Orange County NC Website
141 <br />W <br />• Density and contiguity standards generally did not change, although <br />doughnut holes can now be annexed without the need to meet the density <br />standards. <br />• Annexation ordinances must become effective on the first or second June <br />30th following adoption. <br />• The act codifies, in part, case law prohibiting "shoestring" annexations by <br />clarifying that contiguity cannot be established by a connecting corridor <br />that consists solely of the length of a street or street right -of -way. <br />• The act prohibits the splitting of parcels. If any portion of a parcel of <br />property is proposed for annexation, the entire parcel as recorded in the <br />deed transferring the title is to be included. <br />• There are several changes to notification procedure. Mail notice to <br />property owners and publication are now required after passage of the <br />resolution of consideration. As to notices following the resolution of <br />intent, the combined notice of the public informational meeting and public <br />hearing must contain several additional information items and must be <br />mailed within five business days of the resolution of intent in addition to <br />publication. <br />• There are changes to the timeline and contents of the public meetings. <br />The public hearing may not take place until 30 days after the water and <br />sewer sign -up period is complete. The public information meeting must <br />now include an explanation of the provision of major municipal services; <br />how to request water or sewer service to individual lots; the average cost <br />of a residential connection to the water and sewer system; and an <br />explanation of the opportunity for installation of a residential connection. <br />V. Appeals and Remedies <br />Services. The city must report to the Local Government Commission regarding its <br />delivery of services. If the LGC determines that the municipality failed to deliver any <br />required police, fire, solid waste, and street maintenance services within 30 days of the <br />effective date, the residents of the annexation area are not included in its population of <br />the municipality for state, federal, or county funding distributions based on population <br />until all of the services are provided. During the period from 30 days until 15 months <br />after the effective date, property owners may also seek a writ of mandamus if services <br />are not being provided. The city must also report to the LGC as to whether it has <br />completed installation of water and sewer lines. Reports are required within six months <br />of the effective date of the annexation, and again within 3.5 years or upon completion of <br />