The act of legally incorporating land into an existing political entity, such as a city, town, or county, significantly impacts property boundaries and jurisdiction. This process often involves the absorption of unincorporated territory, effectively expanding the legal and administrative control of the annexing entity. For example, a city might extend its limits to include a newly developed residential area located adjacent to its existing border.
This expansion benefits municipalities by increasing the tax base and allowing for more efficient provision of public services like utilities, infrastructure, and emergency response. Historically, the practice has been employed to manage urban sprawl, consolidate resources, and foster planned growth. It ensures that new developments are integrated within the broader framework of existing municipal planning and regulations.
