Annexation Questions & Answers

What is zoning and what will my zoning be after annexation?

• Zoning separates incompatible uses, preserves neighborhood character, and determines density, intensity of use, height, lot coverage, landscaping, and parking for a particular use. Overlay and special districts may include urban design regulations or guidelines.
• Zoning for areas proposed for annexation is developed based on the adopted land use plan for the area, taking into consideration existing uses. All territory annexed to the City of Missouri City, Texas, is classified as SD, suburban district, until permanently zoned by the city council of the City of Missouri City. The city planning and zoning commission shall, as soon as practicable after annexation of any territory, institute proceedings on its own motion to give the newly annexed territory a permanent zoning.
• Information on the process to permanently zone all land is available. More Details on Zoning 

What permits are required if my property is annexed for full purposes?

• All construction permits will be obtained through the City of Missouri City’s Development Services Department. You will no longer need to obtain a permit from Fort Bend County. All construction permitting and inspections will be performed by the City of Missouri City for all residential and commercial properties. More Details on Permits & Inspections 

What services will be provided to Sienna residents in the event of a disaster?

The City provided emergency management services during previous disasters by providing personnel and resources for Sienna evacuation, levee issues, and MUD responses. The city has an Emergency Management Division under the Fire & Rescue Services Department. Emergency Management oversees a team of city wide trained response personnel who operate the Emergency Operations Center 24 hours a day/7 days a week during an event or a disaster. In support of disaster operations, the Fire & Rescue Services Department has trained personnel and equipment to serve the community including:

• Rescue boats;
• Large tactical 6-ton, 6x6 trucks (Fire and Public Works) to aid in water hazard rescue and evacuations;
• Off road UTV;
• Off road Brush Truck; and
• Various 4x4 trucks.

Emergency Management has a variety of emergency operations plans and contingencies to mitigate various levels of emergencies and works directly with the MUDS and Levee Improvement Districts, both Harris and Fort Bend County Emergency Management, Texas Department of Emergency Management, South East Texas Regional Advisory Council (Medical), FBISD and FEMA. 

Community preparedness information, plans and resources are shared with the community before, during, and after a disaster including recovery efforts and cleanup after a disaster. The city also has community notification platforms to alert the citizens of important emergency preparedness and response information.

How can the City’s police department serve Sienna with having 21 vacancies in the department?

• Effective Sunday, July 16, 2023 the Patrol Division is transitioning to a 12-hour shift schedule. This schedule allows for additional officers to be on duty at any given time. 
• City Council has increased the police officer salary and is offering a signing bonus, which better positions the police department to attract police officer candidates to fill the current vacancies.
• This would occur regardless of whether annexation occurs. 
• There is a national shortage of law enforcement officers. The Fort Bend County Sherriff’s Office has a shortage of 60.

Will the City have police patrols dedicated to MUD 2? How can the City ensure prompt call response times?

• The additional security provided by the County law enforcement paid for via HOA dues will continue. There will not be a “dedicated” officer for the MUD 2 area, but an additional officer will be assigned to the beat in which the MUD 2 area is in. 
• As far as response time, officers will not necessarily always be responding to a call for service from the same area. City officers are continuously patrolling the areas within their assigned beats throughout their shift.

How many officers will be assigned to patrol MUD 2?

• An additional officer will be assigned to the beat in which the MUD 2 area is in.

How many law enforcement positions are open/vacant in Missouri City?

• The department currently has 25 vacant officer positions. 4 of these positions are additional positions added in the current Fiscal Year.

Sienna already pays the Fort Bend County Sherriff Office to have 7 officers for the area, with two on duty at any given time, within Sienna boundaries. How will the annexation affect this? Does the Missouri City Police Department have the staffing to handle an immediate increase in work load?

• For clarification, upon annexation the city will not eliminate the supplemental patrol provided by the HOA. The city has staffing to handle the increase in population.

What is the timeline for the new police officers hired on July 8, 2023 to complete their training and fully join the police force?

• The earliest time that some of those officers may be fully trained is approximately mid-October 2023

Is the City required to construct a police substation in Sienna before annexation?

• No. The strategic partnership agreement requires the Developer or the Master MUD to build the police substation pursuant to the Master Plan, not the City. However, the Master Plan was amended to only include a fire station in 2013. The fire station does, however, include space for law enforcement. Regardless, the construction of a police substation is not a requirement for annexation under the strategic partnership agreement.

What taxes and fees would I pay when the area is annexed for full purposes?

• In the calendar year following full purpose annexation, you will begin paying property taxes to the City of Missouri City. Four homestead tax exemptions exist including over-65 ($25,000), disabled veterans ($5,000-$12,000 based on disability rating), disabled persons ($20,000), and a residential homestead of 2.5% or $5,000 whichever is greater. 
• Retail and hotel businesses would also be responsible for collecting sales tax and hotel occupancy tax.

How will Missouri City ensure that Sienna residents will not be charged the fees all residents currently pay to the SRAI for services such as mosquito spraying, street lighting, and landscaping in the reserve areas?

• Questions about the association assessment following annexation should be directed to the association.

How will the Sienna MUD 3 debt and the debt of the City’s other MUDs affect the City’s tax rate?

• Sienna MUD No. 2’s debt will not affect the City’s proposed TY 2023 tax rate.

Why are Missouri City taxes much higher when compared to Sugar Land and Stafford?

• Sugar Land and Stafford have US 69 access, which has given them both significant funding from sales tax revenue. Missouri City was developed in 1990’s as a bedroom community, which has left less opportunities for the City to offset property taxes with sales taxes.

Can you assure the current residents of Missouri City that there will be no increase in any tax or user fee for them in the future?

• The City has different water and wastewater systems. As with any other entity operating in our area, Missouri City cannot guarantee any resident that there will never be an increase in taxes. The City does not determine property values and must be able to address needs based on changed conditions. 

Will my home insurance rates decrease when I am annexed for full purposes?

• It is possible that your home insurance rates could decrease if your insurance company participates in the rating system. The Insurance Service Office (ISO) Inc. grades cities on their firefighting and water supply capability and assigns a Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating. This rating is used by insurance providers that use the PPC to establish commercial and residential rates within the city limits. The ISO PPC ratings range from a class 1 to a class 10 with a class 1 being the best possible ISO rating. As of August 1, 2016, the City has received from ISO a Public Protection Class 01/1Y rating. Based on data provided by ISO, only 14.7% of all fire departments in Texas are rated a 2 or higher and only 3.2% of fire department received a Class 1 rating including the City of Missouri City. Across the nation, only 1.3% of all fire departments have achieved a Class 1 rating including the City of Missouri City.

Can the City provide an estimate of what the monthly user fees will be on the average home owner's bill?

• Upon annexation, the City will generally adopt the MUD’s fee schedule, which is subject to change in the future. Homeowners will see a decrease in their monthly utility invoice due to the elimination of the Fire services fee.

What voting privileges will I have?

• You will have full voting privileges including but not limited to all mayoral, council, bond and charter amendment elections.

When are elections held to elect the Mayor and Members of City Council?

• The Mayor and two At-Large positions are up for election in November 2025 and in November of every third year thereafter. All District council members are up for election November 2024 and in November every third year thereafter. The City of Missouri City has term limits of no more than twelve consecutive years of office in any position on the council or in any combination thereof. More Details on Election

Will the annexation affect my school district boundaries, post office address, and other services?

• No, annexation will not affect your status in relation to, or taxes or fees owed to the following entities:
  • US Post Office
  • County
  • School district

Will the City require me to hook up to City water and sewer, or cap my well?

• No. The City will not require any changes in existing utility services.

Parks and Reserves

How will the City maintain the reserves (green spaces)? How often?

• The Parks and Recreation Department mows once per week during growing seasons (March – October) and every two weeks during dormant seasons (November – February). Service standards for maintenance visits includes mowing, edging/trimming, blowing and litter control. Areas specifically reserved for drainage and/or retention that are not highly visible are tractor mowed only.

How can the City ensure Sienna residents the quality of community management will stay the same?

• Right-of-way and median services, including landscaping and beautification, is completed by the respective homeowner’s associations, not the City. Due to this, the services and standards that are currently provided by the HOAs will not change due to annexation. The City’s maintenance services will apply to properties currently owned by Sienna Mud #2 only and other public facilities such as roadways.

What will be developed in the small space adjacent to Sienna Crossing near the school?

• A determination has not been made as to the development of the City owned parkland adjacent to Sienna Crossing Elementary School. Amenities included in the development of this property will be based on a number of factors, including a market analysis and needs assessment in an attempt to avoid duplicating services. Initial reports and inspections identify passive opportunities for education and beautification as a need. The Parks and Recreation Department prioritizes community input during park development planning to ensure that the City is meeting the needs of the community.

How does the City determine what parks projects to prioritize? Is resident feedback part of that consideration?

• Developing open space into parks has been shown to improving psychological and social health, aid in child development, build healthy and stable communities, increase air quality, aid in flood control, and increase real estate market value. Information on what amenities are currently offered through HOA parks will be collected, along with community input, to ensure that a development of this space adds to the community rather than competes with current offerings.

Sidewalks, Roads and Other Infrastructure

What is the timeline for the City to repair a road or sidewalk?

• Immediate safety\temporary repairs are performed within 5-business days upon notification

Can you guarantee that you will take over maintenance of sidewalks in front of homes? This is currently the responsibility of homeowners.

• Any public entity (MUD or the City) can only expend taxpayer funds for public purposes. The City’s sidewalk and street maintenance\repair is limited to sidewalks and streets in the public right of way.

Will the city own the streets and be responsible for their maintenance?

• All public streets will be the maintenance responsibility of the City.
• Presently, the residents of each gated neighborhood pay into a reserve fund that pays for the streets and sidewalks in the neighborhood.
• This current arrangement will continue for private streets and sidewalks. The City (like the County) is not responsible for the maintenance of private streets and sidewalks.

How will the road and sidewalk maintenance be handled in the gated neighborhoods, such as Commanders Point, Vieux Carre, etc., after annexation?

• Sidewalks and Streets (Roads) in gated neighborhoods are deemed “private”. Those areas are not maintained by the City or the MUD (but rather by the HOA). This applies to other areas in Missouri City as well.

How will the City monitor and maintain the drainage swells to the current standards?

• As part of transition, City will coordinate with the current contractor\vendor to determine frequency required to maintain current standards. The City will, at a minimum, maintain current standards. 

Are there any proposed infrastructure projects within the existing city limits that may be delayed or cancelled because of the costs of expanding your service area?

• No. In fact, planned new infrastructure projects between the City and Fort Bend County (such as proposed Sienna Pkwy. Expansion) should benefit MUD #2.

If I am required to get permits to finish construction on my house, will the City impose any changes to the portion of the house that was not permitted?

• New construction, alterations, additions, and certain modifications to existing buildings or structures require the issuance of permits by the city within the city’s limits. If new construction or a home improvement is currently underway at the time of annexation, please contact the Development Services Department, Permits and Inspections division on the nature of the work and any inspections and other requirements applicable to complete the work.

I’m currently building or making renovations to my house and may not complete it before the City annexes. Will I be required to get a building permit to complete my home?

• New construction, alterations, additions, and certain modifications to existing buildings or structures require the issuance of permits by the city within the city’s limits. If new construction or a home improvement is currently underway at the time of annexation, please contact the Development Services Department, Permits and Inspections division on the nature of the work and any inspections and other requirements applicable to complete the work.

When it comes to building codes, are homeowners subject to Missouri City ordinance or HOA guidelines, or both?

• Both. If the area is annexed into the City, the City would enforce adopted city codes and regulations as the standard for any property located within the City. Annexation into the City does not remove any HOA deed restrictions. The area would be subject to any HOA deed restrictions applicable to their property. This would continue to be enforced through the HOA.

Will I be able to use fireworks on my property?

• No. Possession and use of fireworks within the corporate limits of the City are prohibited.

If I own a business, will I be required to collect a City sales tax?

• Yes. City sales taxes are to be collected upon annexation.

Will I be able to continue to operate my home-based business upon annexation?

• Any use of a property within the city’s limits must be in compliance with the city’s zoning ordinance. Certain home occupations are permitted under the city’s zoning ordinance. Home occupations complying with these requirements would be permitted to continue.

Is there a permit or license I need to get from the City for my home-based business after annexation?

• Permits are not issued by the city for home occupations at this time.

Notification

Is the strategic partnership agreement posted online?

• Yes. Strategic Partnership Agreement (PDF)

Does the City believe they complied with proper notice to the residents of MUD 2, the Board of MUD 2, the Sienna SRA Board, and SRAI management of their intent to Annex pursuant to the Strategic Partnership Agreement?

• The 2019 MUD Study provided notice regarding potential annexation of Sienna MUD No. 2 in 2027. The study also recommended that the city continuously monitor the potential financial impact of annexation, which has occurred. The City provided the required legal notices in regards to this process.

What avenues were used to notify the Sienna MUD #2 residents of the July 12 meeting?

• The July 12, 2023 meeting was advertised on the City’s website and on social media and shared with the property owners association for distribution.

Where in Sienna did the Fort Bend Independent deliver the 2000 newspapers containing the Annexation Notice?

• The paper informed the City that papers were delivered on both sides of Sienna Parkway in the subject area, including Shipman’s Landing. Additionally, notice was sent to the homeowners’ association for the July hearings. 

Financials

When will the City release the financial report? Why hasn’t it been released?

• Local governments must comply with the Texas Public Information Act. Requests for information from the Public are processed as stated by the law. The financial report that was prepared in relation to Sienna MUD 2 will be publicly released by July 19, 2023.

How is the City using the surplus funds in MUD 2 to benefit the MUD 2 taxpayers?

• The City may not receive any general fund surplus from Sienna MUD 2. The Sienna MUD 2 board proposed to spend all of the district’s general fund surplus on brick fencing and other projects within the district before City annexation. Any surplus received from the MUD’s debt service fund will be used for its legal purpose, which is to pay the debt service on bonds issued by the MUD.

How will Missouri City pay off the remaining MUD bonds? Will the responsibility fall to Missouri City tax payers?

• The City may use any resources legally available to pay the remaining debt service on outstanding MUD bonds.

Has the city completed more current financial analysis of the annexation?

• Financial Services completed a fiscal analysis based on the MUD’s 2022 financial report in February.

Was a feasibility study conducted?

The City has found that the annexation is feasible, as such action was the intent of the development since its inception.

Does the City believe it is prudent to annex Sienna MUD 2 even though it may incur additional expenses and cannot assure existing Missouri City homeowners that their taxes and fees will not increase?

• Annexation is a legislative decision that should be decided based on a long-term perspective. 

Approval

Do the Sienna residents have a choice in the decision to annex?

• The decision to annex is a legislative decision. However, homeowners are generally notified about the potential of such a decision in their closing documents when they purchase a home in an area subject to potential annexation.

Why is there no public vote for approval of this annexation?

• This proposed annexation is provided for by a strategic partnership agreement, which does not require a vote by residents.

Timeline

Why annex now?

• The City is authorized to annex Sienna MUD 2 pursuant to the 2001 strategic partnership agreement.

Why is the annexation being done so fast?

• The City has the authority to set it owns timeline for annexation provided that it is consistent with the Strategic Partnership Agreement. The City plans on maintaining a majority of the district’s current vendors; as such, a disruption in services is not anticipated.

Why is this being done in the middle of the year, rather than at the start of a new fiscal year?

• There is not a “typical timeline” for annexations. Each municipality may consider multiple factors in determining when and if to annex property.

Is there some other reason for the short timeline on the annexation?

• No. The 2001 strategic partnership agreement with the MUD always contemplated City annexation. Missouri City welcomes its neighbors in Sienna MUD 2. The City looks forward to residents’ community involvement on boards and in City events.

Where can I find the answers to questions asked at the Sienna Town Hall on July 12?

The questions have been placed into their appropriate categories within this list. Select the category your question relates to in order to locate the question and its answer.