Relating to the imposition by a municipality of a moratorium on property development in certain circumstances.

Texas cities face tighter development pause limits

Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas cities face stricter rules for pausing property development through a moratorium. Cities must publish newspaper notice at least 30 days before each hearing. They must also send certified-mail notices to people who requested notice by certified or registered mail within the previous two years. City leaders must hold two public hearings at least 30 days apart. They must start their final decision within 12 days after the second hearing or cannot adopt the pause. The ordinance needs at least two readings, at least 28 days apart. It takes effect only after final adoption by at least three-fourths of all governing-body members. The law removes the temporary development pause during the hearing process. An adopted pause ends after 90 days unless extended, and its total length cannot exceed 180 days. An extension requires a public hearing and written findings identifying the problem, reasonable progress, and a definite extension period. Those findings must also summarize evidence that the problem will be resolved during the extension. Cities must wait two years after a previous pause expires before adopting another addressing the same harm, property type, or area.