Annexations

Annexation is the process adding a property located in one governmental jurisdiction to another governmental jurisdiction. Typically, this involves having property located in an unincorporated jurisdiction added (annexed) to a municipal jurisdiction.

Many people mistakenly believe that the City itself drives the annexation process and actively seeks to annex land. In fact, annexations petitions are initiated by property owners (or potential developers of the property), who are seeking to add land to the City. The reasons for a party proposing a land annexation vary, but they are primarily undertaken in order for properties to have access to municipal utilities and services.

There are currently five types of annexations in Ohio. For more information about each type, please see the County Commissioners Association of Ohio's Annexation Manual. It can be found at the County Commissioners' Association of Ohio website: Commissioner's Annexation Manual.

An annexation petition is first filed with the County Commissioner's Office, which in most cases, must now hold a public hearing on a proposed annexation. Eventually, the elected Council of the City to which the annexed property will be added must determine what types of services would be provided by the City if the land were annexed. If the County Commissioner's approve an annexation petition, the City Council of the annexing jurisdiction must also adopt an ordinance to accept the annexation. 

To assist them in making a decision regarding the appropriateness of an annexation petition, Council relies on the following documents: