makes it clear that the only express power granted by Texas Local Government Code Continues on page 3
Special Thanks to our 2016 NTHBA Partners: Diamond Atmos Energy Platinum First National Bank Guarantee Title
What’s
INSIDE
• History of the 4th of July
• What You Need to Know About OSHA • Parade of Homes By: Lee Grace • Housing Hall of Honor Deadline