Annexation: What Residents Should Know
Annexation into the City of Greenville could change what you pay, who provides your services, and which rules apply to your property. The impact will vary for each household and business.
Before making a decision, residents deserve clear answers about costs, services, and commitments to their neighborhood.
Look Beyond The Property Tax Rate
A lower property tax rate does not necessarily mean a lower total cost. Service fees and other charges may appear on utility bills or separate statements.
Ask for a written comparison for your property that includes taxes, sanitation, stormwater, sewer, and any other applicable charges.
Trash Collection and Billing May Change
Greater Greenville Sanitation’s charges appear on the annual property tax statement. City sanitation fees are billed monthly with water and sewer charges. Residents should compare both the cost and the services included.
Greater Greenville Sanitation fees · City sanitation billing ordinance
Business owners should also confirm whether their current trash collection would continue after annexation or whether they would need to arrange and pay for private collection. The city’s main solid waste page focuses on residential services and does not explain business collection arrangements.
Compare Stormwater Charges
Stormwater charges should be included in any cost comparison. Residents need to know the current charge for their property, the charge after annexation, and how it would be billed. You can check your current stormwater charges on your property tax bill.
Get Specifics About Neighborhood
Improvements
Sidewalks, curbs, medians, street redesigns, and beautification projects may be discussed as benefits of annexation. Residents should ask which improvements are funded, when construction would begin, and how their neighborhood would rank among existing priorities.
One way the City is proposing to address infrastructure needs is through a 1% "penny tax" that will appear on the November ballot. The proposed tax would fund a specific list of projects that has already been established. Under state law, additional projects cannot be added to that list once it has been finalized for the referendum.
Residents should review the project list to see whether improvements to their neighborhood are included and ask how other proposed improvements would be funded.
The experience of areas such as Cherrydale raises questions about the timing of improvements discussed during annexation. Residents should ask for documented commitments and updates on previously announced projects.
Learn more about the City's proposed penny tax.
Understand Potential Costs for Burying Power Lines
The Power On program offers eligible homeowners up to $3,000 toward burying electrical service lines and up to $300 toward meter box upgrades. Those amounts may not cover every project. Longer distances, site conditions, and electrical upgrades can increase the homeowner’s share. Obtain a written estimate and confirm eligibility before committing.
Program information published by the City of Greenville
Ask How Emergency Response Would Work
Residents need a clear explanation of which department would respond to each type of emergency after annexation.
Parker’s role may depend on response agreements with the city. Residents should request the current agreement, including which calls Parker would handle, which calls Greenville City would handle, and how response times would be affected.
Review Short-Term Rental Restrictions
Greenville prohibits short-term rentals in residential zoning districts and certain other districts. Where permitted, operators must obtain the required permit and business license and pay accommodations tax.
Owners of existing rentals should confirm whether their use could continue after annexation and what documentation would be required.
City short-term rental application and requirements
Understand Property Rules and Permit Requirements
Homeowners and businesses should review how city requirements would affect renovations, repairs, signs, tree removal, and landscaping. Ask which activities require approval, what exemptions apply, and what fees or corrective work may be required.
Review the city’s information on building permits, signs, and landscaping and trees.
Businesses Should Calculate Their Additional Costs
Businesses operating within Greenville must obtain an annual city business license. The license tax depends on gross revenue and business classification. Business owners should calculate that amount and identify any additional permits, taxes, or fees that would apply after annexation.
Consider Traffic and Future Development
Residents of Sans Souci deserve clear information about how redevelopment of the Union Bleachery property could affect neighborhood traffic. Ask for traffic studies, projected traffic volumes, and plans to address congestion and pedestrian safety.
Before agreeing to annexation, request a complete cost comparison, a clear service plan, and written details about proposed neighborhood improvements.