There are two kinds of annexations that the City of Salem processes: 

I.  OWNER-INITIATED ANNEXATIONS: 

Property owners may submit a petition for annexation for properties that are contiguous to the city limits and located inside the Urban Growth Boundary. These types of annexations are generally known as owner-initiated annexations.  These are processed through the submission of a land use application.  There are two different kinds of owner-initiated annexations -  1) owner-initiated voter-exempt annexations and 2) owner-initiated voter-approved annexations.  For further detailed information on this process, click here.  Additional information related to the 2012 Voter-Approved Annexation Application Filing Deadlines is also now available in PDF format.

II.  CITY-INITIATED ANNEXATIONS:

Periodically cities review their borders to identify territories appropriate for annexation to ensure the efficient delivery of urban services. State laws say that cities should be the providers of services to more densely developed land. Cities have the ability to deliver services in ways and at levels counties, and special service districts may not. Due to a number of changes in the City's borders since the City last completed a review in 1998, the City is currently in the process of completing an annexation study.

WHAT AREAS ARE PROPOSED FOR ANNEXATION?
The City of Salem Annexation Program includes two categories of territory proposed for annexation. Territory that is completely surrounded by the Salem City limits (known as enclaved territory), and territory with annexation agreements .  For further information on this process, click here.