Annexation Primer

Annexation is the method by which a city expands its boundaries.  In Washington, only property that is located within a city’s urban growth area can be annexed to that City (see my prior posts regarding how urban growth areas are established).

The most frequently used method of annexation is known as the 75% petition annexation method.  Under this method, which is used by the City of Bellingham, annexations are initiated when owners of at least 10% of the acreage within the annexation area submit a petition to the city council.  The city council then decides whether to initiate the annexation, modify the geographical area, or reject the annexation.  If the annexation is initiated then initiating parties must circulate another petition, which must be signed by owners representing at least 75% of the assessed valuation within the annexation area.

Once this 75% petition is submitted and determined to be legally sufficient, the annexation is reviewed by the Boundary Review Board (BRB).   During the 45 day BRB Review period other affected jurisdictions and agencies (i.e. the county in which the annexation is located, fire districts, school districts, etc.) and other property owners may request a hearing on the annexation before the BRB.

If no hearing is requested before the BRB then the city council holds a public hearing on the proposed annexation and makes a final decision thereafter.  Once annexed the subject property will be incorporated in the city limits and will obtain necessary services (water, sewer, fire, shools, etc.) from city departments.

Future posts will address the pros and cons of annexation.  But, in brief, the major benefit of annexation is that it allows a city to exert control over planning and zoning for the area.  By annexing undeveloped areas, cities can require master planning and ensure logical and orderly growth.