17.158.030 Uniform criteria.
Uniform criteria shall be used in evaluating annexations.
(1) Annexations shall comply with all requirements with respect to the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The city should evaluate all annexations on the basis of their short- and long-term community impact. Annexations shall be consistent with city plans for urban densities and uses within the urban area of the city and to assure adequate financial capability of the annexed area to meet the criteria for urban areas.
(2) The city should, at a minimum, analyze and evaluate the condition and safety of all streets, the availability and condition of public utilities and the demand for emergency services (police, fire and medical). Public services and facilities to be analyzed may include:
(a) City facilities;
(b) Transportation needs;
(c) Necessary utilities;
(d) Sidewalks, curbs and lighting;
(e) Recreational and human services (includes parks and open spaces and social services); and
(f) Support a balance of housing, commercial and public recreational needs.
(3) The city may require the development of a plan for public transportation to serve the newly annexed area. When possible, plans should be consistent with plans of community transit for public transportation in north Snohomish County.
(4) Annexation of land should be directly dependent upon the city’s ability to provide, acquire, operate and maintain general services and utility services. Annexation will take place only after the city is satisfied that general services, utility resources and necessary utility plan capacity can be made available in a manner cost effective to the city.
(5) In order to accomplish the above, this code will establish uniform annexation procedures.
(a) In addition to adoption of the annexation procedures, the city shall designate staff to perform the following:
(i) Receive and process annexation requests;
(ii) Furnish the public and city official with annexation information;
(iii) Prepare technical studies and assessments on the impacts from annexation.
(b) The city may require the applicant to prepare a report assessing the probable short- and long-term financial, economic, environmental and social impacts from the annexation.
(c) If the annexation is acceptable to the city, the city shall forward reports, plans, studies and agreement of areas requesting annexation to Snohomish County and the boundary review board (BRB) to facilitate processing. (Ord. 1499 § 12 (Exh. J), 2021; Ord. 1071, 1999. Formerly 17.158.020).