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AnnexCOS Annexation Plan

At a glance

  • What: A resolution adopting AnnexCOS, the 2026 Annexation Plan for the City, which updates the 2006 Annexation Plan and builds on the 2019 comprehensive plan (PlanCOS). It also serves as the three-mile plan required by state law.
  • Where it stands: The City Planning Commission recommended approval 9-0 on July 8, 2026. A City Council work session presentation was pencilled in for July 27, 2026.

Detail

  • Kevin Walker said the plan is legislative, sets guidelines and a framework for evaluating annexation petitions, covers enclaves and relations with El Paso County, and does not itself authorize development. Annexation is a jurisdictional action, not a guarantee of construction, and fiscal modeling will be part of future annexation reviews. Outreach comments on infrastructure capacity, fiscal responsibility, growth patterns and boundaries shaped the plan.
  • Commissioner Cecil asked about zoning at annexation and proactive annexation of enclaves; Walker said annexation agreements usually include land use guidance, zoning follows, and the plan encourages but does not mandate enclave annexation. Failure to develop annexed land is not grounds for de-annexation; agreements protect the City from extending infrastructure early.
  • Vice Chair Slattery, who served as liaison during drafting, supported it as a framework recognizing annexation as jurisdictional rather than growth-driving. Commissioners Willoughby, Case, Engel and Chair Hensler also spoke in support.
  • At the Council work session of July 13 (agenda planner review), Donelson asked whether Council had the plan; Walker said it had just gone to the Planning Commission, would be provided shortly, and that the essential information is fifteen pages.

Votes

  • July 8, 2026: motion by Vice Chair Slattery, seconded by Commissioner Clements, to recommend approval to City Council on the finding it complies with City Code section 7.5.706 and serves as the Three-Mile Plan under state law. Passed 9-0 (Hensler, Cecil, Slattery, Robbins, Clements, Gigiano, Willoughby, Case, Engel).

Sources

Log

2026-07-13 - City Council Work Session

Agenda planner review: Council asked about receiving the plan.

2026-07-08 - City Planning Commission

Presented by the Planning Director; recommended for approval 9-0.

2026-07-02 - City Planning Commission Work Session

Kevin Walker presented the draft plan: changes since 2006, contiguity, infrastructure, fiscal impact, housing diversity, intergovernmental coordination; annexations remain property-owner-initiated; templates and intergovernmental agreement updates are coming tasks.

2026-06-04 - City Planning Commission Work Session

Early update to the Commission: the three-year statutory update began in 2024 and was nearing completion, reflecting the 2025 annexations and the recent annexation election outcome, with more coordination with military installations; policy guidance rather than land priority maps. A full draft was promised before the formal hearing.

2026-05-07 - City Planning Commission Work Session

Planning Director Kevin Walker said Annex COS is nearing its final stage, with a Commission hearing anticipated in July. Commissioner Slattery will keep serving on the effort through its conclusion.