Annexations
WHAT IS ANNEXATION?
Annexation is the process by which a municipality extends its boundaries through the incorporation of neighboring urban areas and future growth areas.
WHY IS ANNEXATION IMPORTANT?
In general, cities annex land to allow for the long-term planning necessary to accommodate growth and to facilitate the planning and budgeting of infrastructure, such as roads and parks. Annexation is important for the creation of logical city limit boundaries and to efficiently provide essential public safety needs, such as fire and police services.
Types of Annexation
Voluntary annexation
Annexation by Notice of Encumbrance
Annexation of Enclave by Interlocal Agreement
Annexation by Referendum
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Annexations
Planning Department Questions
What is Annexation?
Annexation is the process by which a municipality extends its boundaries through the incorporation of neighboring urban areas and future growth areas.
Why is Annexation important?
In general, cities annex land to allow for the long-term planning necessary to accommodate growth and to facilitate the planning and budgeting of infrastructure, such as roads and parks. Annexation is important for the creation of logical city limit boundaries and to efficiently provide essential public safety needs, such as fire and police services.
What is an Enclave?
An enclave in the City of St. Cloud is a group of parcels which have not been incorporated into the City limits and are surrounded by the City. This includes any unincorporated improved or developed area that is enclosed within and bounded by the City and a natural or manmade obstacle that allows the passage of vehicular traffic to that area only through the City.
Enclaves can create significant problems in public safety, planning, growth management, and service delivery for both counties and cities. For several years, the elimination of enclaves existing near St. Cloud has been a top priority of Osceola County and the City. The goal of this effort is to promote the efficient and cost-effective provision of public safety and other public services. The 2014 Joint Planning Agreement between the City and Osceola County sets the ultimate city boundaries and identifies the prioritization of annexation. According to the agreement, "The preferred sequence of areas for annexation by the City is to annex properties within enclaves within the current City boundaries and any infrastructure or right-of-way meeting the requirements for annexation but which were not included in prior annexation approvals." Florida Statute 171.046 authorizes local governments for enclave annexation as we have done in Resolution 2017-070R and 2017-071R with Osceola County. Of course, this is consistent with the County's position that eliminating enclaves is in the general public's best interest and public safety. The City is zoning these properties to a City zoning compatible with their Osceola County zoning to ensure they maintain their current entitlements.
To view a copy of the Joint Planning Area (JPA) Interlocal Agreement, click here.
To view a copy of the JPA Boundary Map, click here.
To view a copy of the 2018 Annexation of Enclaves map, click here.
What is a Notice of Encumbrance?
A Notice of Encumbrance is a document signed by the property owner(s) at the time water or sewer service is provided by the City. This document gives the City of St. Cloud the authority to annex the property when it is adjacent to or across the street from a property currently within the City limits. The Notice of Encumbrance is recorded with the Osceola County Clerk of the Court, and is tied to the property. It is valid even when the property is sold or transferred.
What is an Interlocal Agreement?
An Interlocal Agreement is a collaborative contract between public bodies aiming to provide more efficient, less costly public services. In our case, the Interlocal Agreement is done between the City of St. Cloud and Osceola County.
What zoning will be placed on my property upon annexation?
The City is zoning these properties to a City zoning compatible with their Osceola County zoning to ensure they maintain their current entitlements.
View a list of the 2018 Annexation of Enclaves properties and their zoning conversion (PDF).
Is the City planning on building anything on these properties?
The City does not have the authority to build anything else in place of existing homes, any decision to remove or change the use of an existing home would require approval of the owner of the property.
Will I be able to continue the USE of my property after annexation?
Uses and structures existing prior to the date of the annexation may continue to exist in their present form. A nonconforming use may continue in the same location provided the nonconforming use is continual and legally maintained. A nonconforming use which has not been continual and legally maintained for a period of 180 consecutive days shall irrevocably lose its nonconforming status and become a use which is not permitted. Said use may not revert back to nonconforming status. (See Section 3.20.18 of the LDC)
Building Department Questions
After I'm annexed, where would I go to get a building permit?
Any building permits you need after annexation will be issued by the City of St. Cloud rather than Osceola County. The City of St. Cloud Building Department is located on the first floor of City Hall (1300 9th Street; Building A). If you have questions regarding whether you need a building permit you can reach the Building Department at 407-957-7224.
Is a building permit required within Agricultural zoning?
According to Florida State Statute 553.73(10)(c), a building permit is required for habitable structures. Within Agricultural zoning, any building that is used for agricultural purposes only does not require a building permit. For example, a structure over a well or a barn.
Where would I go for an irrigation permit?
The St. Cloud Utilities offices are located on the first floor of City Hall Building A.
Financial Questions
Will my taxes increase once I'm annexed into the City?
There are items that currently appear as part of your tax bill that that will be removed once annexation occurs. For example, you may currently pay for the electricity that supplies the street lighting in the right-of-way along your street, fire and emergency medical services, and trash collection through "special assessments" that appear on your annual tax bill. After annexation, these assessments will not be included in your 2018 tax statement.
Customers that are currently connected to the City Water and Sanitary Sewer utilities will see a 25% reduction in their water and sewer base charges and usage. View a residential property example to changes to taxes and fee (PDF).
Property owners should verify their Homestead Exemption and the Save Our Homes Assessment Limitation. If a property has the Homestead Exemption, the Save Our Homes Assessment Limitation ensures that the assessment cannot increase more than 3% or the % change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. For more information, please visit Florida Revenue.
What is the Save Our Homes Assessment Limitation?
According to the Department of Revenue website, after the first year a home receives a homestead exemption and the property appraiser assesses it at just value, the assessment for each following year cannot increase more than 3% or the % change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This is called the "Save Our Homes" (SOH) assessment limitation. The accumulated difference between your assessed value and the just (market) value is your SOH benefit. (See section 193155, Florida Statutes)
Parks and Recreation Questions
I have trees in the right-of-way that need trimming. Does the City provide trimming services?
Yes, the City assists homeowners with the trimming of trees located within rights-of-way. For assistance, please call the Tree Line at 407-957-7245.
Animal and Livestock Questions
How will annexation affect my pets?
Per Section 8.2 of the City Code: "It is unlawful for any person to keep on a single premises within the City more than three (3) pet animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits or other animals" (City Code Sec. 8-2) The keeping of 1 Vietnamese potbellied pig is allowed per Section 8-4 of the City Code and the keeping of chickens is allowed under the provision of the Temporary Backyard Chicken-Keeping Pilot program (Ordinance 2016-36)
Will I be allowed to have chickens?
The City of St. Cloud currently has a Temporary Backyard Chicken-Keeping Pilot program in place. The pilot program is set to expire on September 15, 2018. (City Code Sec. 8-3) The holder of a valid backyard chicken-keeping temporary permit is allowed up to a maximum of four (4) chickens, in addition to the three (3) pet animals already permitted.
Will I be able to continue to keep livestock that I presently have?
Please verify what zoning your property will be zoned to. Within the A- Agricultural Zoning, Grazing and pasturing of animals is an allowed use. Also within the A-Agricultural Zoning, the raising and storage of farm animals is an allowed use excluding pigs, hogs, or other swine. The keeping of 1 Vietnamese potbellied pig is allowed per Section 8-4 of the City Code.
Public Services Questions
Who shall I contact to report road related problems (pot holes, eroding curbs, right-of-way drainage issues, missing or damaged street signage, etc.)?
Please contact the Public Services department at 407-957-7344 to report road related problems.
Will I continue paying for the street lights in my subdivision through a tax assessment?
After annexation is approved by City Council, the City of St. Cloud will take over electricity payments for the street lights located in the rights-of-way. Any lighting located on private property will remain the responsibility of the property owner.
Fire Department Questions
Would I be able to burn trash after annexation?
It is unlawful to burn solid waste in the city limits without special permission from the Fire Department. All solid waste shall be kept in city approved containers.
Are bonfires allowed in the City?
Outside fires are allowed in approved commercial burn containers, however, all State and County recognized burn bans must be complied with.
Can I burn items within my Agricultural zoned property?
Burning is allowable and permissible within the city's boundaries provided that the burning is in accordance with both
the City's Resolutions and the Department of Forestry's Regulation. For fires/burns requiring a permit, forestry must be contacted and a permit needs to be obtained.
For any fire/burn other than in a small outdoor commercial container, notification must be made to the Fire Department.
Any fires that are deemed a nuisance and/or are not within these guidelines must be extinguished.
NOTE: It is illegal to burn household garbage, including paper products, treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticide, paint and aerosol containers.
The Department of Forestry's Regulations and Restrictions are available at: Florida Burn Authorizations
Activities That Require a Burn Authorization
The following activities require a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service:
- Agricultural burning
- Silvicultural burning
- Land clearing
- Pile burning
- Acreage burning
- Piles greater than 8 feet
Activities That Do Not Require a Burn Authorization within Agricultural zoning
You do not need a burn authorization to burn yard waste if:
- The pile is less than 8 feet in diameter,
- You meet the required setbacks, and
- There are no local, city or county ordinances in place that prohibit burning.
- Clear an area down to bare soil around your pile to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Cover a non-combustible container with wire mesh to keep sparks from flying out and starting new fires.
- Check with your local city and county officials to find out if there are any restrictions in your area.
- 25 feet from forests
- 50 feet from paved public roads
- 25 feet from your house
- 150 feet from other occupied buildings
Outdoor Burning Tips for allowed burning within Agricultural zoning
- Clear an area down to bare soil around your pile to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Cover a non-combustible container with wire mesh to keep sparks from flying out and starting new fires.
- Check with your local city and county officials to find out if there are any restrictions in your area.
- 25 feet from forests
- 50 feet from paved public roads
- 25 feet from your house
- 150 feet from other occupied buildings
*All State and County recognized burn bans must be complied with.*
St. Cloud Utilities Questions
When should I expect my first St. Cloud Utilities bill?
If you are already a customer of St. Cloud Utilities, you will continue to receive your bill as normal.
If you are not a customer of St. Cloud Utilities, you will need to contact St. Cloud Utilities to establish a new utility account. Service initiation fee and deposit may apply. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 to set up your account or for additional information.
When will I receive my garbage carts?
If you are already receiving City water and/or sewer services, the City will deliver a solid waste cart (maroon), recycling cart (blue) and a yard waste cart (green) to your home prior to October 1st.
If you do not receive City water and/or sewer services, you will need to contact St. Cloud Utilities to establish a utility account by the end of August to ensure timely delivery of your new carts and no lapse in garbage pickup. Service initiation fee and deposit may apply. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 to set up your account or for additional information.
How is the annexation going to affect my utility bill?
You will immediately notice a 25% reduction in your water and/or sewer base fee and consumption charges. You will also see some additional charges, some of which were previously a part of your Osceola County tax assessment. The following is a list of Public Services fees that will either appear or will reflect a change on your monthly utility bill.
Water: If you are already receiving City water, any surcharges for outside the city limits will be eliminated effective the date of the annexation. Please visit www.stcloudfl.gov/utilities or contact St. Cloud Utilities for current rates at 407-957-7344.
Sanitary Sewer: City code requires that residence connect to the City’s sanitary sewer system once well is no longer properly functioning. If you are already receiving sanitary sewer service, any surcharges for outside the city limits will be eliminated effective the date of the annexation. Please visit www.stcloudfl.gov/utilities or contact St. Cloud Utilities for current rates at 407-957-7344.
Solid Waste: Beginning October 1st the City will take over residential and commercial trash collection. Property owners paid for the current year’s trash collection as a part of their tax bill for service through the end of September. For that reason, the City must wait until the following “fiscal” year when that charge comes off of your Osceola County tax bill. Please visit www.stcloudfl.gov/utilities or contact St. Cloud Utilities for current rates at 407-957-7344.
Backflow Testing: If you are already billed for this service, any surcharges for outside the city limits will be eliminated effective the date of the annexation. Please visit www.stcloudfl.gov/utilities or contact St. Cloud Utilities for current rates at 407-957-7344.
What charges will I see on my St. Cloud Utilities monthly bill?
If you are already receiving City water and/or sewer services; your utility bill will now include charges for garbage, EMS, and stormwater services. Any surcharges for outside the city limits will be eliminated effective the date of the annexation. Please visit www.stcloudfl.gov/utilities or contact St. Cloud Utilities for current rates at 407-957-7344.
If you do not receive City water and/or sewer services; your new utility account will include charges for garbage, EMS, and stormwater services. Please visit www.stcloudfl.gov/utilities or contact St. Cloud Utilities for current rates at 407-957-7344.
What are these additional or new charges for?
Garbage: This charge is the monthly fee for the curbside collection of residential municipal solid waste, single-stream recyclables, and yard waste one time each per week in City-owned 96- gallon, fully automated carts. This charge covers the cost of collections, disposal fees, truck maintenance, fuel, and personnel costs.
Emergency Medical Service (EMS): This charge went into effect in 1990. The City of St. Cloud initiated an EMS availability fee to ensure a high level of emergency medical care within the city. EMS charges are City ordained fees to maintain buildings, medical equipment, vehicles, and tools.
Stormwater: This charge went into effect October 1, 2007. Monies collected from this fee help City of St. Cloud meet the unfunded state and federal mandates, improve the maintenance of the publicly maintained stormwater system, improve stormwater quality prior to discharging into the lakes,
Where would I go for an irrigation permit?
The St. Cloud Utilities offices are located on the first floor of City Hall Building A.
Will an irrigation permit be cheaper once I become a City resident?
The cost of the permit will be the same. However, the cost of an irrigation meter will be reduced, and the water base and usage charges will also be reduced by 25%, the same as the normal water meter fees for City residents. Please visit www.stcloudfl.gov/utilities or contact St. Cloud Utilities for current rates at 407-957-7344.
Water and Well Questions
If my property is annexed will I be required to connect to the City's water or sewer system?
The Osceola County Health Department can require connection if a well fails and water is available or if the septic system fails and sewer is determined to be available. If the property is located inside the City limits the cost for that connection is 25% less than connection for properties outside the City limits. The City offers a payment plan to homesteaded properties that breaks down payment of those fees into monthly installments.
What is the cost to connect to City water?
Currently the impact fee cost for a residential ¾" connection is* $3,705.45 for County residents and *$2,964.36 for City residents. There are also meter tap fees dependent on the size of the meter and other fees that may be applicable at the time of connection. All fees would be explained prior to connection.
*Please note these fees are subject to change on January 1st of each year. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 for further details.
Who shall I contact to report water related issues?
If connected to City water, you should contact the City regarding water related issues before calling a plumber. The City will advise you if the problem is on your side of the connection. If there is a problem on the City's side of your water connection and you pay a plumber to make the repair, the City will not reimburse you.
Is there a charge for a water and/or sewer meter?
There is a base fee for both water and sewer. Currently, the base fee for water for County residents is *$17.23 and* $21.41 for sewer. City residents are charged a base fee of *$13.79 for water and *$17.13 for sewer. There are additional fees for water consumption and the sewer consumption charge is based on the amount of water usage.
*Please note that these rates are subject to change. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 to verify the rate schedule.
What will happen if someone cannot afford or pay to hook up?
The City offers a payment plan if the property has a homestead exemption. Most of the costs can be paid under the payment plan, but there are up- front costs that would be paid before connection. These fees consist of water tap fees and/or sewer tap fees, water/sewer request fee, concurrency review fee, and right of way fee.
Will the Osceola County Health Department permit a new well if it were to fail?
Yes. The Osceola County Health Department does allow replacement of wells as long as the proper permit is pulled and City water is not available to the property
What would need to happen to the existing well if connection is made to the City water system?
If the current well is operational and not pumping sand, the owner may keep the well for irrigation purposes. If the well is not operable they would need to properly abandon the well.
Are there any costs charged by the Osceola County Health Department to abandon the well?
The permit fee for well abandonment is $50. Please verify with the Health Department.
Solid Waste Questions
Who will be picking up my garbage and at what cost to me?
Beginning October 1st the City will take over residential and commercial trash collection. Property owners paid for the current year's trash collection as a part of their tax bill for service through September. For that reason, the City must wait until the following "fiscal" year when that charge comes off of your Osceola County tax bill. The fee for residential and commercial cart collection is *$17.85 per month. Commercial dumpster collection is* $6 per cubic yard of container per collection. See Solid Waste rate sheet for additional charges that may be applicable.
* Please note that these rates are subject to change. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 to verify the rate schedule.
When will I receive my garbage can from the City?
If you are already receiving City water and/or sewer services, the City will deliver a solid waste can (maroon), recycling can (blue) and a yard waste can (green) to your home prior to October 1st.
If you do not currently receive City water and/or sewer services, you will need to contact St. Cloud Utilities to establish a utility account by the end of August to ensure timely delivery of your new carts and no lapse in garbage pick-up. Service initiation fee and deposits may apply. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 to set up your account of for additional information.
What If I need an extra garbage, recycling or yard waste can?
Citizens can request and extra can for a one-time fee of a $100.
What day will my garbage, recycling and yard waste be picked up?
Customers will receive a welcome letter from St. Cloud Utilities that will include this information. A map of the pick-up routes is available on the City's website by clicking on “Services” and then selecting “Trash & Recycling” and then selecting “Solid Waste Services”. The map along with rates schedules are listed to the right hand side of the page.
Does the City charge for special solid waste pick-ups?
The City will collect large items placed at the curb once a week. The cost is: *$12 for the first two cubic yards and *$6.50 for each additional cubic yard. Charges will be applied to your utility bill as a "special pick-up".
*Please note that these fees are subject to change.
Sanitary Sewer and Septic System Questions
Is there a charge for a water and/or sewer meter?
There is a base fee for both water and sewer. Currently the base fee for water for County residents is *$17.23 and *$21.41 for sewer. City residents are charged a base fee of *$13.79 for water and *$17.13 for sewer. There are additional fees for water consumption and the sewer consumption charge is based on the amount of water usage.
* Please note that these rates are subject to change. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 to verify the rate schedule.
Will a plumber be needed to put the pipes in to hook up to sewer?
A plumber will be needed to connect the sewer lines from the house or commercial unit to the sewer tie in at the street.
What will happen if someone cannot afford or pay to hook up?
The City offers a payment plan if the property has a homestead exemption. Most of the costs can be paid under the payment plan, but there are up- front costs that would be paid before connection. These fees consist of water tap fees and/or sewer tap fees, water/sewer request fee, concurrency review fee, and right of way fee.
How close do the lines have to be to hook up to City Sewer?
The County Health Department normally requires the sewer line to be within 200 ft of the property.
What constitutes septic system failure?
A septic system is considered to have failed if:
Toilets cannot be flushed.
There is sewage leakage/seepage anywhere in the system or on the property. The Health Department will inspect and allow 30 days for the system to be fixed. Any sewage leakage after 30 days will generate $500/day in administrative fines assessed by the Florida Department of Health.
The drain field drains directly into the water table. Note: only a licensed plumber/contractor may pump a septic tank without a permit. Pumping the septic tank in either of the above situations will only temporarily relieve the problem/issue - typically less than a week. If a licensed contractor comes to pump out a tank and finds that it has failed, they are required to call the Health Department.
Who determines if a septic system has failed?
The Florida Department of Health, Osceola County Health Department.
What needs to happen if a septic system fails?
If gravity sewer is available, then the residence must connect to sewer. If sewer is not available, then the resident must repair or replace the septic system in accordance with permitting requirements. Following a soil evaluation, the Health Department may require any of the following:
The drain field may be elevated and replaced with the same drain field
After evaluating water usage, the Health Department may require a larger drain field. If the property is not sized for this increase, a variance must be processed through the state Board
Will the septic tank need to be removed?
Not necessarily, but it must be removed from service. Removal from service may be accomplished by removing the tank; crushing the tank and filling the resultant void; or pumping the tank, removing the tank top, cutting holes in the bottom of the tank, and filling with dirt. All work must meet appropriate code.
What is the definition of "availability" (in regards to sewer)?
The County Health Department defines "availability" as sewer running adjacent to/touching the property. The City defines availability as within 200 feet of the property.
Is there a charge for the sewer meter?
There is no separate sewer meter; sewer rates are tied to water consumption as measured by the water meter. Current sewer charges are *$21.41 per month base rate plus *$5.38 per thousand gallons for County residents; *$17.13 per month base rate plus *$4.31 per thousand gallons for City residents.
* Please note that these rates are subject to change. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 to verify the rate schedule.
If the septic system fails, how much will it cost to connect to sewer?
Impact, tap and Contribution in aid of construction (CIAC) fees will be charged to connect to sewer. For County residents, impact fees are *$4,178.49 and tap fees are* $150. For City residents, impact fees are* $3,342.79 and tap fees are *$120. CIAC fees will be determined based on property frontage dimensions. These rates and fees are subject to change. In addition, each resident is responsible for the cost associated with running sewer piping to their property line and rendering their septic system inoperable. Each resident should consult a licensed plumber to obtain those estimates.
**The city has financing/payment plans available to homesteaded properties.
* Please note that these rates are subject to change. Please contact St. Cloud Utilities at 407-957-7344 to verify the rate schedule.
What is the average life span of a septic system?
The average septic system in Florida has a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years.
For Additional Information
Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 407-957-8427 or email the Planning Department
Mail any Correspondence to:
City of St. Cloud Planning and Zoning Department
1300 9th Street
St. Cloud, FL 34769