Village of Pinehurst, NC
Home MenuExtraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) is a land-use planning tool that allows cities to extend zoning authority beyond their municipal boundaries, typically up to three miles, to manage growth and prevent incompatible land uses near urban areas. This authority emerged in the post-World War II era to address unregulated development along urban fringes, which often led to safety, health, and property value issues for residents. ETJ is especially important in rapidly growing areas, where it helps manage infrastructure investments and ensures that taxpayer-funded resources are used efficiently to meet the needs of both urban and surrounding populations.
One significant reason Pinehurst and other towns want to retain their ETJ authority is the protection it offers against incompatible land uses. In areas where counties lack strong zoning controls, such as parts of Moore County, development can occur without the input or oversight of the municipalities that are most affected. For tourism-centric communities like Pinehurst, where the local economy relies on maintaining a high quality of life, the risk of unregulated development can undermine property values and overall community appeal. By maintaining ETJ authority, municipalities can better safeguard their residents’ homes and businesses.
Furthermore, ETJs enable municipalities to create long-term growth plans in partnership with the county, which can anticipate future service and infrastructure needs. Several local governments, including those in Moore County, have entered into interlocal agreements to coordinate land-use planning and ensure that all areas, both within city limits and in ETJs, are developed sustainably.
Despite these arguments, some state legislators, have supported the idea of eliminating ETJs, citing concerns about property rights and representation for ETJ residents. One such bill, submitted in March 2025, was Senate Bill 314. These residents do not pay municipal taxes but are still subject to city-imposed zoning regulations without the ability to vote in municipal elections. However, local leaders argue that ETJs offer an essential planning tool that protects the long-term interests of both municipalities and their surrounding areas. As the debate continues, the future of ETJ authority remains uncertain.
This map is the Village's official zoning map. It shows the Village boundary in thick black and the ETJ boundary in green.
For additional information regarding ETJs, please see the following documents prepared by the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM).
Village Council Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 314
December 2024 NCLM ETJ Meeting Slides
Below are some local media articles on ETJs that may be of interest. Note: a subscription may be needed.