When to use this process

Use this application when you would like to apply for annexation into the City of Rock Hill. Annexation is the process of bringing property into the City limits from an unincorporated area of York County. As part of the annexation process, property is rezoned from a zoning district used by York County to a zoning district used by the City of Rock Hill.

Estimated timeframe

The annexation process usually takes about 60 to 90 days unless the request is to rezone to a Master Planned Zoning District, in which case it takes an additional 30 to 60 days.

Get ready

Reach out to us

1. Contact Shana Marshburn at 803-326-2456 to discuss the request.
2. Contact Alex Boyce at 803-326-2432 to get an estimate of the cost or cost savings of annexation.

Required documents 

1. Required to start the application process:
   • Letter of Consent (PDF) to apply for annexation if you are not the property owner.
   • Sketch plan of the proposed development if the annexation is being requested to develop the property.
2. Required before first meeting by City Council:
   • The original signed annexation petition (more information in the "Apply" section below).

Required licenses

Developers, design professionals and similar paid representatives must have a business license.

•  Business license webpage

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Click on “Development Plan Review”
   • Click on “Zoning Applications"
   • Click on “Annexation" and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your request and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 10 business days.
   • If the request must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
   • We will send you an email stating that the request is considered "not approved" until decided by City Council.
3. We will email you an invoice, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms.
   • The invoice will include the development fees associated with the application:
     • The rezoning application fee
     • The fire impact fee if the property is developed and the fee has not already been paid during a previous water and/or sewer service/ extension request. (Undeveloped property will be assessed the fire impact fee when building permits are issued.)
4. We will prepare the annexation map and petition, which usually takes about one week.
5. Return the original signed annexation petition to us by mail or in person at City Hall.
   • All property owners of all subject parcels are required to sign the annexation petition.

Next steps

Neighborhood meeting (if required)

If a neighborhood meeting is required, we will coordinate with you about that.

Planning Commission meeting

We will schedule the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing about the requested zoning district where people for and against the proposed change may comment on it. The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to City Council about that, as will City staff.

We are required to advertise the public hearing in accordance with state law. At least 15 calendar days in advance of the hearing, we will:

1. Post a sign(s) on the property giving the public notice about the request
2. Mail a postcard to all property owners and tenants within 300 feet of the property
3. Place a legal advertisement regarding the request in The Herald newspaper.

The Planning Commission usually meets monthly. You should plan to attend this meeting to answer questions.

• Calendar

City Council meetings

City Council will consider the request over two separate meetings.

• Please note that City Council is not required to annex the property. If City Council declines to annex the property, we will refund the fire impact fee if it was paid as part of the annexation application process.

City Council typically meets once a month. You should plan to attend at least the first of these two meetings so you can be ready to answer any questions. Generally, City Council will not have substantive discussion about the request at this last meeting unless some issues were left unresolved during first reading.

• Calendar

Confirmation of decision

If the annexation request is approved by City Council, we will send you a letter confirming that as well as the zoning district(s) that was/were assigned to the land.

If the request is not approved, we will let you confirm that in writing for you as well.

Additional information

Benefits of Annexation