§ 98-14. Annexation policy.

(a)

Annexation policy, general. The city council herein adopts a proactive policy for annexation that recognizes that properties that fall within, in part and in whole, the general geographic proximity to the city limits and the general area of the city, and are not formally annexed within the city limits of the city, do in fact demand certain services and amenities enjoyed by adjacent and nearby properties that are within the city limits, and that these properties, by virtue of their proximate location should contribute to the resources of the city, for which, and by whom are provided services to the residents of properties that while within the proximate area of the city, but exist outside the city limits in "unincorporated Lake County", should be considered for annexation.

(b)

Invitation to annexation. The city shall from time to time invite certain real properties to be annexed into the city in accordance with section 98-2, with the understanding that such annexation shall be of benefit to the properties and unto the city which delivers services to the properties. Property owners who respond positively to an invitation to annex from the city shall have the city's standard application fees waived for annexation for the property being submitted for annexation under this section.

(c)

Request to annex. The city may from time to time initiate action under F.S. § 171.0413 to annex real properties, excluding homesteaded properties, which by their location and function would be best positioned to be annexed within the city limits of the City of Minneola, and that such annexations shall be conducted fully within the scope and requirements of F.S. § 171.0413. The city shall be responsible for any expenses associated with annexation under this section. This procedure shall not be used for homestead property unless the homestead property owner consents to annexation.

(d)

Exclusions. The annexation policy as outlined in subsections (a) through (c) excludes annexations associated with property owner requests for annexation that are associated with concurrent requests for rezoning. In this case standard application fees shall apply and the request for annexation and rezoning are covered by section 98-2 and section 98-3 of the Code.

(Ord. No. 2008-44, §§ 1, 2, 12-2-2008)