DESCRIPTION

Land outside the City's boundaries is incorporated into the City through an ordinance.  Annexations can be involuntary or voluntary. Involuntary annexations involve one of several specific processes such as special legislative acts and referendum. The process for voluntary annexations, which occur more commonly, is described below.  All annexation processes are dictated by State law.

PROCESS

Planning and Zoning Board holds a public hearing and makes a recommendation to City Commission.  City  Commission considers the annexation ordinance at two meetings, a regular meeting, then a public hearing, generally held two weeks apart. Commission makes the final decision.

Annexations involve the assignment of a City land use designation and zoning classification. While these processes occur together, they each involve separate decisions and findings of fact.