Tri-Cities Annexation Rules - City Bylaws

General Governance and Administration Washington 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Tri-Cities, Washington property owners and applicants seeking annexation or boundary changes must follow state statute and local city procedures. This guide explains common procedural steps, where to find official petitions and maps, who enforces compliance, and how to appeal or object. Applicants should contact the relevant city planning department (Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland) early to confirm local filing requirements and timelines. State law RCW 35.13 provides the statutory framework for municipal annexation and boundary actions in Washington.[1]

Contact the city planning department early to confirm map and fee requirements.

Overview of Annexation & Boundary Change Procedures

Annexation typically begins with a petition by property owners or by city-initiated measures, followed by mapping, legal descriptions, public notice, and hearings. Cities will process petitions under municipal codes and the state statutory framework; specific thresholds and timelines vary by jurisdiction.

  • Prepare a legal description, vicinity map, and parcel list as required by the city planning office.
  • Public notice and hearing schedules are set by the city; deadlines for mailed notice and publication are set by local code or state statute.
  • City council or commission decisions follow recommendation from planning staff and any hearings.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of annexation procedural rules is handled by the municipal planning department and, for disputes or boundary conflicts, by the appropriate municipal boundary review board or the courts. Specific civil fines and criminal penalties for procedural violations are not typically detailed on the statutory overview page; see the cited official statute or local municipal code for any local penalties.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing-offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct procedural defects, voiding of actions, injunctive relief, and court-ordered remedies may apply under statute or court decision.
  • Enforcer: city planning departments; disputes may go to the municipal boundary review board then to superior court (see official statute).[1]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the governing code or statute and are not fully specified on the cited overview page.
  • Defences/discretion: cities may consider variances, petitions, or corrected filings; discretionary relief depends on local code.
Failure to follow statutory steps may delay or void an annexation request.

Applications & Forms

Most cities require a formal annexation petition or application packet available from the city planning office; fees and exact form names vary by city. If a city posts a standardized petition form, submit it to the city planning department per their instructions; if not, contact planning staff for guidance. Specific form names and fee amounts are not specified on the cited statutory overview page.[1]

Action Steps for Applicants

  • Contact the planning department of the city you seek to join to request the annexation packet and checklist.
  • Assemble legal descriptions, maps, owner signatures, and any required environmental or infrastructure statements.
  • Confirm application fees and payment method with the city; fee schedules are published by each city if available.
  • Attend required public hearings and prepare written statements or evidence supporting the petition.

FAQ

What is annexation and who can petition?
Annexation is the legal process by which a city expands its boundaries; property owners or a city may initiate petitions per state statute and local code.
How long does an annexation typically take?
Timelines vary by city and by whether hearings or boundary review board involvement occur; exact durations are not specified on the cited statutory overview page.
Where do I file an annexation petition?
File with the planning department of the city you seek to join; contact information is listed in the Help and Support / Resources section below.

How-To

  1. Contact city planning to request the annexation application and guidance for required documents.
  2. Prepare the petition packet: legal description, parcel list, owner signatures, and maps.
  3. Submit the packet with required fees and await scheduling of public notice and hearings.
  4. Participate in public hearings; if disputes arise, follow the appeal route established by statute or local code.

Key Takeaways

  • Annexation follows state statute RCW 35.13 plus local municipal code requirements.
  • Start with the relevant city planning department early to obtain forms and confirm timelines.
  • Appeals and boundary disputes may involve the municipal boundary review board and courts.

Help and Support / Resources

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