Iredell cities would need county approval for some annexations

Before adopting an annexation ordinance, a city council must get county approval if a planning review finds residential zoning would put public school enrollment above current county capacity. This applies only in Iredell County and only to land that meets the stated land-use and location rules. Before the public hearing, the city planning department must consult the county planning department about the effect on school enrollment. The rule applies to agricultural, forest, or horticultural land, or land enrolled in present-use value taxation within the previous three calendar years, if it is outside the city's primary limits and extraterritorial planning area. If the county board rejects annexation, the city council may proceed only if it agrees to pay what is needed to bring the county back into compliance with school capacity. The act would take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to annexation petitions received on or after that date.