Roxboro council denies Morning Glory Lane annexation but grants water and sewer service

Roxboro — The City Council on Tuesday denied a petition to annex a non-contiguous parcel on Morning Glory Lane but voted to allow the property owner to connect to city water and sewer if they meet departmental requirements and pay tap fees.

Planning Director Lauren Johnson told council the parcel is non-contiguous to Roxboro city limits and staff recommended denying annexation while still providing requested services if the developer submits an approved connection plan and pays for taps. Johnson explained that the parcel sits beyond a strip of property owned by the Roxboro Animal Hospital that prevents contiguity.

Councilmember Phillips moved to deny the annexation while granting service connections; Councilmember Outlaw seconded, and the motion carried on a voice vote. Council members discussed precedent and whether the town should revisit the annexation policy for similar non-contiguous requests in the future.

What the decision means: the denial preserves the city’s non-contiguous-annexation policy but allows the developer to proceed with utility connections under city requirements. Staff noted that, for substantially larger developments, the council could revisit contiguity exceptions.

Next step: staff will coordinate the technical review and ensure required tap fees and connection approvals are completed before service is provided.