Annexation

Annexation is the legal process by which a municipality (city or town) expands its corporate boundaries to include additional property that was previously outside the municipal limits. Once annexed, the property becomes part of the municipality and is subject to municipal ordinances, services, and taxes.

In South Carolina, annexation is governed primarily by Title 5, Chapter 3 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Municipalities may annex property for several reasons, including: - To allow for orderly growth and coordinated land-use planning - To respond to requests from property owners seeking municipal services - To ensure development occurs under municipal zoning and building standards

Annexation is initiated at the request of property owners.

In most cases, property owners initiate annexation by petitioning the municipality. Depending on the annexation method used, the petition may require: - All property owners to consent, or - A percentage of property owners and assessed property value to consent

The specific requirements depend on the annexation method authorized under state law.

In South Carolina, annexation is generally initiated by property owners and cannot be forced by a municipality, except in limited situations specifically authorized by state law.

South Carolina law allows several annexation methods, including:

• 100% Petition Annexation

All property owners within the area proposed for annexation sign a petition requesting annexation.

• 75% Petition Annexation

At least 75% of property owners, representing at least 75% of the assessed property value, sign the petition.

• 25% Petition Annexation

Registered voters within the proposed annexation area vote in a referendum.

Municipal staff can explain which method applies to a specific property.

After annexation: - County services continue unless they are replaced by municipal services - Schools, libraries, and social services remain county-provided.

Annexation does not remove a property from the county. Property owners continue to pay county taxes, including: - County operating taxes - School district taxes - Special district taxes (unless otherwise modified)

However, annexation may affect how certain county millage rates are applied, particularly for services that the municipality now provides.

County taxes typically remain the same, but there may be adjustments: - Some county service millage (such as fire protection or road maintenance) may be reduced or removed if the municipality provides those services - Special purpose district taxes may continue unless the district boundaries change

The county auditor ultimately determines the final tax bill.

Yes. Once annexed, property owners pay municipal property taxes in addition to county taxes.

Municipal taxes fund services such as: - Police and fire protection - Code enforcement - Parks and recreation - Planning, zoning, and inspections - Municipal administration

Municipal millage rates vary by city or town.

The timeline varies depending on the annexation method and completeness of the application. Typical steps for Fountain Inn include: 1. Submission of a petition 2. Staff review and legal verification 3. Planning Commission review  4. Two municipal Council readings and approval

The process typically takes around four months but could be longer depending on the annexation method.

Yes. Upon annexation: - The municipality applies an initial zoning designation - Future rezoning requests follow municipal zoning procedures

Municipal zoning may differ from county zoning standards.

Annexation is generally permanent. De-annexation is rare and requires a formal legal process under state law.