Map 4: Growth Tier Maps
The Growth Tier Map shows areas outside Greensboro’s city limits but inside the area in which the City can legally annex property and extend water and sewer services; this is called the Water Sewer Service Area (WSSA).
The three tiers are delineated based on the cost to extend City services to the area, primarily water and sewer, solid waste collection, and Police and Fire protection, as well as long-term maintenance of City facilities.
Annexation and Service Policy Overview
Property Located Inside Growth Tier 1
Growth Tier 1 of this Plan is the area where the City is currently able to provide all City services including water and sewer service based on the location of existing infrastructure including roads, fire stations, and water and sewer pipes. Before connecting to water or sewer service, property located within Growth Tier 1 will be annexed into the City. All projects that connect to City water and sewer will be required to comply with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.
Property Located Outside of Growth Tier 1
Water and/or sewer service may be allowed outside Growth Tiers 2 and 3 provided they can be annexed immediately. If they cannot be annexed immediately, water and/or sewer service can be allowed in Growth Tiers 2 and 3 under specific circumstances:
- Economic development projects meeting criteria outlined in the WSSA policy.
- Extensions determined by City Council to address significant public necessity.
- Exiting properties adjacent to existing water lines but not annexable that meet standards specified in the adopted WSSA policy.
Water and sanitary sewer service, as well as other City services from public safety to parks to library facilities, are necessary components of urban development.
For more information, see Chapter 10, Map 4 in the GSO2040 Comprehensive Plan.