What is the "3-Mile Rule" for platting?

The "3-Mile Rule" refers specifically to the extent of municipal planning jurisdiction, which is defined as extending 3 miles beyond the corporate limits of a city or town. This rule allows municipalities to exercise regulatory control over land use within this boundary, ensuring that developments outside the city limits are consistent with the planning objectives and zoning regulations set by the municipality. This is particularly significant for managing growth and infrastructure development, as it enables local governments to influence community development in areas that are adjacent to their corporate limits, thereby preventing haphazard or uncoordinated expansion.

The other options do not accurately describe the "3-Mile Rule." The requirement that subdivisions must be a specified distance apart does not pertain to the jurisdictional rule, while city services typically do not have a standard extension limit like the 3 miles, as they can vary based on specific service agreements and infrastructure capabilities. Lastly, there is no legal requirement that platting itself must meet a minimum footprint of 3 miles, as platting deals more with the layout and design of land subdivisions rather than a specific distance requirement.