The Role of Boundary Review Boards in Public Decision-Making

Created by the Legislature in 1967, Boundary Review Boards have proven to be effective and helpful in resolving disputes between governmental units, citizens, property owners, and developers. Boundary Review Boards give thoughtful consideration to the many proposals for annexation from municipalities and special districts, as well as incorporations of new cities or towns.

In each Boundary Review Board decision, consistency with the Growth Management Act as well as specific factors and objectives identified in the state law are weighed and evaluated in a timely and impartial manner. As land use matters become more complex, this rational approach to decision-making becomes even more important.

For citizens in unincorporated areas, Boundary Review Boards often serve as the only avenue of recourse in the city annexation process. Boundary Review Boards, due to their unique composition, are able to make the difficult or unpopular decisions that are required to ensure the orderly growth of municipalities and urban services.

Some of the responsibilties of a Boundary Review Board are:

  1. To Resolve Disputes between Municipalities, Special Purpose Districts, and Citizens
  2. To Be Impartial and Conscientious Decision-Makers
  3. To Be a Sounding Board for All Citizens
  4. To Assist Cities, Towns, and Districts with the Annexation Process
  5. To Involve the Public Early in the Decision-Making Process
  6. To Be Accessible To the Public
  7. To Ensure the Orderly Growth of Municipalities and the Provision of Urban Services
  8. To Facilitate Decisions Consistent With the Growth Management Act
  9. To Provide an Objective Analysis of Annexation and Incorporation Proposals