On Tuesday, the El Paso City Council voted unanimously to release approximately 2,295.6 acres of land located south of Eastlake Boulevard and west of Darlington Road. The parcel lies within the city’s five‑mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), an area the city can regulate but does not currently provide services or collect taxes.
Why the council acted
Planning and Inspection Director Kevin Smith explained that the ETJ gives El Paso the ability to set standards for any future annexation. While the city does not presently have authority to annex the land, it retains subdivision control. Smith said he does not anticipate El Paso annexing the property, noting that the city’s involvement would be limited to ensuring any development conforms to existing regulations.
Horizon City’s request
Horizon City submitted a formal request to take control of the land so that new developments would be subject to Horizon’s building codes and safety inspections. Mayor Andres Renteria emphasized that Horizon seeks “controlled growth” and wants to prevent rogue projects that bypass permits. “It gives us the ability to go out there and do an inspection and make sure that construction was done in a correct manner,” Renteria said. He added that proper oversight protects residents from unsafe structures and ensures fire, police and other essential services can be provided.
Impact on the community
The council’s decision aligns with Horizon’s plan to annex the parcel within the year. City officials have already begun discussions with the private landowners to facilitate the transfer. By moving the land into Horizon’s jurisdiction, local authorities expect more consistent enforcement of building standards, which should reduce the likelihood of unsafe or illegal construction.
For El Paso residents, the move means the city will continue to focus its resources on areas where it provides services, while Horizon assumes responsibility for the newly released land. This division of oversight reflects a pragmatic approach to regional growth, allowing each municipality to manage development according to its own standards and capacity.
Next steps
Horizon City will pursue the formal annexation process over the coming months, working with the current landowners to finalize agreements. Both cities have indicated a willingness to cooperate on matters of public safety, infrastructure and emergency response, ensuring that residents in the newly annexed area receive the necessary protections.
The council’s unanimous vote demonstrates a shared commitment among El Paso officials to support orderly development while respecting the limits of municipal authority. As the region continues to expand, coordinated planning between neighboring cities will be essential to maintaining safe, livable neighborhoods for families across West Texas.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
