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Bill

SB 37

Repealing the three-mile extraterritorial planning and zoning authority for cities.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill eliminates cities' three-mile zoning authority over unincorporated areas, returning land-use control to counties and property owners.

Died in Committee
#cities #zonesandzoning
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Bill Summary · SB 37

Legislative bill overview

SB 37 would eliminate the three-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) that Kansas cities currently exercise over planning and zoning in unincorporated areas beyond their municipal boundaries. This authority allows cities to regulate land use and development in surrounding areas even though those areas are not within city limits and residents cannot vote in city elections.

Why is this important

Extraterritorial zoning authority significantly affects property rights and development decisions for rural landowners and unincorporated communities. Removing this power would shift land use control back to county governments and individual property owners, potentially enabling more development in areas cities previously could restrict, while also reducing cities' ability to manage growth patterns and protect infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. property rights: Cities argue ETJ prevents sprawl and coordinates infrastructure; rural property owners argue they shouldn't be regulated by governments they don't vote for
  • Development and growth management: Repeal could accelerate suburban expansion and make it harder for cities to plan coherent development patterns, potentially increasing infrastructure costs
  • County authority expansion: Counties would gain more zoning control, but may lack resources or experience with comprehensive planning that cities currently provide

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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