Annexation

"Annexation" in Michigan means the process of removing territory (land and the political jurisdiction that goes with it) from one municipality to another municipality. The State Boundary Commission defines it as a "municipal boundary change."

In some states, cities may annex adjacent territory from a township (or county in states without townships) simply by resolution following public notice. But the Michigan Legislature rejected that approach in 1968 when it established the State Boundary Commission and additional rules for the annexation process in the State Boundary Commission Act, Public Act 191 of 1968, MCL 123.1001, et seq.

Township territory may be annexed to a city, village or even another township. ("Detachment" is the reverse process--removing city or village territory to a township.)

There are several ways township territory may be annexed, and there are other ways township boundaries may change (see the Quick Links on this page).

Both general law and charter townships are potentially subject to annexation, but charter townships have some options for annexation protection.

Charter Townships and Annexation

Under MCL 42.34, a charter township that meets all of the following requirements, or existed prior to June 15, 1978, has substantial* protection from annexation:

• State equalized valuation (SEV) of not less than $25 million
• Minimum population density of 150 persons per square mile, not including any incorporated village
• Provides fire protection service by contract or otherwise
• Provide police protection by own department, specific contract with the sheriff's department (in addition to normal sheriff patrol), or contract with another law enforcement agency
• Have a zoning ordinance or master plan
• Provide solid waste disposal services to residents by contract, license (franchise) or municipal ownership
• Provide water and/or sewer service by contract or othewise

A charter township must provide more than minimal specified services to qualify for annexation protection, and the State Boundary Commission has authority to rule on the sufficiency of services provided.

*Any charter township may still be subject to certain specific types of annexation specified in MCL 42.34.

Municipal Boundary Adjustments and Intergovernmental Agreements

MTA Legal Counsel conference handout

State Boundary Commission Publications

Criteria for Annexation, Incorporation & Consolidation (.pdf)

Annexation: Bringing All the Pieces Together (.pdf)