Annexation | Greensboro, NC

map Annexation is the process by which a city adds land to its jurisdiction. The city then extends its services, laws, and voting privileges to meet the needs of residents living in the annexed area. Learn more about what annexation is by reviewing our FAQ section below.

Typically, annexation takes place in areas that are adjacent to a municipality, where the population already has expanded or soon will expand to densities found in urban areas. People living in an urban setting generally need services and facilities beyond those provided by state and county governments. In addition, annexation encourages orderly growth and provides standardized services to those who live in the annexed area. Keep track of annexation-related issues on our Annexation & Street Change Tracking page.

Annexation also promotes fairness by requiring that those who reap the benefits of living near a city and who use the services provided by a city, share in the costs of operating the city. Cities cannot remain strong financially unless their boundaries are periodically extended to include areas that are becoming urban.

The benefits of annexation include:

Improved police and fire protection services.
Improved street maintenance services for public streets.
The opportunity to fully participate in the Greensboro community, including voting in City elections.
Recycling, yard waste, bulk trash, and appliance pickup, along with use of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.
Much lower water and sewer rates for properties using those City services.

FAQs

What is annexation?

Annexation is the process by which a city adds land to its jurisdiction. The City then extends its services, laws, and voting privileges to meet the needs of residents living in the annexed area.

Typically, annexation takes place in areas that are adjacent to a municipality, where the population has expanded to densities found in urban areas. People living in an urban setting generally need services and facilities beyond those provided by state and county governments. In addition, annexation encourages orderly growth and provides standardized services to those who live in the annexed area. It also promotes fairness by requiring that those who reap the benefits of living near a city and who use the services provided by a city share in the costs of operating the city.

Cities cannot remain strong or provide essential services unless their boundaries are periodically extended to include areas that are becoming urban.
Are they different types of annexations?
Yes. State law provides for two types of annexations: those that are contiguous to the current City limits and those that are not (satellite). Both must be initiated by a petition from those who wish to be annexed.
- The process to establish Greensboro original zoning is the same for both types of annexations.
- The date for providing basic City services is the effective date of annexation.
What is the difference between the contiguous and satellite annexation petitions (which are mentioned above)?

A regular petition for annexation involves property that is contiguous to (it touches) the existing corporate limits of the City of Greensboro. A satellite petition for annexation involves property that is within three miles of the City limits and is not closer to the corporate limits of any city other than Greensboro.
What is the procedure for a petitioned Annexation?

A property owner may submit an annexation petition to the City. It may cover property next to the city limits (contiguous) or at some distance (satellite). The petition receives a recommendation by the Zoning Commission before City Council takes action. Once City Council adopts the annexation and it becomes effective, annexed properties are entitled to the same privileges and services as properties already within the City.
On the annexation petition forms, what does item #3 refer to?

According to North Carolina General Statute 160D-108, residents have the right to undertake and complete the development and use of property under terms and conditions of an approved "Site Specific Development Plan." Vested rights require approval by the Guilford County Planning Board by way of a public hearing. If your property has not been given zoning vested rights, check the "have not" blank on the form.
What are Utility and Development Agreement and Petition for Annexation?

Since 1997, property owners outside the Greensboro city limits wanting to connect to Greensboro water and / or sewer have been required to sign a Utility and Development Agreement and Petition for Annexation. The City may process such a petition either immediately or at a later date, in accordance with its its policy for Water and Sanitary Sewer Service "Outside the Corporate Limits."

The Water Resources Department administers the Utility and Development Agreement and Petition for Annexation, which is required to be signed by persons who want City water and/or sewer, but who have not yet been annexed into the Greensboro City limits. For more information about the Utility, Annexation and Development Agreement, contact the Water Resources Department.
What are the financial impacts of annexation?
Annexation-related costs and savings will vary among property owners, but the following information should apply to most people.
- All annexed property owners will pay City property taxes and will continue to pay general County property taxes. The current City tax rate is 66.25 cents per $100 of property valuation.
- Annexed property owners will no longer pay the fire district portion of County property tax.
- City property taxes may be deductible on federal and state tax forms for those homeowners who itemize deductions.
- If you are already receiving City water and sewer services, the rate will be reduced by approximately one-half after you are annexed.
- Residents in single-family homes receive trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk trash and appliance pick-up from the City. The cost of these services is included in residential property tax bills.
- If applicable, City vehicle taxes also will be due.
- Some businesses will be required to pay local business privilege license taxes
I've heard that City residents pay a stormwater fee. What is that?

The City charges a quarterly stormwater management fee based on the amount of impervious (built-upon) area on your property. Higher levels of impervious area create greater amounts of stormwater runoff that the City is required to manage. This fee is used to improve water quality, manage public drainage infrastructure, minimize flood hazards, and educate the public about the importance of managing stormwater.
Will I get City garbage collection right away?

Yes, residential properties will receive automated trash and recycling collection service. Trash and recycling containers will be delivered along with a letter and brochure explaining when service will begin, which day of the week it will take place, and the cost. This information will be delivered automatically – you do not need to request this service. Garbage is collected weekly, recyclables every other week.
What is the Household Hazardous Waste fee?

There is a monthly Household Hazardous Waste fee that is based on the size of your water meter and is included in your water bill. For most single family homes, the fee is 60 cents per month. The HHW Center is located at 2750 Patterson St. Greensboro and Guilford County residents may drop off any materials that are corrosive, reactive, ignitable or toxic, as well as electronic waste items, such as computers, TVs and cell phones.
Will annexation change my children’s school district?

No, the Guilford County School Board determines attendance zones. Annexation will not change the school district in which you are located.

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