The bill amends sections 709.023 and 709.024 of the Revised Code to modify the annexation process for municipal corporations and townships. It establishes that an expedited type two or three annexation process will be halted if a township objects to the proposed annexation. Key changes include a requirement for both the municipal corporation and any affected townships to file an ordinance or resolution consenting or objecting to the annexation within sixty days of the petition being filed, replacing the previous flexible timeline. If any entity objects, the board of county commissioners is mandated to deny the petition. Additionally, the bill specifies that a hearing must be held if the municipal corporation and all involved townships consent to the annexation, with the board required to notify petitioners and property owners entitled to notice.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision ensuring that territory annexed into a municipal corporation remains subject to township real property taxes unless specified otherwise in an annexation agreement. It clarifies that property owners adjacent to the annexed territory can take legal action if the municipal corporation fails to enforce zoning ordinances requiring buffer zones. The bill also grants the right to appeal a denial of the annexation to the owner who signed the petition, while no other parties may appeal. The changes will only apply to annexation petitions filed after the bill's effective date, and it repeals existing sections 709.023 and 709.024 of the Revised Code.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 709.023, 709.024