Is the City of Asheville only interested in annexing areas with water and sewer to minimize costs?
The City’s annexation program is focused on annexing areas with high growth potential and existing development. Areas with water and sewer typically have the highest growth potential and most of the urban development. (NOTE: Most cities require annexation as a condition of receiving water and sewer. Asheville has not had that option under the former water agreement and current sewer agreement. Recent state legislation has prevented the City from using water service as a condition of annexation or for the City to charge higher rates for non-City customers. We are the only city in North Carolina with these restrictions.) Even areas that contain water and sewer that are targeted for annexation may require upgrades or other service enhancements. This is consistent with Council policy to provide water and sewer services in annexation areas at the same level as other City residents enjoy. For example, water service upgrades are often needed to provide fire hydrants to annexed areas, improvin
