Annexation Overview

Annexation is the legal process for expanding city boundaries. A territory may be added to a city through a voluntary application by the owners of land adjoining a city, an 80/20 “voluntary” annexation, or involuntarily through a city petition.

Types of Annexation

Voluntary Annexation

 A voluntary annexation occurs when all the affected property owners agree to annexation. The property owners initiate the process by applying to the city council. The application must include the date, all property owner signatures, the property’s legal description, and a map showing the proposed annexed territory in relation to the city limits.  

The city council must mail a copy of the application to the county board of supervisors and publish notice of the application in an official county newspaper in each affected county at least 14 days prior to taking any action. Once the council approves the application, the city clerk files a copy of the resolution, map, and land’s legal description with the county board of supervisors in each affected county, each affected public utility, the Iowa Department of Transportation, county recorder, and Secretary of State. The annexation process is complete once the Secretary of State records and files the map and resolution.  

If the property is located within two miles of another city, the annexation application must be approved by both the city council and the City Development Board. The City Development Board consists of...