How does annexation work?
Annexation is the legal process for expanding a city’s municipal boundaries. All forms of annexation, except voluntary annexations outside an urbanized area, must be approved by the City Development Board. There are two types of annexation – voluntary and involuntary. From there, annexations can be broken into four different sub-categories: a) Voluntary annexation outside an urbanized area This is the easiest form of annexation. Affected property owners will initiate for annexation by applying to the city council. The application will include a date, signature, and a map showing the proposed annexed territory in relation to city limits. The city council approves the property to be annexed by resolution. Upon approval, the city clerk will file a copy of the resolution, map, and legal description of the land to the Iowa Department of Transportation, the County Recorder, and the Secretary of State. The process is completed once the Secretary of State has filed the map and resolution. b) V
