The Maryland Petition for Voluntary Annexation is a legal process that allows a property owner to request the annexation of their land into a neighboring municipality or incorporated city. It is a formal document that must be filed with the appropriate local government authority and follows specific guidelines outlined by Maryland state laws. In Maryland, there are two main types of petitions for voluntary annexation: Individual Petition and Group Petition. 1. Individual Petition: An Individual Petition for Voluntary Annexation is submitted by a single property owner who wishes to have their land annexed into a nearby municipality. This type of petition is typically used when a property owner wants to gain access to additional services provided by the municipality, such as water and sewer systems, public utilities, or improved infrastructure. To file an Individual Petition for Voluntary Annexation, the property owner must provide various details about the property, including its current boundaries, tax identification numbers, and legal descriptions. The petitioner must also outline the reasons for seeking annexation and demonstrate how the proposed annexation would benefit both the property owner and the municipality. 2. Group Petition: A Group Petition for Voluntary Annexation involves multiple property owners who collectively request annexation into the municipal boundaries. This type of petition is often used when several properties in a particular area want to benefit from the services and resources offered by a municipality. To initiate a Group Petition for Voluntary Annexation, a designated representative from the group must be appointed to coordinate the process. The representative gathers signatures from all participating property owners and submits the petition on their behalf. The group must present a unified case to explain how the annexation would improve their community's development, quality of life, or economic opportunities. Both types of petitions require the submission of a formal written request, including various supporting documents, such as property maps, surveys, tax records, and any previous agreements or contracts related to the proposed annexation. These documents are essential for the local government to review and evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts of the requested annexation. It is important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for filing a Maryland Petition for Voluntary Annexation may vary depending on the county or municipality in question. Property owners should consult their local government's planning or zoning department or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.