Since the planning for growth includes areas not currently in the city, the state allows each city a buffer zone in which they can control platting outside of their city limits. This buffer is called Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). The City has platting control within its ETJ, but not zoning control. The ETJ width is determined by the State based on a city's population. The current ETJ extension of Lakeside is one-half (1/2) mile from the city limits.
In addition, the ETJ allows for an orderly process when two cities start to grow together. By ETJ agreements, cities can allocate potential overlap areas among the affected cities.