15.38.010 Proposal – Considerations.
When considering annexation proposals, the following criteria will be given consideration:
A. Revenues gained by the city through annexation should be at least equal to the additional costs incurred by the city for provision of all city services to the area requesting annexation. The probability of substantial future financial benefit to the city should be considered when deciding on annexation proposals. Where reasonable, newly annexed areas may be required to assume a proportionate share of the city’s outstanding bonded indebtedness at the time of annexation. Reasonableness shall be determined by the city council using the following criteria:
1. Whether and the degree to which the area to be annexed will benefit from the improvements funded by the bonded indebtedness;
2. The obligation of property owners within the area to be annexed to pay other outstanding bonded indebtedness for special district improvements, and the extent of that financial burden;
3. Whether other financial obligations (such as LIDs) will be placed on property owners upon annexation, and the extent of those obligations;
4. The desirability to the city of annexing the area under consideration.
B. Areas to be annexed should be contiguous to current city limits, should have regular, logical boundaries, and should include all, not just part, of a recognized neighborhood or community area. Such community areas should be identified by the city’s comprehensive land use plan for the urban service area. Annexation should not create “fingers” or “islands” of incorporated or unincorporated land.
C. The public health and welfare of areas to be annexed and the city as a whole should be enhanced through annexation and provision of city services.
D. The city should have the capacity to provide the full range of urban services to newly annexed areas in a timely manner without reducing the level of those services to other city residents and businesses.
E. Existing and proposed uses and development standards for areas considered for annexation should be consistent with adopted city plans and standards.
F. Consideration should be given to the availability of land within the city for the uses which would be developed upon annexation, encouraging infilling of existing undeveloped areas before extending services which allow similar development in peripheral areas unless there is a benefit to the community at large. [Ord. 9461 § 4, 1985].