Annexation Process

Overview

Annexation is the process by which the Mesa expands its boundaries into adjacent areas not already incorporated into the city.

The main steps in the process are:

Step 1: Pre-Submittal Conference

A Pre-Submittal application is required prior to filing an application for Annexation. Pre-Submittal applications are due each Monday by 12:00 pm. and must be submitted via the DIMES portal.

City staff will review the Pre-Submittal application for compliance with all appropriate standards, codes, specifications, and requirements and provide written review comments within 15 calendar days. 

Applicants will have the option to attend a Pre-Submittal Conference to discuss the provided comments. Pre-Submittal Conferences are typically a half hour and held each Tuesday morning. Conferences may be requested to be held in person or electronically.  

Please note that a Pre-Submittal does not constitute a complete review or guarantee that all issues are identified.  

Required Documents: 

• Application - submitted through the DIMES portal
• Project Narrative - describing the existing conditions and the annexation request including: 
• Description of the existing residential and non-residential structures within the annexation area including; 
  • Construction date of the existing subdivision 
  • Number of existing dwelling units 
  • Number of vacant lots 
  • Commercial businesses 
  • Existing curb, gutter, sidewalks, streetlight 
  • Existing Maricopa County zoning 
• A description of the existing infrastructure (water, sewer, electric, etc.) 
• An explanation of desired services 
• A description of expected future use/development of the area 
• Map of the property location and boundaries

Step 2: Application Submittal 

Application for Annexation may be submitted at any point after a Pre-Submittal Conference has been completed.  

Complete applications and fees must be submitted electronically via the DIMES portal. Applications are due each Monday by the end of the business day.  

The applicant is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information submitted. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. 

Required Documents: 

• Application - submitted through the DIMES portal
• Property Owner Authorization(PDF, 162KB)
• Project Narrative - describing the existing conditions and the annexation request including:
• Description of the existing residential and non-residential structures within the annexation area including;
  • Construction date of the existing subdivision
  • Number of existing dwelling units
  • Number of vacant lots
  • Commercial businesses
• Existing curb, gutter, sidewalks, streetlight
• Existing Maricopa County zoning
• A description of the existing infrastructure (water, sewer, electric, etc.)
• An explanation of desired services
• A description of expected future use/development of the area
• Legal Description of all properties included in the annexation
• Map of the property location and boundaries
• ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey - showing the location of existing utilities including water mains, sanitary sewer mains, storm sewer, cable, electric, gas, and telephone; location of all existing structures on the subject lot; and any recorded easements or deed restrictions
• Citizen Participation Plan - describing the residents, neighborhoods and homeowners’ associations that may be impacted and how the applicant intends to inform and engage the public in their development plans

Step 3: Staff Review

Staff will review the Annexation application for compliance with all appropriate standards, codes, specifications, and requirements and provide written comments within 8 working days of the next closest formal submittal listed on the Planning & Zoning Board Calendar(PDF, 372KB). This comment letter will identify requirements that need to be resolved before a public hearing is scheduled.

The applicant will revise pertinent documents to address review comments and provide a written comment response letter stating how each review comment was addressed.

This process repeats until all requirements are met.

Step 4: Blank Petition

Staff will file a blank annexation petition, legal description, annexation exhibit, and a sworn affidavit verifying that the annexation area is not subject to an earlier filing for annexation with the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office.

The blank petition filing begins a 30 (thirty) day waiting period.

Notices of the filing will be mailed to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and property owners within the annexation area.

Step 5: Public Notice

Fifteen days before the end of the waiting period, staff will advertise in the local newspaper the area proposed to be annexed.

At least 6 days prior to the City Council meeting, staff will post at least 3 signs on the property announcing the public meeting.

Staff will also provide written notice of the upcoming public hearing to the Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County and to all property owners within the annexation area.

Step 6: Public Hearing

Within the last 10 days of the waiting period, City Council will hold a public hearing to review the proposed annexation.

City Council Meetings

Step 7: Release of Petition

After the public hearing, the petition will be released to the applicant to be signed by the property owner(s).

The applicant has one year to obtain all property owner signatures. If signatures are not gathered within one year timeframe, the annexation request becomes null and void.

Once the signed petition has been returned, staff will record the petition with Maricopa County’s Recorder.

Step 8: Public Hearing for Final Action  

City Council will hold a public hearing to act on the proposed annexation. City Council hearings are typically held the first and third Monday of every month at 5:45 pm.

The annexation ordinance will first be introduced to City Council where a date is set for their action. Public hearings where action is taken by the Council are typically on the Monday two weeks after the introduction.

Contact your case planner for the precise introduction and hearing dates.

City Council Meetings