Comprehensive Master Plan - City of Alvin

Growth Strategiesother community facilities, but do not share the tax burden associated withconstructing and maintaining those facilities and services.The City’s annexation program should include an ongoing process ofappropriate planning and preparation for future annexations in compliancewith the requirements of State law and consistent with this ComprehensivePlan. The City should conduct studies periodically to identify and monitorprime growth areas within the ETJ, particularly adjacent to majortransportation corridors within the designated urban area, where the City’sland use management capabilities are most needed. These studies shouldconsider anticipated infrastructure improvements that may create anopportunity or demand for new urban development. Based on these studiesand evaluation of potential annexation options, an annexation plan should bedeveloped and periodically updated, which would become the basis fordeveloping annual or periodic annexation proposals. The annexation planshould identify specific properties targeted for eventual incorporation, andshould be based on careful research as to the available utilities andinfrastructure and existing land use in the area. Potential constraints to thedevelopment of infrastructure or extension of services should be a primaryconsideration, such as floodplain areas and the potential limits of gravitywastewater service. Coordination with utility providers may be necessary todetermine future service areas and the potential need for service agreements.The annexation planning process should be conducted in conjunction withannual review and updates to this Comprehensive Plan. The ComprehensivePlan should be updated, as needed, to support the City’s annexationprogram. Timely preparation of an annexation plan is essential to identifyproperties within the designated urban area that are in the City’s interest toannex prior to development.In addition to preparing for City‐initiated annexations, the City shouldestablish clear policies and guidelines to determine when future land ownerpetitions for annexation within the designated urban area will be accepted.Potential considerations include:1. the results of a fiscal impact assessment;2. proximity to the City’s existing service areas and the feasibility ofextending adequate facilities and services in a timely manner;3. capital budget limitations; and,4. intangible costs and benefits.Page 5-26