§ 4-17. Procedure for consideration of an annexation

(A)

Pursuant to Florida Statutes. Annexation procedures shall be pursuant to Chapter 171 Florida Statutes.

(B)

Petition for annexation. A petition for an annexation may be proposed by submittal of an application to the Planning, Zoning and Development Department in accordance section 4-11.

(C)

Staff Review. Once the application is determined to be complete by the Community Development Director the application will be reviewed by City Staff for compliance with all applicable City regulations.

(D)

Planning and Zoning Board. Staff shall prepare a report of findings for presentation at a public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Board. The Planning and Zoning Board shall consider the application, all supporting documentation and evidence, the staff report of findings and shall make recommendation regarding the annexation to the City Council.

(E)

City Council. The City Council shall hold a public hearing to consider the application, all supporting and evidence, the staff report of findings and the Planning and Zoning Boards recommendations. The City Council shall approve, approve with conditions or deny the application.

(F)

Criteria for evaluation. The criteria used to evaluate a petition to annex be as set forth in Chapter 171, Florida Statutes.

(G)

Approval by Ordinance. Approval of the annexation shall be by ordinance which shall specify the exact nature of the amendment and any modifications thereto. The effective date of the ordinance shall be the date the ordinance is approved unless otherwise specified in the adopting ordinance.

(H)

Denial of petition.

(1)

If the City Council does not act on the petition within six (6) months of the date of receipt of the Planning and Zoning Boards recommendations, the petition shall be deemed to have been denied.

(2)

Whenever the City Council has taken action to deny a petition to annex, the City shall not consider any further petition for the same annexation for a period of six (6) months from the date of that action.

(I)

Expiration of annexation. Once a petition for annexation has been approved by the City Council, the effect of the annexation shall not expire.