Retain the 1993 Master Plan recommendations. The Annotated Code of Maryland, Article 23A, Section 19, prescribes procedures for enlarging municipal boundaries. Municipalities may annex unincorporated territory that is contiguous and adjoins the municipal boundaries, but may not annex land within another municipality. Likewise, an annexation cannot create an unincorporated enclave that is surrounded on all sides by property within the municipality.
Property owners can also petition the municipal government to initiate an annexation.
A valid petition requesting annexation does not compel its enactment. The municipal governing body alone is authorized to introduce and approve an annexation resolution. When a property is annexed, the City applies a zoning classification to it that is generally consistent with the County's Master Plan recommendation. If a property owner requests a zoning classification that is inconsistent with the County's Plan within five years of annexation, then concurrence by the County Council is required. The issue of density or intensity of use may be considered in judging issues of consistency between the County's master plan and the City's proposed zoning.