Annexation
Annexation brings land from unincorporated county territory into a city, so the city's zoning, services, and taxes apply to it.
Also called municipal annexation.
What it tells you
An annexation often marks land at the edge of town that is about to be developed, since owners annex to get city utilities. New subdivisions, roads, and schools tend to follow.
How it moves through a city or county
- The landowner petitions the city, or the city starts the process.
- Staff study the cost of services, and the city may sign an annexation agreement with the owner.
- The city council holds a public hearing and adopts an annexation ordinance.
- The land gets city zoning, often at the same meeting, and the new boundary is recorded.
Annexation law differs more by state than most planning steps. Some states require owner consent or an election; in California, a commission in each county, called LAFCO, decides.
Recent annexations
From public filings in Georgia, Minnesota, and South Carolina.
| Project | Location | Developer | Type | Size | Stage | Latest meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 490-Unit Residential Development on 303 Acres | Clinton, SC | Bush River Sporting Clays | Single-family | 490 homes303.7 acres | Recommended | |
| 382-Unit Residential Development on 114 Acres | Rincon, GA | Patriot Development Group | Single-family | 382 homes114.1 acres | Seeking approval | |
| 6-Unit Residential Development on 87 Acres | Shakopee, MN | U.S. Home, LLC | Single-family | 6 units87 acres | Recommended |
As of How we count
Common questions
- Why would a landowner ask to be annexed?
- A landowner usually asks to be annexed to get city water and sewer, police and fire service, or zoning that allows denser building than the county does. The trade-off is city taxes and city rules.
- Can a city annex land without the owner's consent?
- Some states let a city annex land without the owner's consent under conditions set in state law; others require consent or a vote. The state's annexation statute sets the rules.
Rules vary by state, county, and city. These pages describe common practice, not legal advice.
See annexations near you.
Pick Annexation under Application Type on the Boardwalk map.