Annexation

Annexation is the process by which a city expands its boundaries into unincorporated adjacent lands, resulting in the extension of city services into the newly encompassed areas. Annexations may be pursued for a number of reasons including increasing a municipality's financial base, providing additional or improved service to annexed residents, or managing the development and growth of an area.

Voluntary Annexation

Annexation by petition is more commonly referred to as a voluntary annexation. Voluntary annexations are the only type of annexations that the City considers at this time due to significant changes to state statutes. Voluntary annexation requires 100 percent of property owner consent.

Process Overview

1. The first step in the annexation process is a required pre-submittal meeting with planning staff. During this meeting, applicants learn about city and state policies, the context of their site, and expectations for the annexation application and process.

     

   

    

2. Once the meeting is completed, applicants submit an application to the City Clerk’s Office, which includes items such as a signed annexation petition, a boundary description, a fiscal analysis, two different sized plat maps, and a letter to the Mayor and City Council.

    

   

    

3. Once submitted, the application undergoes review, including evaluations by Planning, Engineering, and various other city departments to assess impacts to municipal services and resources. The City also notifies surrounding municipalities to ensure compliance with existing agreements.

    

   

    

4. If all requirements are met, a Certificate of Sufficiency is issued, which allows the petition to move forward to City Council for a public hearing and final decision.