On October 10, 2005, the Salem City Council approved a multi-phase program to annex territory inside the city limits over the next 15 to 24-month period. Property owners of territory contiguous to the city limits, may be eligible for annexation under this Program.
WHY IS THE CITY INITIATING ANNEXATION?
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 . Please go to Annexation in Progress to view a complete list of territories that are included in the Annexation Program 2005.
HOW DOES THE ANNEXATION PROCESS WORK?
Annexation of territory is very complicated. The Salem City Council may initiate annexation of territory contiguous to the city limits. In certain cases, the City requires property owners to sign a petition, consenting to annexation prior to initiation. After initiation, City Staff conducts an in-depth analysis to determine the impacts of annexing the initiated territory, and reports the findings to the Salem City Council. Meanwhile, City Council will hold Public Hearings for those who oppose or support the annexation of the initiated territory. Salem City Council then decides whether to continue the annexation program for the initiated territory. If the Council decides to continue the program, the Council will pass an ordinance to declare the annexation of the properties, or refer to the City of Salem voters for approvals.
Enclaved territory and territory with annexation agreements signed after May 14, 2000 are required to get a majority approval from the City of Salem voters, and are scheduled to be on the 2006 November General Election.
WHEN WILL THE ANNEXATION PROGRAM BE COMPLETE?
The program is composed of two phases, Phase One and Phase Two. Full implementation of the program is expected to take approximately 2 years. To view the most recent Annexation Program Schedule click here.
Salem City Council has started the Phase One of the program by initiating the annexation of enclaved territories on December 12, 2005. Click Phase One or Phase Two to obtain more information regarding our Annexation Program.
Property owners may also petition to be annexed. To learn more about the procedures, please click here.
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