Sec. 83.014. LIMITATION OF POWERS. (a) A governmental entity may not impose a regulation, rule, or ordinance related to endangered species unless the regulation, rule, or ordinance is necessary to implement a habitat conservation plan or regional habitat conservation plan for which the governmental entity was issued a federal permit. This subsection does not limit the authority of a governmental entity to adopt a rule, regulation, or ordinance restricting the withdrawal of groundwater.

(b) A governmental entity may not discriminate against a permit application, permit approval, or the provision of utility service for land that:

(1) is or has been designated as habitat preserve or potential habitat preserve in a regional habitat conservation plan or habitat conservation plan;

(2) is designated as critical habitat under the federal act; or

(3) has endangered species or endangered species habitat.

(c) A governmental entity may not deny or limit available water or wastewater service to land in the service area of the governmental entity that has been designated as habitat preserve or potential habitat preserve in a regional habitat conservation plan or in a habitat conservation plan. For purposes of this subsection, a governmental entity may not remove land from its water or wastewater utility service areas after the date established under Section 83.018(b).

(d) A governmental entity may not, as a condition for the issuance of a permit, approval, or service, require a person to:

(1) pay a mitigation fee to a plan participant;

(2) set aside, lease, or convey land as habitat preserve; or

(3) pay a mitigation fee for land set aside or restricted from development under local, state, or federal law or regulation.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1268, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.