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Annexations

Voluntary process for acquiring city services


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Before Submitting an Application Prepare Application Materials Submittal Instructions Petition Review and Process Paying Fees Annexation Services

State laws allow cities to add properties to the city (annex) so they can provide essential services such as police and fire protection, water and sewer lines, recreation, solid waste collection, and street maintenance. Annexations by the City of Raleigh are voluntary and happen when a petition comes from a landowner.

Before Submitting an Application

Property owners (petitioners are required to complete an annexation application before connecting to City services (resolution). It is important to know:

  • This applies to developed and undeveloped property.
  • If you are requesting sewer service only you must contact Raleigh Water before submitting your paperwork. You will need to include a copy of the application for sewer service with your annexation application.
  • Property owners and successive property owners are responsible for the cost of extending utilities to the annexed area

The City of Raleigh does not accept annexation petitions for property outside the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The ETJ is an area outside the city limits where the City has jurisdiction over planning and zoning regulations. For more information, watch our video about the differences between ETJ and Annexations.

City policy (Resolution 1993-208) requires owners of property outside the Raleigh city limits to submit an annexation petition application before they can connect to City utilities. This applies to property that is already developed or proposed for development. The petitioners and successive property owners are responsible for the costs of utilities extended to and within the annexed area.  

To determine if your property is outside of Raleigh city limits, search the iMAPS website by your address with the Parcel, Jurisdictions, and Corporate Limits layers activated. 

City policy (Resolution 2008-460, Resolution 2009-22, and Resolution 2022-380) is not to accept annexation petitions for property outside the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, or ETJ, except in limited circumstances. The ETJ is an area outside the city limits where the City has jurisdiction over planning and zoning regulations. 

Applicants who request sewer service only must contact Raleigh Water before submitting an annexation petition and include a copy of the application for sewer service with their petition.

Prepare Application Materials

The below application forms and supporting documents are required for new annexations

  1. Annexation Petition Application
    1. All property owners having an interest in the property must sign the petition. Signatures should replicate those on the property deed and should include the spouse’s signature if the property is jointly owned through marriage. If the property owner is a corporation, include a corporate seal on the petition signature page.
    2. Please submit an original, wet signature.
  2. All documents are shown on Submittal Checklist that is attached to the petition.
  3. If the property is outside City ETJ, a Rezoning Application must be filed simultaneously and a copy must be submitted with the petition. 

Submittal Instructions

There are two ways to submit your annexation application and supporting documents:

  1. In-Person:
    Downtown Raleigh
    One Exchange Plaza
    Suite 300
    Attn: Sean Stewart
  2. Via mail:
    City of Raleigh
    Planning and Development Department
    Attn: Sean Stewart
    P.O. Box 590
    Raleigh NC, 27602 

Petition Review and Process

After we receive your petition, you can track the progress of your case via a registered account in the Permit and Development Portal. You can generally expect the following to occur:

  1. City staff reviews the petition and will notify you with any questions.
  2. If the petition is sufficient, staff submits it to City Council with recommendations for proceeding with annexation consideration. The initial City Council appearance will be to acknowledge the annexation petition and set the public hearing date.
  3. At its second City Council appearance or public hearing, staff will provide a presentation on the proposed annexation. At the public hearing, the petitioner and other members of the public may speak. Council then approves or denies the annexation. 
  4. The petitioner is notified of Council’s decision. If the Council approves the annexation, the petitioner receives notification of the decision, a copy of the ordinance with the effective date of the annexation and a resolution showing the Council District(s) that represent the property. 

Standard processing time is approximately 40 to 60 business days from submittal of petition to approval of annexation. More time may be required for requests involving notification of other municipalities and/or rezoning. 

Paying Fees

An Annexation Fee is due at the time of submittal. Fees vary based on the type of annexation request. 

The Development Fee Guide provides a detailed list of specific development fees.

  • It is recommended that fees be paid via the Permit Portal.
  • All major credit cards and eCheck payments are accepted.
  • If you have questions, please contact the Customer Service Center.

A  fee calculator may be used to obtain an estimate of some building and trade permit fees.

More fee information for Annexations:

  • Property owners are subject to City property taxes upon annexation. Property is taxed on a fiscal year basis (July 1 to June 30). City tax rates are set annually.
  • If applicable, you may be required to pay annual motor vehicle license fees (collected by the county).
  • You may be charged monthly solid waste fees and stormwater fees.
  • Property owners are responsible for utility extensions or installations.
  • Fee-in-lieu assessments for street or sidewalk construction projects previously undertaken by the City are due upon annexation.

Annexation Services

Read about the services you will receive upon annexation. Annexations can have different effective dates that can impact different permits and utility connections. View the Annexation Permit Matrix to learn more.

Contact

 

Christopher Golden
Planning Supervisor
Planning and Development
christopher.golden@raleighnc.gov
919-996-6368

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Lead Department:
Planning and Development
Service Categories:
Land / Site DevelopmentPlanning