When will public hearings for these annexations be held?
Hearings for these annexations are scheduled for December 2023 – February 2024.
What are the benefits of annexing to the City?
The benefit to annexing is different for each property. In most cases the leading benefit to annexation is more development options than the current county zoning allows.
Additional benefits to annexation are:
- Access to one or more major urban services. These services include City water and sanitary and storm sewers.
- Improved access to public libraries and parks and recreation programs (out-of-city residents typically pay more).
- Elimination of confusion over which agency to call in the case of a service concern (city sewer, city water, land use, police, etc., would all be addressed by the same unit of government).
- Participation in local government (voting on City issues and in City elections)
How much does annexation cost?
The city is not charging any fees for the proposed annexations. Normally, when a property owner submits an application to annex their land, there are fees for the Annexation Application, Zone Change Application and at times a Comprehensive Map Amendment. Those fees can range from $5,732 to $7,747. No fees will be charged for the cost of annexation, assignment of city zoning, or public hearing notices.
When will the annexation take effect?
For property owners that are willing to be included in the City’s island annexation process, the annexation will take effect at the time the City Council approves an ordinance proclaiming the annexation.
What happens after annexation?
Your property will be incorporated into the City and assigned a city zoning designation. Some of the tax rates on your annual property tax statement will change. The 2022-2023 Summary of Assessment and Tax Roll provides tax rates in dollars per thousand of taxable valued prior to Measure 5 compression. Island properties are currently taxed at a rate of $14.5355 per $1,000 of taxable value. Upon annexation the tax rate would become $20.1907 per $1,000 of taxable value. Please contact the Linn County Assessment and Taxation office at 541-967-3808 for any additional questions concerning your property taxes.
Some of your services may change. However, you should not experience any interruption in service either before, during, or after annexation. The City will notify all existing service providers of your property's annexation into the City. Some of the uses or structures on your property may not conform to the City's zoning code. This is okay and not unusual. Having a nonconforming use or structure will not prevent you from annexing or continuing to use your property. Future development on your property, such as a land division, home remodel, or new driveway, will be subject to the City's permitting requirements and the Albany Development Code.
What will my zoning designation be if annexation is successful? How can I change it?
Upon annexation, the property will be incorporated into the City and assigned a City zoning designation. The zoning designation will be based on Comprehensive Plan designations and what properties surrounding the island properties are zoned as, for example, if surrounding properties are zoned Single-Family Residential 5,000 square feet (RS-5), your property will most likely be zoned RS-5. Some properties are not abutting one specific zone where it may be clear what the zoning would be. In these cases, we will work with the property owners to find a zoning designation that matches the Comprehensive Map and would fit the existing or proposed use of the property.
Property owners who wish to change the zone on their property to a different designation after annexation would be required to apply for a separate zone change. This additional application would be at the expense of the applicant and may require additional applications including but not limited to a comprehensive map change.
Will I be required to hook up to City utility services right away (water, stormwater and/or sanitary sewer)?
No. The City will not force you to connect to city services simply because your property has been annexed. While there are several triggers for requiring connections, annexation alone is not one of them. If you would like to discuss utility connection opportunities or requirements, please contact Public Works – Engineering at 541-917-7676.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Contact David Martineau, Current Planning Manager, at 541-917-7555,
