Annexations Overview

WHAT IS ANNEXATION IN INDIANA?

Annexation is a tool which Indiana cities and towns can use to expand their boundaries. Indiana cities and towns must be sure that an area that is proposed to be annexed meets State Law requirements. The requirements for annexation can be found in existing statute, Indiana Code 36-4-3. An annexing city must meet the guidelines of at least one of the following options:

1. The area must be at least one-eighth contiguous (12.5 percent) to the municipality and it must meet at least one of the following three conditions: (a) have a population density of at least three persons per acre; (b) be zoned for commercial, business or industrial uses; (c) be at least sixty percent subdivided.

2. The boundaries of the annexation area must be at least one-fourth contiguous (25 percent) to the municipality and the area must be needed and can be used by the municipality for its development in the reasonably near future.

History of Fort Wayne Annexations

Fort Wayne has grown significantly both in size and population since its incorporation in 1833. In 1833, the City comprised a mere .05 square miles and 300 persons, while as of June, 2005 Fort Wayne contains approximately 94 square miles and has a population of 224,978 persons.

Since the early 1950's Fort Wayne has extensively utilized annexation as a tool to keep up with the patterns of suburban sprawl. In fact, over 175 individual annexations have been initiated by Fort Wayne over the past five decades. These annexations included both voluntary and involuntary annexations.

What happens when an area is annexed?

When an area is annexed (incorporated) into a city or town several things occur:

• Residents can vote for city officials and can serve on city boards and commissions.

• Property owners are provided with the full range of city services. State law requires that all non-capital services such as police and fire protection be provided within the first year after the annexation occurs and that capital services such as the construction of intersection lighting be constructed within the first three years following annexation. However, it is the City of Fort Wayne's policy to provide police and fire protection immediately upon the effective date of annexation.

• Property owners will be assessed for city taxes. Generally, a property owner's tax liability will increase between 35 and 45 percent due to annexation.

For more information on annexations, contact the City of Fort Wayne Planning & Policy Department at (260) 427-1140.

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