Cities and towns would seek landowner signatures for annexations

A city or town would file a petition signed by supporting landowners with a court before the annexation could proceed. This covers city- or town-started annexations under the stated process when the written plan for costs and services is adopted after March 29, 2026. At least 51% of owners of land that is not tax-exempt must sign, or the signers must own more than 75% of that land's assessed value. The court would check whether the petition has enough signatures. The city or town must file the petition within 90 days after publishing its annexation ordinance.

A qualifying landowner could join the court case about the proposed annexation. This applies to owners of property in the proposed annexation area when the city or town files a petition under this process. No owner of that property may have signed the petition. The landowner must have appeared in person or filed an objection at the earlier local hearing. The court would hold a hearing after finding that the petition has enough signatures.

A city or town could annex certain land that does not touch its boundary if all owners petition for it. The land must lie entirely within two miles of the city or town and be planned for business, industry, multifamily housing, or at least 50 single-family homes. All landowners must sign the petition. The city or town and the landowner must have a written agreement for gas, electricity, water, or sewer service. A majority of each affected county's governing board must approve. The proposal ends if any affected county fails to decide within 60 days after the city or town files it with that county.