Annexations

Purpose

With enhanced access and development interest, more and more property owners are considering annexation, be it for local land use control or urban services. To be considered for annexation, a property must be within the Urban Growth Area (UGA), an area designated by the County for urban development.

Process

The following is a brief summary of the annexation process most  utilized by property owners to propose annexation, as outlined in State  Law (RCW 35A.14):

  • The owners of no less than 10% of a proposed land area shall  provide the city, in writing, a “Notice of Intention to Commence  Annexation” (city form available), along with a legal description (land  survey) of the proposed boundaries.
  • The Gig Harbor City Council shall set a date to meet with the annexation proponents within 60-days of receiving the notice.
  • Prior to the first public meeting, the City will send the proposed  legal description to the Pierce County Boundary Review Board for  acceptance.
  • If the Gig Harbor City Council chooses to modify the proposed boundaries, another County and City review is required.
  • When authorized by the City Council, an annexation petition can be circulated among affected property owners, stating any conditions of annexation arrived upon by the City Council.
  • Owners of 60% of the assessed value of the proposed area must sign  and date their endorsement of the petition and include documentation of property ownership when necessary.
  • Within three days of receiving an authorized petition and appropriate filing fee, the City Clerk will transmit the petition and  documentation to Pierce County for certification.
  • Following certification, the Gig Harbor City Council shall hold a public hearing to fully consider the annexation request and vote to  accept or reject it.
  • The decision to annex an area can be appealed through a 45-day appeal period administered by Pierce County, followed by a legal city ordinance to make the annexation effective.