Annexation Overview

Annexation is the legal process for expanding city boundaries. A territory may be added to a city through a voluntary application by the owners of land adjoining a city, an 80/20 “voluntary” annexation, or involuntarily through a city petition.

Types of Annexation

Voluntary Annexation

 A voluntary annexation occurs when all the affected property owners agree to annexation. The property owners initiate the process by applying to the city council. The application must include the date, all property owner signatures, the property’s legal description, and a map showing the proposed annexed territory in relation to the city limits.  

The city council must mail a copy of the application to the county board of supervisors and publish notice of the application in an official county newspaper in each affected county at least 14 days prior to taking any action. Once the council approves the application, the city clerk files a copy of the resolution, map, and land’s legal description with the county board of supervisors in each affected...