Boundary Review Board purpose

The Boundary Review Board reviews proposals for boundary changes by cities, fire districts, and water/sewer districts within King County, including city or district annexations, new city incorporations, and district mergers.

In the case of new city incorporations, the Boundary Review Board oversees preparation of an impartial consultant study to assess the financial feasibility of the proposed new city. Following completion of the study, the Board holds a public hearing, establishes final boundaries, and makes a recommendation to the voters, who make the final decision in an election on the incorporation.

For all other proposed actions, including annexations, the Boundary Review Board notifies all potentially interested jurisdictions of the action, but holds a hearing only if the action is contested. The request for a hearing and Board review must come from an affected jurisdiction or from residents or property owners by petition. Following the hearing in contested cases, the Board may approve, deny, or modify the boundaries of the proposed annexation, merger or other boundary action.

For more information about our work, see About the Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County.