Cities and towns get new notice options and a faster path when 1 owner holds all the taxable property in an area to be annexed, must give notice when fire district territory is involved, and can annex adjacent land they own without meeting the usual shape and size rules for 'contiguous' land.
Official title: annexation of territory; procedures
- September 12, 2026
What changes
BeforeNotice of the annexation public hearing had to be published in a newspaper of general circulation.
NowThe newspaper notice is still required, but if the newspaper has an online electronic edition available in the city or town, the city or town may publish the notice in that electronic edition.
BeforeNotice had to be posted in at least 3 conspicuous public places in the territory to be annexed.
NowIf the territory is a single parcel of no more than 160 acres, the city or town may instead post 1 notice on the parcel in the area most visible to the public.
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NowIf any part of a fire district's territory is in the area proposed for annexation, the city or town must give notice as required by a separate state law on fire districts (section 48-813).
BeforeEvery annexation required a 30-day waiting period before signatures, a public hearing, and became final 30 days after the annexation ordinance was adopted.
NowIf the property owner who starts the annexation owns 100% of the taxable property in the territory, the city or town may skip the 30-day wait and the public hearing, may file the signed petition within 1 year after filing for annexation, and the annexation becomes final once the ordinance is adopted.
BeforeLand generally counted as 'contiguous' only if it bordered the city or town for at least 300 feet, was at least 200 feet wide at all points, and met a length-to-width limit (with some exceptions).
NowThose contiguity rules do not apply to land that, at the time of annexation, touches the city or town in any way and is owned by that same city or town.
Who it affects
- Property owners in areas proposed for annexation
- Property owners who start an annexation of land they fully own
- Cities and towns
- Fire districts
- County recorders
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- What notice section 48-813 requires cities and towns to give to fire districts
- Whether the single-owner fast track changes the 30-day period to challenge an annexation in court
- Whether an online newspaper notice must still meet the same timing as the print notice
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.