§ 4-406. Public notice and hearing on resolution

   (a) In general. -- After an annexation resolution is introduced, the chief executive and administrative officer of the municipality shall publish notice in accordance with the requirements of this section that:

   (1) briefly and accurately describes the proposed annexation and the applicable conditions and circumstances; and

   (2) specifies the date, time, and place that the legislative body sets for the public hearing on the proposed annexation.

(b) Publication of notice; date and location of hearing. --

   (1) Public notice of the annexation resolution shall be published:

      (i) 1. At least four times; or

         2. if the total area of the proposed annexation is 25 acres or less, at least two times;

      (ii) at not less than weekly intervals; and

      (iii) in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the municipality and the area to be annexed.

   (2) The public hearing shall be:

      (i) set no sooner than 15 days after the final required publication of the public notice; and

      (ii) held in the municipality or the area to be annexed.

(c) Notice to county and planning agencies. -- Immediately after the first publication of the public notice, the municipality shall provide a copy of the public notice to:

   (1) the governing body of the county in which the municipality is located; and

   (2) any regional or State planning agency with jurisdiction in the county.

(d) First right to be heard. -- The county and any regional or State planning agency with jurisdiction in the county has the right to be heard before the public at the hearing on the proposed annexation.

(e) Rescheduling or continuation of hearing. --

   (1) The public hearing may be rescheduled for or continued to a later date not more than 30 days after:

      (i) the date when the hearing was originally scheduled; or

      (ii) the date on which the hearing began but was not completed.

   (2) If the hearing is rescheduled or continued, public notice shall be published:

      (i) at least 7 days before the date of the rescheduled or continued hearing; and

      (ii) in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality and the area to be annexed.

   (3) The public notice shall:

      (i) briefly and accurately describe the area to be annexed; and

      (ii) specify the date, time, and place of the rescheduled or continued public hearing.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 23A, § 19(d); 2013, ch. 119, § 2.