South Fulton Proposed Annexation FAQ’s

What are the different annexation methods?
There are four different methods:

• 100% method
  
• 60% method
  
• State legislation
  
• Referenda and Resolution

What does the 60% method require?
The 60% method requires application by the following:

• 60% of registered voters
  
• Ownership of 60% of the land
  
• 1/8 of the annexation boundary contiguous to the City
  
• Other requirements include:
  
  • Council review process
    
  • Annexation ordinance
    
  • Zoning paper
    
  • CDP paper
    
  • Advertising for public hearing
    
  • Service plans made public
    
  • Public hearings
    
  • CD/HR
    
  • Finance/Exec
    
  • Zoning Review Board
    
  • Council second read and adoption

What is the date that annexation takes place?
The date that annexation will occur is October 1, 2006. Annexation takes place the first day of the month following approval by City Council.

How does the action by the General Assembly last year impact our ability to annex areas of unincorporated South Fulton County?

• Deadline – October 30, 2006: Boundaries for a proposed City of South Fulton (SB 552)
  
• Referendum to vote on a City of South Fulton will be held on third Tuesday of June 2007
  
  • If the referendum passes, then a City of South Fulton will be created
    
  • If the referendum fails, then the area remains unincorporated and the City of Atlanta can continue to annex areas of incorporated South Fulton County

What is the role of Fulton County in annexation?
Fulton County must be notified of the request to annex, submit a notice of facilities, and submit a bona fide land use objection if it objects the annexation of the proposed areas. When using the sixty percent method, Fulton County will routinely check or verify the land mass, contiguous land and voter numbers.

Who is responsible for verifying that an application is valid?

• The City Clerk’s office validates the 60% of registered voters in the application area signed the petition.
  
• The City of Atlanta Department of Planning validates:
  
  • Owners of 60% of the land acreage in the application area signed the petition
    
  • The application area has 1/8 of its boundary contiguous to the City

What is the city’s commitment to annexing a community?
The City must provide the same level of service to the residents of the annexation area as it provides to its own residents.

What happens to County-owned facilities in an annexed area?
The County continues to own that property. Facilities that service unincorporated County areas solely and are funded by unincorporated county dollars shall be purchased by the City.

What happens to the schools after an annexation?
The residents of the annexation area will transition over to the Atlanta Public School system. If the annexation are included a school, the City’s school system may purchase that school. APS could decide that they do not need the extra space and move new students to current facilities.

*FINANCE/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING: ANNEXATION*

The Finance/Executive Committee has scheduled a Public Hearing on Friday, September 29, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers to discuss proposed ordinances 06-O-1924, 06-O-1926, 06-O-1929 and 06-O-1932 which seek to annex land into the corporate limits of the City of Atlanta, Georgia.

City department heads are requested to be in attendance at this public hearing to answer questions as appropriate.

Your attendance and participation at this very important public hearing is appreciated