Annexation

Annexation is the process in which a property is incorporated into the Town of Mooresville. The Town’s Planning Department administers the annexation process in accordance with state laws governing annexation. Annexation is one of several growth management tools afforded municipalities in North Carolina. Through voluntary annexation, the development or growth pattern is controlled by the Town and utilities are extended by the developer. In most circumstances, voluntary annexation of unincorporated property is driven by development interest, the desire to receive water and sewer services, or due to the failure of private well or septic systems. With involuntary annexation, the Town incorporates an existing growth pattern or pattern of development that is typically more rural in nature.

Both annexation processes require that the Town immediately provide fire, police and sanitation services at the effective date of the annexation. Under involuntary annexation, the Town must bear the cost of extending the utility services. State statutes require the Town to make municipal utility infrastructure available to properties involuntarily annexed within a two-year period.

The Town’s adopted utility extension policy requires that a voluntary annexation petition be submitted to the Town’s Planning Department along with a request to extend utilities which is approved at the discretion of the Town Board of Commissioners. As a prerequisite to receiving municipal utility services, a property should be located within the Town’s zoning jurisdiction or municipal zoning should be established. If a property lies within Iredell County’s zoning jurisdiction, an applicant shall request release of zoning jurisdiction from Iredell County. Municipal zoning provides the Town development review authority and the authority to require development to municipal standards.

Deadline for submittal of the application for voluntary annexation is January 31 of each year and, if approved, the annexation becomes effective June 30 of that same year.

For more information, call the Planning Department at 704-662-7040.

Voluntary Annexation Petition
Municipal Utility Extension Policy