Cities can only annex territory that is located inside their own extraterritorial jurisdiction. Cities are not permitted to annex areas located inside another City , or in another City's ETJ , unless both cities agree to such an action. Anyone who owns property located inside Fort Worth's ETJ, and that touches an existing city limits boundary, may petition and apply to have his or her property annexed into Fort Worth. Several different property owners whose land is situated in the same general area may file a petition and application if their properties are contiguous. All persons having an ownership interest in the property must sign the petition and application.
State law requires a city to present a service plan for each area proposed for annexation.
The service plan may provide for different levels of service based on topography, land use, and population density. However, the service plan may not propose fewer services or lower levels of service than were in existence prior to annexation or that are available in other parts of the city with similar characteristics. To Develop Land within Fort Worth's City Limits or ETJ Platting or replatting is required for all property within the corporate limits of Fort Worth, as well as within a five-mile radius of the corporate limits. Land must be platted in accordance with the state statutes, the city's subdivision ordinance and the City Plan Commission rules and regulations. There are five categories of plats.