Council reviews two annexation requests, asks staff to prepare modified resolutions and check legal/consultant options

The Enumclaw City Council heard a staff presentation April 27 on two annexation petitions submitted in March for parcels on the west and east sides of town.

Community Development Director Chris Massenet reviewed the 60% petition annexation process under state law, explained available methods and the timeline for council action, and said the two submittals currently cover five vacant, R‑2 residential parcels totaling about 18 acres. He told council staff recommends modifying the proposed boundaries to include adjacent parcels to produce more regular city limits and comply with comprehensive plan policies; with the additional parcels the combined area could be roughly 38 acres with an assessed valuation around $8.5 million.

Massenet said water and sewer utilities are available near both areas and noted staff is not asking for a council decision tonight but requested direction on whether to prepare one combined or two separate resolutions to accept, reject or modify the notices of intent.

Several council members asked the city attorney and staff practical questions about the Boundary Review Board process, whether individual petition areas meet the 60% valuation threshold, and whether requiring applicants to reimburse the city for consultant costs is an allowable condition. "We'd like you to consult with the city attorney about whether we can require payment for a city consultant to run these annexations," one council member said. Staff reported they will check legal options and return with draft resolutions; council members generally signaled support for preparing two separate modified resolutions and asked staff to confirm next steps.

Why it matters: annexation would shift land into city jurisdiction (zoning, utility connections, and service provision) and affect development potential and tax base. Requiring an applicant‑funded consultant, if allowed, could change how staff workload and costs are allocated during the annexation process.

Next steps: staff will consult the city attorney, prepare draft resolutions (likely two separate resolutions to modify each annexation area), and return to council with recommended language and required findings.