Texas Local Government Code - LOC GOV'T § 386.031. Criteria for Development Zone Creation

(1) have a continuous boundary;

(2) be at least 10 square miles but not larger than an area that is equal to five percent of the area, excluding lakes, waterways, and transportation arteries, of the municipality, county, or combination of municipalities and the county nominating the area as a development zone;

(3) be an area of pervasive poverty, unemployment, or economic distress;

(4) be located in a county with a population of 3.3 million or more;

(5) be adjacent to major transportation nodes and thoroughfares that may be used for exporting products to major airports, railways, and ports; and

(6) be designated as a development zone by an ordinance or order adopted by each creating body.