The Urban Growth Area boundaries are usually adopted by a city in the Master Plan. Montgomery County will base its position of support on annexations upon the above three considerations and the designation of logical urban growth areas by Rockville and Gaithersburg. The Cities and the County will develop procedural guidelines for handling annexation agreements. In addition, in 1999, a joint study was conducted between the Montgomery County Planning Board and Rockville Mayor and Council regarding annexations along East Gude Drive. This study established criteria for annexations into the City in this area.
Annexations occur for a number of reasons.
One reason is economics. The City benefits because of the increased tax revenue. Furthermore, logically defined municipal boundaries provide a sense of stability that allows residents and property owners to effectively participate in the land use decisions that impact property. The outer boundaries should be physically identifiable. The MELs should contain natural drainage areas which can be efficiently served with City water and sewer.