Chapter 18.73
ANNEXATIONS

Sections:

18.73.010    Purpose.

18.73.020    State and regional regulations regarding annexations.

18.73.030    Definitions.

18.73.040    General procedures.

18.73.050    Initiation procedures.

18.73.060    Annexation procedures.

18.73.070    Submittal requirements.

18.73.080    Approval criteria.

18.73.090    Fiscal impact statement.

18.73.100    Appeals.

18.73.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish the necessary procedures and criteria under ORS Chapter 222 and all related chapters. The provisions of this chapter are hereby adopted to achieve orderly and efficient annexation of lands into the city of Rainier city limits.

A. The procedures and standards set forth in this chapter are required for review and decision of proposed annexations and will ensure that:

1. A system for measuring the physical, environmental, fiscal and related social effects of proposed annexations is established;

2. The city of Rainier will be able to initiate annexations;

3. The city of Rainier will not be required to hold citywide elections for annexations;

4. The city of Rainier will not be held responsible for providing services to any structures outside of city limits; and

5. Ensure adequate time for review by staff. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.020 State and regional regulations regarding annexations.

The regulations and requirements of ORS Chapter 222 are concurrent obligations for annexation and are not affected by the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.030 Definitions.

The following definitions shall be used in this chapter:

“Annexation” means boundary change due to an annexation or withdrawal of territory to or from a city or district, or from a city/county to a city; and the extraterritorial extension of water or sewer service by a city or district.

“City” means the city of Rainier.

“Commission” means the city of Rainier planning commission.

“Contiguous” means sharing a common border or touching.

“Council” means the city of Rainier city council. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.040 General procedures.

The general procedures stated in this section shall apply to all annexation proposals.

A. Annexation proposals shall be considered by the council pursuant to the Type IV legislative process, as stated in Chapter 18.160 RMC, except that the commission shall conduct no public hearing or recommendation. The council decision shall be the “final decision” for purposes of compliance with RMC 18.160.050.

B. Notice.

1. The city planning official shall notify in writing the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) of legislative amendments at least 45 days before the first public hearing at which public testimony or new evidence will be received. The notice shall include a DLCD certificate of mailing.

2. Written notice may also be conducted electronically through plan amendments (PAPA) online through DLCD.

3. At least 20 days, but not more than 40 days, before the date of the first hearing on an ordinance, a notice shall be prepared in conformance with ORS 227.175 and mailed to:

a. Each owner whose property would be directly affected by the proposal;

b. Any affected governmental agency;

c. Any person who requests notice in writing.

4. At least 10 days before the scheduled city council public hearing date, public notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the city.

5. For each mailing and publication of notice, the city planning official shall keep an affidavit of mailing/publication in the record.

C. A staff report shall be issued prior to final decision by the council.

D. The decision made by council shall be in writing. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.050 Initiation procedures.

Initiation procedures shall apply to annexation proposals.

A. An annexation proposal may be initiated by the city of Rainier through the council, on its own motion, as set forth in this section. The council may terminate proceedings under this section at any time.

B. An annexation proposal may be initiated pursuant to the state law health hazard abatement annexation process.

C. An annexation proposal may be initiated pursuant to the state law island annexation process.

D. An annexation proposal may be initiated by submission of city forms of property owner(s) of the area to be annexed as set forth in this section.

1. When all of the owners of land in the territory to be annexed consent in writing to the annexation of their land in the territory and file a statement of their consent with the city.

2. Repealed by Ord. 1083.

3. A preapplication conference is strongly encouraged prior to the submittal of an annexation petition. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.060 Annexation procedures.

A. A proposal shall be considered by the city council without a public hearing and may be placed on the council consent agenda. The council decision on the proposal shall be considered the “final decision.”

B. The petition requirements for expedited applications must be accompanied by the written consent of 100 percent of the property owners within the affected territory.

C. Notice of petition for an expedited process must be provided a minimum of 20 days prior to the final decision and shall follow the notification procedures as required for Type IV comprehensive plan amendments.

D. A brief staff report shall be issued at least seven days prior to the decision date.

E. An expedited process cannot be used if a necessary party gives written notice to contest the decision. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.070 Submittal requirements.

An applicant for annexation shall submit six copies of the application materials. The city may require additional copies if deemed necessary. The application materials shall include:

A. A complete and signed annexation application packet of forms provided to the city.

B. A petition, on city forms, completed by property owners residing in the affected territory that meets the minimum petition requirements set forth by the city.

C. A metes and bounds legal description of the territory to be annexed, meeting the relevant requirements of ORS 308.225. A lot and block description may be substituted if the area is platted. If the legal description contains any deed or book and page references, legible copies of these shall be submitted with the legal description.

D. A map showing the affected territory, any public streets to be annexed and parcels within 300 feet of the affected territory including any public streets. The affected territory shall be identified on the map. The map shall be submitted on an 11-by-17-inch map and shall show scale and a north arrow.

E. A narrative which addresses the approval criteria.

F. A request for an expedited procedure if desired by the applicant.

G. The applicant is responsible for all fees related to the annexation process. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.080 Approval criteria.

The city council shall approve or deny an annexation proposal based on findings and conclusions addressing the following criteria:

A. Findings conducted by the city planning official or other city staff.

B. The affected territory must be located within the city’s urban growth boundary.

C. The affected territory is contiguous to the existing city limits.

D. The city will attempt to apply zoning which is most like the county zone and try to avoid nonconforming uses.

E. A city of Rainier covenant of waiver of rights and remedies city form has been executed by all owners of the property to be annexed and all owners of any interest in the property to be annexed regarding waiver of any statutory or constitutional regulatory provisions, including, but not limited to, Ballot Measure 37 (effective December 2, 2004) as amended by Ballot Measure 49. This section only applies to those property owners who have consented in writing to annexation.

F. That either:

1. The funding mechanisms required to construct transportation, wastewater, water, stormwater and park facilities are consistent with adopted public facility or utility master plans, parks and/or transportation system plans are in place; or

2. In lieu, a public facilities, parks, and transportation agreement is executed that funding will be in place prior to or concurrent with a development permit application.

G. That the public interest would be furthered by the annexation. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.090 Fiscal impact statement.

The city shall prepare a fiscal impact statement, which shall estimate the fiscal impact that the proposed annexation would have on the city’s general fund. The fiscal impact information shall be utilized in the determination of whether the public interest would be furthered by the approval of the annexation. (Ord. 1083, 2022)

18.73.100 Appeals.

The city council decision may be appealed according to state law. (Ord. 1083, 2022)