County of Rockingham v. City of Harrisonburg

The County of Rockingham appeals from an order annexing approximately 11.64 square miles of its area to the City of Harrisonburg. We granted the appeal for the opportunity it provides to examine the 1979 amendments to the annexation statutes. Acts 1979, c. 85 (hereinafter, the 1979 Act). We affirm the decision of the annexation court.

In May 1975, the City petitioned to annex approximately 14 square miles of the County. The action was stayed for the duration of the “moratorium” on annexation imposed by the General Assembly. Code § 15.1-1032.1(A). The moratorium was terminated effective July 1,…