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Second Substitute H.B. 116

Representative Joseph G. Murray proposes to substitute the following bill:


             1     
SUBDIVISION OF LAND AMENDMENTS

             2     
2000 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Sponsor: Joseph G. Murray

             5      AN ACT RELATING TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE AND COUNTIES; AMENDING AND
             6      CLARIFYING PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBDIVIDING OF LAND; PROVIDING
             7      FOR AN EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL SUBDIVISIONS; REQUIRING
             8      NOTICE ON CERTAIN CONVEYANCES; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; AND MAKING
             9      TECHNICAL CHANGES.
             10      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             11      AMENDS:
             12          3-1-20, as last amended by Chapter 202, Laws of Utah 1994
             13          10-1-104, as last amended by Chapter 389, Laws of Utah 1997
             14          10-9-103, as last amended by Chapter 291, Laws of Utah 1999
             15          10-9-804, as last amended by Chapter 13, Laws of Utah 1998
             16          10-9-805, as last amended by Chapter 142, Laws of Utah 1997
             17          10-9-806, as last amended by Chapter 179, Laws of Utah 1995
             18          10-9-807, as enacted by Chapter 235, Laws of Utah 1991
             19          10-9-808, as last amended by Chapter 176, Laws of Utah 1999
             20          10-9-811, as last amended by Chapter 180, Laws of Utah 1995
             21          17-27-103, as last amended by Chapters 139 and 291, Laws of Utah 1999
             22          17-27-804, as last amended by Chapter 13, Laws of Utah 1998
             23          17-27-805, as last amended by Chapter 142, Laws of Utah 1997
             24          17-27-806, as last amended by Chapter 179, Laws of Utah 1995
             25          17-27-807, as enacted by Chapter 235, Laws of Utah 1991


             26          17-27-808, as last amended by Chapter 176, Laws of Utah 1999
             27          17-27-811, as last amended by Chapter 142, Laws of Utah 1997
             28          30-3-5, as last amended by Chapters 168 and 277, Laws of Utah 1999
             29      ENACTS:
             30          57-1-45, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             31          75-3-917, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             32      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             33          Section 1. Section 3-1-20 is amended to read:
             34           3-1-20. Voluntary dissolution -- Distribution of assets -- Proceedings.
             35          (1) (a) An association may be dissolved:
             36          (i) at a regular meeting, or a special meeting called for that purpose;
             37          (ii) after 30 days advance notice of the time, place, and object of the meeting is served on
             38      the members of the association as prescribed in the bylaws; and
             39          (iii) by a two-thirds vote of the members voting.
             40          (b) (i) The members shall elect a committee of three members to act as trustees on behalf
             41      of the association, and the trustees shall liquidate and distribute the association's assets within the
             42      time fixed by the members.
             43          (ii) The trustees may bring and defend actions necessary to protect and enforce the rights
             44      of the association.
             45          (iii) Any vacancies in the trusteeship may be filled by the remaining trustees.
             46          (2) (a) If an association dissolves pursuant to this section, the trustees, a creditor, a
             47      member, or the attorney general may bring an action in the district court in the county where the
             48      principal place of business of the association is located.
             49          (b) The court may specify:
             50          (i) appropriate notice of the time and place for the submission of claims against the
             51      association, which notice may require creditors of and claimants against the association to submit
             52      accounts and demands in writing at the specified place by a specific day, which date shall be at
             53      least 40 days from the date of service or first publication of the notice;
             54          (ii) the payment or satisfaction of claims and demands against the association, or the
             55      retention of money for such purpose;
             56          (iii) the administration of trusts or the disposition of the property held in trust by or for the


             57      association;
             58          (iv) the sale and disposition of any remaining property of the association and the
             59      distribution or division of the property or its proceeds among the members or persons entitled to
             60      them; and
             61          (v) other matters related to the dissolution.
             62          (c) All orders and judgments shall be binding upon the association, its property and assets,
             63      trustees, members, creditors, and all claimants against it.
             64          (3) On dissolution, the assets of the association shall be distributed in the following
             65      manner and order:
             66          (a) to pay the association's debts and expenses;
             67          (b) to return to any investors the par value of their capital;
             68          (c) to pay patrons on a pro rata basis the amount of any patronage capital credited to their
             69      accounts; and
             70          (d) if there is a surplus, to distribute it among those patrons who have been members of
             71      the association at any time during the last five years preceding dissolution or for a longer period
             72      of time if determined by the board of directors to be practicable, on the basis of patronage during
             73      that period.
             74          (4) After the final settlement by the trustees, the association shall be considered dissolved
             75      and shall cease to exist.
             76          (5) The trustees shall make a report in duplicate of the proceedings held under this section,
             77      which shall be signed, acknowledged, and filed as required for the filing of the articles of
             78      incorporation.
             79          (6) This section shall apply to all associations incorporated in this state.
             80          (7) Each owner of real property who prepares or causes to be prepared a document that
             81      conveys title to the owner's real property shall comply with Section 57-1-45 .
             82          Section 2. Section 10-1-104 is amended to read:
             83           10-1-104. Definitions.
             84          As used in this title:
             85          (1) "City" includes a city of the first class, a city of the second class, and a city of the third
             86      class, as classified in Section 10-2-301 .
             87          (2) "Contiguous" means:


             88          (a) if used to described an area, continuous, uninterrupted, and without an island of
             89      territory not included as part of the area; and
             90          (b) if used to describe an area's relationship to another area, sharing a common boundary.
             91          (3) "Governing body" means collectively the legislative body and the executive of any
             92      municipality. Unless otherwise provided:
             93          (a) in a city of the first or second class, the governing body is the city commission;
             94          (b) in a city of the third class, the governing body is the city council; and
             95          (c) in a town, the governing body is the town council.
             96          (4) "Municipal" means of or relating to a municipality.
             97          (5) "Municipality" means a city of the first class, city of the second class, city of the third
             98      class, or a town, as classified in Section 10-2-301 .
             99          (6) "Peninsula," when used to describe an unincorporated area, means an area surrounded
             100      on more than 1/2 of its boundary distance, but not completely, by incorporated territory and
             101      situated so that the length of a line drawn across the unincorporated area from an incorporated area
             102      to an incorporated area on the opposite side shall be less than 25% of the total aggregate
             103      boundaries of the unincorporated area.
             104          (7) "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, organization, association,
             105      trust, governmental agency, or any other legal entity.
             106          [(7)] (8) "Provisions of law" shall include other statutes of the state of Utah and
             107      ordinances, rules, and regulations properly adopted by any municipality unless the construction is
             108      clearly contrary to the intent of state law.
             109          [(8)] (9) "Recorder," unless clearly inapplicable, includes and applies to a town clerk.
             110          [(9)] (10) "Town" means a town as classified in Section 10-2-301 .
             111          [(10)] (11) "Unincorporated" means not within a municipality.
             112          Section 3. Section 10-9-103 is amended to read:
             113           10-9-103. Definitions -- Notice.
             114          (1) As used in this chapter:
             115          (a) "Billboard" means a freestanding ground sign located on industrial, commercial, or
             116      residential property if the sign is designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product, or
             117      service that is not sold, offered, or existing on the property where the sign is located.
             118          (b) "Chief executive officer" means:


             119          (i) the mayor in municipalities operating under all forms of municipal government except
             120      the council-manager form; or
             121          (ii) the city manager in municipalities operating under the council-manager form of
             122      municipal government.
             123          (c) "Conditional use" means a land use that, because of its unique characteristics or
             124      potential impact on the municipality, surrounding neighbors, or adjacent land uses, may not be
             125      compatible in some areas or may be compatible only if certain conditions are required that mitigate
             126      or eliminate the detrimental impacts.
             127          (d) "Constitutional taking" has the meaning as defined in Section 63-34-13 .
             128          (e) "County" means the unincorporated area of the county.
             129          (f) "Elderly person" means a person who is 60 years old or older, who desires or needs to
             130      live with other elderly persons in a group setting, but who is capable of living independently.
             131          (g) (i) "General plan" means a document that a municipality adopts that sets forth general
             132      guidelines for proposed future development of the land within the municipality, as set forth in
             133      Sections 10-9-301 and 10-9-302 .
             134          (ii) "General plan" includes what is also commonly referred to as a "master plan."
             135          (h) "Legislative body" means the city council or city commission.
             136          (i) "Lot line adjustment" in a subdivision means the relocation of the property boundary
             137      line between two adjoining lots with the consent of the owners of record.
             138          (j) "Municipality" means a city or town.
             139          (k) "Nonconforming structure" means a structure that:
             140          (i) legally existed before its current zoning designation; and
             141          (ii) because of subsequent zoning changes, does not conform with the zoning regulation's
             142      setback, height restrictions, or other regulations that govern the structure.
             143          (l) "Nonconforming use" means a use of land that:
             144          (i) legally existed before its current zoning designation;
             145          (ii) has been maintained continuously since the time the zoning regulation governing the
             146      land changed; and
             147          (iii) because of subsequent zoning changes, does not conform with the zoning regulations
             148      that now govern the land.
             149          (m) "Official map" means a map of proposed streets that has the legal effect of prohibiting


             150      development of the property until the municipality develops the proposed street.
             151          (n) "Plat" means a map or other graphical representation of lands being laid out and
             152      prepared in accordance with Section 10-9-804 .
             153          (o) "Record of survey map" means a map of a survey of land prepared in accordance with
             154      Section 17-23-17 .
             155          [(n)] (p) (i) "Residential facility for elderly persons" means a single-family or
             156      multiple-family dwelling unit that meets the requirements of Part 5 and any ordinance adopted
             157      under authority of that part.
             158          (ii) "Residential facility for elderly persons" does not include a health care facility as
             159      defined by Section 26-21-2 .
             160          [(o)] (q) "Special district" means all entities established under the authority of Title 17A,
             161      Special Districts, and any other governmental or quasi-governmental entity that is not a county,
             162      municipality, school district, or unit of the state.
             163          [(p)] (r) "Street" means public rights-of-way, including highways, avenues, boulevards,
             164      parkways, roads, lanes, walks, alleys, viaducts, subways, tunnels, bridges, public easements, and
             165      other ways.
             166          [(q)] (s) (i) "Subdivision" means any land that is divided, resubdivided or proposed to be
             167      divided into two or more lots, parcels, sites, units, plots, or other division of land for the purpose,
             168      whether immediate or future, for offer, sale, lease, or development either on the installment plan
             169      or upon any and all other plans, terms, and conditions.
             170          (ii) "Subdivision" includes:
             171          (A) the division or development of land whether by deed, metes and bounds description,
             172      devise and testacy, lease, map, plat, or other recorded instrument; and
             173          (B) except as provided in Subsection (1)[(q)] (s)(iii), divisions of land for all residential
             174      and nonresidential uses, including land used or to be used for commercial, agricultural, and
             175      industrial purposes.
             176          (iii) "Subdivision" does not include:
             177          (A) a bona fide division or partition of agricultural land for the purpose of joining one of
             178      the resulting separate parcels to a contiguous parcel of unsubdivided agricultural land, if neither
             179      the resulting combined parcel nor the parcel remaining from the division or partition violates an
             180      applicable zoning ordinance;


             181          (B) a recorded agreement between owners of adjoining properties adjusting their mutual
             182      boundary if:
             183          (I) no new lot is created; and
             184          (II) the adjustment does not result in a violation of applicable zoning ordinances; or
             185          (C) a recorded document, executed by the owner of record, revising the legal description
             186      of more than one contiguous parcel of property into one legal description encompassing all such
             187      parcels of property.
             188          (iv) The joining of a subdivided parcel of property to another parcel of property that has
             189      not been subdivided does not constitute a "subdivision" under this Subsection (1)[(q)] (s) as to the
             190      unsubdivided parcel of property or subject the unsubdivided parcel to the municipality's
             191      subdivision ordinance.
             192          [(r)] (t) "Unincorporated" means the area outside of the incorporated boundaries of cities
             193      and towns.
             194          (2) (a) A municipality meets the requirements of reasonable notice required by this chapter
             195      if it:
             196          (i) posts notice of the hearing or meeting in at least three public places within the
             197      jurisdiction and publishes notice of the hearing or meeting in a newspaper of general circulation
             198      in the jurisdiction, if one is available; or
             199          (ii) gives actual notice of the hearing or meeting.
             200          (b) A municipal legislative body may enact an ordinance establishing stricter notice
             201      requirements than those required by this Subsection (2).
             202          (c) (i) Proof that one of the two forms of notice authorized by this Subsection (2) was
             203      given is prima facie evidence that notice was properly given.
             204          (ii) If notice given under authority of this section is not challenged as provided in Section
             205      10-9-1001 within 30 days from the date of the meeting for which the notice was given, the notice
             206      is considered adequate and proper.
             207          Section 4. Section 10-9-804 is amended to read:
             208           10-9-804. Plats required.
             209          (1) Unless exempt under Section 10-9-806 or not included in the definition of subdivision
             210      under Subsection 10-9-103 (1), whenever any lands are laid out and platted, the owner of those
             211      lands shall provide an accurate [map or] plat that describes or specifies:


             212          (a) the boundaries, course, and dimensions of the parcels of ground;
             213          (b) whether the parcels of ground are intended to be used as streets or for other public uses,
             214      and whether any areas are reserved for public purposes;
             215          (c) the [number, temporary] lot or unit reference, the block or building reference, the street
             216      or site address, the street name or coordinate address, the acreage or square footage for all parcels,
             217      units, or lots, and the length and width of the blocks and lots intended for sale; and
             218          (d) existing right-of-way and easement grants of record for underground facilities, as
             219      defined in Section 54-8a-2 , and for other utility facilities.
             220          (2) (a) The owner of the land shall acknowledge the [map or] plat before an officer
             221      authorized by law to take the acknowledgement of conveyances of real estate.
             222          (b) The surveyor making the [map or] plat shall certify it.
             223          (c) The owner or operator of the underground and utility facilities shall approve the [map
             224      or] plat of its property interest if it specifies:
             225          (i) the boundary, course, dimensions, and intended use of the right-of-way and easement
             226      grants of record;
             227          (ii) the location of existing underground and utility facilities; and
             228          (iii) any conditions or restrictions governing the location of the facilities within the
             229      right-of-way, and easement grants of records, and utility facilities within the subdivision.
             230          (d) The legislative body shall approve the [map or] plat as provided in this part. Before
             231      the legislative body may approve a [map or] plat, the owner of the land shall provide the legislative
             232      body with a tax clearance indicating that all taxes, interest, and penalties owing on the land have
             233      been paid.
             234          (3) After the [map or] plat has been acknowledged, certified, and approved, the owner of
             235      the land shall file and record it in the county recorder's office in the county in which the lands
             236      platted and laid out are situated.
             237          Section 5. Section 10-9-805 is amended to read:
             238           10-9-805. Subdivision approval procedure.
             239          (1) A person may not submit a plat of a subdivision to the county recorder's office for
             240      [filing or] recording unless a recommendation has been received from the planning commission
             241      and:
             242          (a) the plat has been approved by:


             243          (i) the legislative body of the municipality in which the subdivision is located; or
             244          (ii) other officers that the municipal legislative body designates in an ordinance; and
             245          (b) the approvals are entered in writing on the plat by the mayor or chairperson of the
             246      legislative body or by the other officers designated in the ordinance.
             247          (2) In municipalities under the council-mayor form of government, Section 10-3-1219.5
             248      governs.
             249          Section 6. Section 10-9-806 is amended to read:
             250           10-9-806. Exemptions from plat requirement.
             251          (1) (a) [In subdivisions of less than ten lots, land may be sold] Notwithstanding Sections
             252      10-9-804 and 10-9-805 , a person may submit to the county recorder's office for recording a
             253      document that subdivides property by metes and bounds into less than ten lots, without the
             254      necessity of recording a plat, if:
             255          [(a) a recommendation has been received from]
             256          (i) the planning commission[;], if required by municipal ordinance, has given the
             257      municipal legislative body its recommendation, whether favorable or not; and
             258          [(b)] (ii) the [deed contains a stamp or other mark indicating that the subdivision has been
             259      approved by] document contains a certificate or written approval from:
             260          [(i)] (A) the legislative body of the municipality in which the property is located; or
             261          [(ii)] (B) other officers that the municipal legislative body designates in an ordinance[;].
             262          (b) By indicating its approval on a document under Subsection (1)(a), the municipal
             263      legislative body or other officer designated by the municipal legislative officer certifies that:
             264          (i) the planning commission:
             265          (A) has given its recommendation to the municipal legislative body; or
             266          (B) is not required by municipal ordinance to give its recommendation;
             267          [(c)] (ii) the subdivision is not traversed by the mapped lines of a proposed street as shown
             268      in the general plan and does not require the dedication of any land for street or other public
             269      purposes; and
             270          [(d)] (iii) if the subdivision is located in a zoned area, each lot in the subdivision meets the
             271      frontage, width, and area requirements of the zoning ordinance or has been granted a variance from
             272      those requirements by the board of adjustment.
             273          (2) Municipalities under the council-mayor form of government shall comply with Section


             274      10-3-1219.5 .
             275          (3) (a) Subject to Subsection (3)(b), a lot or parcel resulting from a division of agricultural
             276      land is exempt from the plat requirements of Section 10-9-804 if the lot or parcel:
             277          (i) qualifies as land in agricultural use under Title 59, Chapter 2, Part 5, Farmland
             278      Assessment Act;
             279          (ii) meets the minimum size requirement of applicable zoning ordinances; and
             280          (iii) is not used and will not be used for any nonagricultural purpose.
             281          (b) The boundaries of each lot or parcel exempted under Subsection (3)(a) shall be
             282      graphically illustrated on a record of survey map that, after receiving the same approvals as are
             283      required for a plat under Section 10-9-805 , shall be recorded with the county recorder.
             284          (c) If a lot or parcel exempted under Subsection (3)(a) is used for a nonagricultural
             285      purpose, the municipality in which the lot or parcel is located may require the lot or parcel to
             286      comply with the requirements of Section 10-9-804 .
             287          (4) (a) A person may not submit to the county recorder's office for recording a document
             288      that subdivides property by metes and bounds unless it contains the certificate or written approval
             289      required by this section.
             290          (b) The recording of a document that subdivides property by metes and bounds and does
             291      not contain the certificate or written approval required by this section:
             292          (i) does not affect the validity of the document; and
             293          (ii) does not affect whether the subdivided property complies with applicable municipal
             294      ordinances on land use and development.
             295          Section 7. Section 10-9-807 is amended to read:
             296           10-9-807. Dedication of streets.
             297          (1) [Maps and plats] Plats, when made, acknowledged, [filed,] and recorded according to
             298      the procedures specified in this part, operate as a dedication of all streets and other public places,
             299      and vest the fee of those parcels of land in the municipality for the public for the uses named or
             300      intended in those [maps or] plats.
             301          (2) The dedication established by this section does not impose liability upon the
             302      municipality for streets and other public places that are dedicated in this manner but unimproved.
             303          Section 8. Section 10-9-808 is amended to read:
             304           10-9-808. Vacating or changing a subdivision plat.


             305          (1) (a) Subject to Subsection (2), the legislative body of a municipality or any other officer
             306      that the legislative body designates by ordinance may, with or without a petition, consider any
             307      proposed vacation, alteration, or amendment of a subdivision plat, any portion of a subdivision
             308      plat, or any street, lot, or alley contained in a subdivision plat at a public hearing.
             309          (b) If a petition is filed, the responsible body or officer shall hold the public hearing within
             310      45 days after receipt of the planning commission's recommendation under Subsection (2) if:
             311          (i) the plat change includes the vacation of a public street or alley;
             312          (ii) any owner within the plat notifies the municipality of their objection in writing within
             313      ten days of mailed notification; or
             314          (iii) a public hearing is required because all of the owners in the subdivision have not
             315      signed the revised plat.
             316          (2) (a) Before the legislative body or officer designated by the legislative body may
             317      consider a proposed vacation, alteration, or amendment under Subsection (1)(a) or (6), the
             318      legislative body or officer shall refer the proposal to the planning commission for its
             319      recommendation.
             320          (b) The planning commission shall give its recommendation within 30 days after the
             321      proposed vacation, alteration, or amendment is referred to it.
             322          (3) Any fee owner, as shown on the last county assessment rolls, of land within the
             323      subdivision that has been laid out and platted as provided in this part may, in writing, petition the
             324      legislative body to have the plat, any portion of it, or any street or lot contained in it, vacated,
             325      altered, or amended as provided in this section.
             326          (4) Each petition to vacate, alter, or amend an entire plat, a portion of a plat, or a street or
             327      lot contained in a plat shall include:
             328          (a) the name and address of all owners of record of the land contained in the entire plat;
             329          (b) the name and address of all owners of record of land adjacent to any street that is
             330      proposed to be vacated, altered, or amended; and
             331          (c) the signature of each of these owners who consents to the petition.
             332          (5) (a) A petition that lacks the consent of all owners referred to in Subsection (4) may not
             333      be scheduled for consideration at a public hearing before the legislative body until the notice
             334      required by this part is given.
             335          (b) The petitioner shall pay the cost of the notice.


             336          (6) Subject to Subsection (2), if the responsible body or officer proposes to vacate, alter,
             337      or amend a subdivision plat, or any street or lot contained in a subdivision plat, they shall consider
             338      the issue at a public hearing after giving the notice required by this part.
             339          (7) Petitions to adjust lot lines between adjacent properties may be executed upon the
             340      recordation of an appropriate deed if:
             341          (a) no new dwelling lot or housing unit results from the lot line adjustment;
             342          (b) the adjoining property owners consent to the lot line adjustment;
             343          (c) the lot line adjustment does not result in remnant land that did not previously exist; and
             344          (d) the adjustment does not result in violation of applicable zoning requirements.
             345          (8) (a) The name of a recorded subdivision may be changed by recording an amended plat
             346      making that change, as provided in this section.
             347          (b) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(a), the recording of a declaration or other
             348      document that purports to change the name of a recorded plat is void.
             349          [(8)] (9) Municipalities operating under the council-mayor form of government shall
             350      comply with Section 10-3-1219.5 .
             351          Section 9. Section 10-9-811 is amended to read:
             352           10-9-811. Prohibited acts.
             353          (1) (a) A county recorder may not record a subdivision plat [of a subdivision without the
             354      approval of] that has not been approved by the [governing] legislative body of the municipality in
             355      which the subdivision is located.
             356          (b) A plat of a subdivision recorded without the approval of the [governing] municipal
             357      legislative body required by this part is void.
             358          (2) (a) An owner or agent of the owner of any land located in a subdivision, as defined in
             359      this chapter, who transfers or sells any land in that subdivision [must disclose to the transferee or
             360      purchaser the location, width, and restrictions of a right-of-way and easement of record within the
             361      subdivision, or before a plan or plat of the subdivision has been approved and recorded] before a
             362      plat of the subdivision has been approved and recorded is guilty of a violation of this part for each
             363      lot or parcel transferred or sold.
             364          (b) The description by metes and bounds in the instrument of transfer or other documents
             365      used in the process of selling or transferring does not exempt the transaction from being a violation
             366      of Subsection (2)(a) or from the penalties or remedies provided in this chapter.


             367          (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subsection (2), the recording of an
             368      instrument of transfer or other document used in the process of selling or transferring real property
             369      that violates this part:
             370          (i) does not affect the validity of the instrument or other document; and
             371          (ii) does not affect whether the property that is the subject of the instrument or other
             372      document complies with applicable municipal ordinances on land use and development.
             373          (3) (a) A municipality may bring an action against an owner to require the property to
             374      conform to the provisions of this part or an ordinance enacted under the authority of this part.
             375          (b) An action under this Subsection (3) may include an injunction, abatement, merger of
             376      title, or any other appropriate action or proceeding to prevent, enjoin, or abate the violation.
             377          (c) A municipality need only establish the violation to obtain the injunction.
             378          Section 10. Section 17-27-103 is amended to read:
             379           17-27-103. Definitions -- Notice.
             380          (1) As used in this chapter:
             381          (a) "Billboard" means a freestanding ground sign located on industrial, commercial, or
             382      residential property if the sign is designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product, or
             383      service that is not sold, offered, or existing on the property where the sign is located.
             384          (b) "Chief executive officer" means the county executive, or if the county has adopted an
             385      alternative form of government, the official who exercises the executive powers.
             386          (c) "Conditional use" means a land use that, because of its unique characteristics or
             387      potential impact on the county, surrounding neighbors, or adjacent land uses, may not be
             388      compatible in some areas or may be compatible only if certain conditions are required that mitigate
             389      or eliminate the detrimental impacts.
             390          (d) "Constitutional taking" has the meaning as defined in Section 63-34-13 .
             391          (e) "County" means the unincorporated area of the county.
             392          (f) "Elderly person" means a person who is 60 years old or older, who desires or needs to
             393      live with other elderly persons in a group setting, but who is capable of living independently.
             394          (g) "Gas corporation" has the same meaning as defined in Section 54-2-1 .
             395          (h) (i) "General plan" means a document that a county adopts that sets forth general
             396      guidelines for proposed future development of the land within the county, as set forth in Sections
             397      17-27-301 and 17-27-302 .


             398          (ii) "General plan" includes what is also commonly referred to as a "master plan."
             399          (i) "Interstate pipeline company" means a person or entity engaged in natural gas
             400      transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the
             401      Natural Gas Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 717 et seq.
             402          (j) "Intrastate pipeline company" means a person or entity engaged in natural gas
             403      transportation that is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
             404      under the Natural Gas Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 717 et seq.
             405          (k) "Legislative body" means the county legislative body, or for a county that has adopted
             406      an alternative form of government, the body exercising legislative powers.
             407          (l) "Lot line adjustment" means the relocation of the property boundary line between two
             408      adjoining lots with the consent of the owners of record.
             409          (m) "Municipality" means a city or town.
             410          (n) "Nonconforming structure" means a structure that:
             411          (i) legally existed before its current zoning designation; and
             412          (ii) because of subsequent zoning changes, does not conform with the zoning regulation's
             413      setback, height restrictions, or other regulations that govern the structure.
             414          (o) "Nonconforming use" means a use of land that:
             415          (i) legally existed before its current zoning designation;
             416          (ii) has been maintained continuously since the time the zoning regulation governing the
             417      land changed; and
             418          (iii) because of subsequent zoning changes, does not conform with the zoning regulations
             419      that now govern the land.
             420          (p) "Official map" means a map of proposed streets that has the legal effect of prohibiting
             421      development of the property until the county develops the proposed street.
             422          (q) "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, organization, association, trust,
             423      governmental agency, or any other legal entity.
             424          (r) "Plat" means a map or other graphical representation of lands being laid out and
             425      prepared in accordance with Section 17-27-804 .
             426          (s) "Record of survey map" means a map of a survey of land prepared in accordance with
             427      Section 17-23-17 .
             428          [(q)] (t) (i) "Residential facility for elderly persons" means a single-family or


             429      multiple-family dwelling unit that meets the requirements of Part 5 and any ordinance adopted
             430      under authority of that part.
             431          (ii) "Residential facility for elderly persons" does not include a health care facility as
             432      defined by Section 26-21-2 .
             433          [(r)] (u) "Special district" means all entities established under the authority of Title 17A,
             434      Special Districts, and any other governmental or quasi-governmental entity that is not a county,
             435      municipality, school district, or unit of the state.
             436          [(s)] (v) "Street" means public rights-of-way, including highways, avenues, boulevards,
             437      parkways, roads, lanes, walks, alleys, viaducts, subways, tunnels, bridges, public easements, and
             438      other ways.
             439          [(t)] (w) (i) "Subdivision" means any land that is divided, resubdivided or proposed to be
             440      divided into two or more lots, parcels, sites, units, plots, or other division of land for the purpose,
             441      whether immediate or future, for offer, sale, lease, or development either on the installment plan
             442      or upon any and all other plans, terms, and conditions.
             443          (ii) "Subdivision" includes the division or development of land whether by deed, metes
             444      and bounds description, devise and testacy, lease, map, plat, or other recorded instrument.
             445          (iii) "Subdivision" does not include:
             446          (A) a bona fide division or partition of agricultural land for agricultural purposes;
             447          (B) a recorded agreement between owners of adjoining properties adjusting their mutual
             448      boundary if:
             449          (I) no new lot is created; and
             450          (II) the adjustment does not result in a violation of applicable zoning ordinances;
             451          (C) a recorded document, executed by the owner of record, revising the legal description
             452      of more than one contiguous parcel of property into one legal description encompassing all such
             453      parcels of property; or
             454          (D) a bona fide division or partition of land in a county other than a first class county for
             455      the purpose of siting, on one or more of the resulting separate parcels, an unmanned facility
             456      appurtenant to a pipeline owned or operated by a gas corporation, interstate pipeline company, or
             457      intrastate pipeline company.
             458          (iv) The joining of a subdivided parcel of property to another parcel of property that has
             459      not been subdivided does not constitute a "subdivision" under this Subsection (1)[(t)] (w) as to the


             460      unsubdivided parcel of property or subject the unsubdivided parcel to the county's subdivision
             461      ordinance.
             462          [(u)] (x) "Unincorporated" means the area outside of the incorporated boundaries of cities
             463      and towns.
             464          (2) (a) A county meets the requirements of reasonable notice required by this chapter if
             465      it:
             466          (i) posts notice of the hearing or meeting in at least three public places within the
             467      jurisdiction and publishes notice of the hearing or meeting in a newspaper of general circulation
             468      in the jurisdiction, if one is available; or
             469          (ii) gives actual notice of the hearing or meeting.
             470          (b) A county legislative body may enact an ordinance establishing stricter notice
             471      requirements than those required by this Subsection (2).
             472          (c) (i) Proof that one of the two forms of notice authorized by this subsection was given
             473      is prima facie evidence that notice was properly given.
             474          (ii) If notice given under authority of this section is not challenged as provided in Section
             475      17-27-1001 within 30 days from the date of the meeting for which the notice was given, the notice
             476      is considered adequate and proper.
             477          Section 11. Section 17-27-804 is amended to read:
             478           17-27-804. Plats required.
             479          (1) Unless exempt under Section 17-27-806 or not included in the definition of a
             480      subdivision under Subsection 17-27-103 (1), whenever any lands are divided, the owner of those
             481      lands shall have an accurate plat made of them that sets forth and describes:
             482          (a) all the parcels of ground divided, by their boundaries, course, and extent, and whether
             483      they are intended for streets or other public uses, together with any areas that are reserved for
             484      public purposes; and
             485          (b) [all] the lot or unit reference, the block or building reference, the street or site address,
             486      the street name or coordinate address, the acreage or square footage for all parcels, units, or lots,
             487      and the length and width of the blocks and lots intended for sale[, by numbers, and their precise
             488      length and width].
             489          (2) (a) The owner of the land shall acknowledge the plat before an officer authorized by
             490      law to take the acknowledgement of conveyances of real estate.


             491          (b) The surveyor making the plat shall certify it.
             492          (c) The county legislative body shall approve the plat as provided in this part. Before the
             493      legislative body may approve a [map or] plat, the owner of the land shall provide the legislative
             494      body with a tax clearance indicating that all taxes, interest, and penalties owing on the land have
             495      been paid.
             496          (3) After the plat has been acknowledged, certified, and approved, the owner of the land
             497      shall file and record it in the county recorder's office in the county in which the lands platted and
             498      divided are situated.
             499          Section 12. Section 17-27-805 is amended to read:
             500           17-27-805. Subdivision approval procedure.
             501          A person may not submit a plat of a subdivision to the county recorder's office for [filing
             502      or] recording unless a recommendation has been received from the planning commission and:
             503          (1) the plat has been approved by:
             504          (a) the legislative body of the county in whose unincorporated area the subdivision is
             505      located; or
             506          (b) other officers that the county legislative body designates in an ordinance; and
             507          (2) the approvals are entered in writing on the plat by the chief executive officer or
             508      chairperson of the legislative body or by the other officers designated in the ordinance.
             509          Section 13. Section 17-27-806 is amended to read:
             510           17-27-806. Exemptions from plat requirement.
             511          [In subdivisions of less than ten lots, land may be sold]
             512          (1) (a) Notwithstanding Sections 17-27-804 and 17-27-805 , a person may submit to the
             513      county recorder's office for recording a document that subdivides property by metes and bounds
             514      into less than ten lots, without the necessity of recording a plat, if:
             515          [(1) a recommendation has been received from]
             516          (i) the planning commission[;], if required by county ordinance, has given the county
             517      legislative body its recommendation, whether favorable or not; and
             518          [(2) the deed contains a stamp or other mark indicating that the subdivision has been
             519      approved by:]
             520          (ii) the document contains a certificate or written approval from:
             521          [(a)] (A) the legislative body of the county in whose unincorporated area the property is


             522      located; or
             523          [(b)] (B) other officers that the county legislative body designates in an ordinance[;].
             524          (b) By indicating its approval on a document under Subsection (1)(a), the county
             525      legislative body or other officer designated by the county legislative officer certifies that:
             526          (i) the planning commission:
             527          (A) has given its recommendation to the county legislative body; or
             528          (B) is not required by county ordinance to give its recommendation;
             529          [(3)] (ii) the subdivision is not traversed by the mapped lines of a proposed street as shown
             530      in the general plan and does not require the dedication of any land for street or other public
             531      purposes; and
             532          [(4)] (iii) if the subdivision is located in a zoned area, each lot in the subdivision meets the
             533      frontage, width, and area requirements of the zoning ordinance or has been granted a variance from
             534      those requirements by the board of adjustment.
             535          (2) (a) Subject to Subsection (2)(b), a lot or parcel resulting from a division of agricultural
             536      land is exempt from the plat requirements of Section 17-27-804 if the lot or parcel:
             537          (i) qualifies as land in agricultural use under Title 59, Chapter 2, Part 5, Farmland
             538      Assessment Act;
             539          (ii) meets the minimum size requirement of applicable zoning ordinances; and
             540          (iii) is not used and will not be used for any nonagricultural purpose.
             541          (b) The boundaries of each lot or parcel exempted under Subsection (2)(a) shall be
             542      graphically illustrated on a record of survey map that, after receiving the same approvals as are
             543      required for a plat under Section 17-27-805 , shall be recorded with the county recorder.
             544          (c) If a lot or parcel exempted under Subsection (2)(a) is used for a nonagricultural
             545      purpose, the county in whose unincorporated area the lot or parcel is located may require the lot
             546      or parcel to comply with the requirements of Section 17-27-804 .
             547          (3) (a) A person may not submit to the county recorder's office for recording a document
             548      that subdivides property by metes and bounds unless it contains the certificate or written approval
             549      required by this section.
             550          (b) The recording of a document that subdivides property by metes and bounds and does
             551      not contain the certificate or written approval required by this section:
             552          (i) does not affect the validity of the document; and


             553          (ii) does not affect whether the subdivided property complies with applicable county
             554      ordinances on land use and development.
             555          Section 14. Section 17-27-807 is amended to read:
             556           17-27-807. Dedication of streets.
             557          (1) [Maps and plats] Plats, when made, acknowledged, [filed,] and recorded according to
             558      the procedures specified in this part, operate as a dedication of all streets and other public places,
             559      and vest the fee of those parcels of land in the county for the public for the uses named or intended
             560      in those [maps or] plats.
             561          (2) The dedication established by this section does not impose liability upon the county
             562      for streets and other public places that are dedicated in this manner but unimproved.
             563          Section 15. Section 17-27-808 is amended to read:
             564           17-27-808. Vacating or changing a subdivision plat.
             565          (1) (a) Subject to Subsection (2), the county legislative body or any other officer that the
             566      legislative body designates by ordinance may, with or without a petition, consider any proposed
             567      vacation, alteration, or amendment of a subdivision plat, any portion of a subdivision plat, or any
             568      street, lot, or alley contained in a subdivision plat at a public hearing.
             569          (b) If a petition is filed, the responsible body or officer shall hold the public hearing within
             570      45 days after receipt of the planning commission's recommendation under Subsection (2) if:
             571          (i) the plat change includes the vacation of a public street or alley;
             572          (ii) any owner within the plat notifies the municipality of their objection in writing within
             573      ten days of mailed notification; or
             574          (iii) a public hearing is required because all of the owners in the subdivision have not
             575      signed the revised plat.
             576          (2) (a) Before the county legislative body or officer designated by the county legislative
             577      body may consider a proposed vacation, alteration, or amendment under Subsection (1)(a) or (6),
             578      the county legislative body or officer shall refer the proposal to the planning commission for its
             579      recommendation.
             580          (b) The planning commission shall give its recommendation within 30 days after the
             581      proposed vacation, alteration, or amendment is referred to it.
             582          (3) Any fee owner, as shown on the last county assessment rolls, of land within the
             583      subdivision that has been laid out and platted as provided in this part may, in writing, petition the


             584      legislative body to have the plat, any portion of it, or any street or lot contained in it, vacated,
             585      altered, or amended as provided in this section.
             586          (4) Each petition to vacate, alter, or amend an entire plat, a portion of a plat, or a street or
             587      lot contained in a plat shall include:
             588          (a) the name and address of all owners of record of the land contained in the entire plat;
             589          (b) the name and address of all owners of record of land adjacent to any street that is
             590      proposed to be vacated, altered, or amended; and
             591          (c) the signature of each of these owners who consents to the petition.
             592          (5) (a) A petition that lacks the consent of all owners referred to in Subsection (4) may not
             593      be scheduled for consideration at a public hearing before the responsible body or officer until the
             594      notice required by this part is given.
             595          (b) The petitioner shall pay the cost of the notice.
             596          (6) Subject to Subsection (2), if the responsible body or officer proposes to vacate, alter,
             597      or amend a subdivision plat, or any street or lot contained in a subdivision plat, they shall consider
             598      the issue at a public hearing after giving the notice required by this part.
             599          (7) Petitions to adjust lot lines between adjacent properties may be executed upon the
             600      recordation of an appropriate deed if:
             601          (a) no new dwelling lot or housing unit results from the lot line adjustment;
             602          (b) the adjoining property owners consent to the lot line adjustment;
             603          (c) the lot line adjustment does not result in remnant land that did not previously exist; and
             604          (d) the adjustment does not result in violation of applicable zoning requirements.
             605          (8) (a) The name of a recorded subdivision may be changed by recording an amended plat
             606      making that change, as provided in this section.
             607          (b) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(a), the recording of a declaration or other
             608      document that purports to change the name of a recorded plat is void.
             609          Section 16. Section 17-27-811 is amended to read:
             610           17-27-811. Prohibited acts -- Plat void if recorded without approvals -- Penalties.
             611          (1) (a) A county recorder may not [file or] record a subdivision plat [of a subdivision
             612      without the approvals required by this part] that has not been approved by the legislative body of
             613      the county in whose unincorporated area the subdivision is located.
             614          (b) [Any] A plat of a subdivision [filed or] recorded without the [approvals required by


             615      this part] approval of the county legislative body is void.
             616          (2) (a) [Any] An owner or agent of the owner of any land located in a subdivision, as
             617      defined in this [part] chapter, who transfers or sells any land in that subdivision before a [plan or]
             618      plat of the subdivision has been approved and recorded as required in this part is guilty of a
             619      violation of this part for each lot or parcel transferred or sold.
             620          (b) The description by metes and bounds in the instrument of transfer or other documents
             621      used in the process of selling or transferring does not exempt the transaction from a violation of
             622      Subsection (2)(a) or from the penalties or remedies provided in this [part] chapter.
             623          (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subsection (2), the recording of an
             624      instrument of transfer or other document used in the process of selling or transferring real property
             625      that violates this part:
             626          (i) does not affect the validity of the instrument or other document; and
             627          (ii) does not affect whether the property that is the subject of the instrument or other
             628      document complies with applicable municipal ordinances on land use and development.
             629          (3) (a) A county may bring an action against an owner to require the property to conform
             630      to the provisions of this part or an ordinance enacted under the authority of this part.
             631          (b) An action under this Subsection (3)(d) may include an injunction, abatement, merger
             632      of title, or any other appropriate action or proceedings to prevent, enjoin, or abate the violation.
             633          (c) A county need only establish the violation to obtain the injunction.
             634          Section 17. Section 30-3-5 is amended to read:
             635           30-3-5. Disposition of property -- Maintenance and health care of parties and
             636      children -- Division of debts -- Court to have continuing jurisdiction -- Custody and visitation
             637      -- Determination of alimony -- Nonmeritorious petition for modification.
             638          (1) (a) When a decree of divorce is rendered, the court may include in it equitable orders
             639      relating to the children, property, debts or obligations, and parties. The court shall include the
             640      following in every decree of divorce:
             641          [(a)] (i) an order assigning responsibility for the payment of reasonable and necessary
             642      medical and dental expenses of the dependent children;
             643          [(b)] (ii) if coverage is or becomes available at a reasonable cost, an order requiring the
             644      purchase and maintenance of appropriate health, hospital, and dental care insurance for the
             645      dependent children;


             646          [(c)] (iii) pursuant to Section 15-4-6.5 :
             647          [(i)] (A) an order specifying which party is responsible for the payment of joint debts,
             648      obligations, or liabilities of the parties contracted or incurred during marriage;
             649          [(ii)] (B) an order requiring the parties to notify respective creditors or obligees, regarding
             650      the court's division of debts, obligations, or liabilities and regarding the parties' separate, current
             651      addresses; and
             652          [(iii)] (C) provisions for the enforcement of these orders; and
             653          [(d)] (iv) provisions for income withholding in accordance with Title 62A, Chapter 11,
             654      Recovery Services.
             655          (b) The court shall require compliance with Section 57-1-45 with respect to each order or
             656      other document that conveys title to real property to a party.
             657          (2) The court may include, in an order determining child support, an order assigning
             658      financial responsibility for all or a portion of child care expenses incurred on behalf of the
             659      dependent children, necessitated by the employment or training of the custodial parent. If the court
             660      determines that the circumstances are appropriate and that the dependent children would be
             661      adequately cared for, it may include an order allowing the noncustodial parent to provide child care
             662      for the dependent children, necessitated by the employment or training of the custodial parent.
             663          (3) The court has continuing jurisdiction to make subsequent changes or new orders for
             664      the custody of the children and their support, maintenance, health, and dental care, and for
             665      distribution of the property and obligations for debts as is reasonable and necessary.
             666          (4) (a) In determining visitation rights of parents, grandparents, and other members of the
             667      immediate family, the court shall consider the best interest of the child.
             668          (b) Upon a specific finding by the court of the need for peace officer enforcement, the
             669      court may include in an order establishing a visitation schedule a provision, among other things,
             670      authorizing any peace officer to enforce a court ordered visitation schedule entered under this
             671      chapter.
             672          (5) If a petition for modification of child custody or visitation provisions of a court order
             673      is made and denied, the court shall order the petitioner to pay the reasonable attorneys' fees
             674      expended by the prevailing party in that action, if the court determines that the petition was without
             675      merit and not asserted or defended against in good faith.
             676          (6) If a petition alleges substantial noncompliance with a visitation order by a parent, a


             677      grandparent, or other member of the immediate family pursuant to Section 78-32-12.2 where a
             678      visitation right has been previously granted by the court, the court may award to the prevailing
             679      party costs, including actual attorney fees and court costs incurred by the prevailing party because
             680      of the other party's failure to provide or exercise court-ordered visitation.
             681          (7) (a) The court shall consider at least the following factors in determining alimony:
             682          (i) the financial condition and needs of the recipient spouse;
             683          (ii) the recipient's earning capacity or ability to produce income;
             684          (iii) the ability of the payor spouse to provide support;
             685          (iv) the length of the marriage;
             686          (v) whether the recipient spouse has custody of minor children requiring support;
             687          (vi) whether the recipient spouse worked in a business owned or operated by the payor
             688      spouse; and
             689          (vii) whether the recipient spouse directly contributed to any increase in the payor spouse's
             690      skill by paying for education received by the payor spouse or allowing the payor spouse to attend
             691      school during the marriage.
             692          (b) The court may consider the fault of the parties in determining alimony.
             693          (c) As a general rule, the court should look to the standard of living, existing at the time
             694      of separation, in determining alimony in accordance with Subsection (7)(a). However, the court
             695      shall consider all relevant facts and equitable principles and may, in its discretion, base alimony
             696      on the standard of living that existed at the time of trial. In marriages of short duration, when no
             697      children have been conceived or born during the marriage, the court may consider the standard of
             698      living that existed at the time of the marriage.
             699          (d) The court may, under appropriate circumstances, attempt to equalize the parties'
             700      respective standards of living.
             701          (e) When a marriage of long duration dissolves on the threshold of a major change in the
             702      income of one of the spouses due to the collective efforts of both, that change shall be considered
             703      in dividing the marital property and in determining the amount of alimony. If one spouse's earning
             704      capacity has been greatly enhanced through the efforts of both spouses during the marriage, the
             705      court may make a compensating adjustment in dividing the marital property and awarding alimony.
             706          (f) In determining alimony when a marriage of short duration dissolves, and no children
             707      have been conceived or born during the marriage, the court may consider restoring each party to


             708      the condition which existed at the time of the marriage.
             709          (g) (i) The court has continuing jurisdiction to make substantive changes and new orders
             710      regarding alimony based on a substantial material change in circumstances not foreseeable at the
             711      time of the divorce.
             712          (ii) The court may not modify alimony or issue a new order for alimony to address needs
             713      of the recipient that did not exist at the time the decree was entered, unless the court finds
             714      extenuating circumstances that justify that action.
             715          (iii) In determining alimony, the income of any subsequent spouse of the payor may not
             716      be considered, except as provided in this Subsection (7).
             717          (A) The court may consider the subsequent spouse's financial ability to share living
             718      expenses.
             719          (B) The court may consider the income of a subsequent spouse if the court finds that the
             720      payor's improper conduct justifies that consideration.
             721          (h) Alimony may not be ordered for a duration longer than the number of years that the
             722      marriage existed unless, at any time prior to termination of alimony, the court finds extenuating
             723      circumstances that justify the payment of alimony for a longer period of time.
             724          (8) Unless a decree of divorce specifically provides otherwise, any order of the court that
             725      a party pay alimony to a former spouse automatically terminates upon the remarriage or death of
             726      that former spouse. However, if the remarriage is annulled and found to be void ab initio, payment
             727      of alimony shall resume if the party paying alimony is made a party to the action of annulment and
             728      his rights are determined.
             729          (9) Any order of the court that a party pay alimony to a former spouse terminates upon
             730      establishment by the party paying alimony that the former spouse is cohabitating with another
             731      person.
             732          Section 18. Section 57-1-45 is enacted to read:
             733          57-1-45. Notice required for metes and bounds document -- Remedy.
             734          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), each document that conveys property by
             735      metes and bounds but does not contain the certificate or written approval required under
             736      Subsection 10-9-806 (1) or 17-27-806 (1) shall state in conspicuous, boldface type and in capital
             737      letters on the signature page of the document the following: "NOTICE: COMPLIANCE WITH
             738      LOCAL ORDINANCES IS NECESSARY IN ORDER FOR THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN


             739      THIS DOCUMENT TO BE DEVELOPED OR BUILT UPON."
             740          (b) Subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the lot or parcel being conveyed is the same lot or
             741      parcel conveyed previously by a recorded conveyance that contains the certificate or written
             742      approval required by Subsection 10-9-806 (1) or 17-27-806 (1).
             743          (2) The absence of the notice required under Subsection (1) does not affect the validity of
             744      the document or prevent it from being recorded.
             745          (3) The grantee named in a document that does not comply with Subsection (1) may bring
             746      an action against the grantor for damages resulting from the failure to comply or for other
             747      appropriate relief.
             748          (4) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this section, the presence or absence of the
             749      notice required under Subsection (1) does not affect:
             750          (a) rights and duties that a grantor would otherwise have under the law; or
             751          (b) rights and duties that a grantee would otherwise have under the law.
             752          Section 19. Section 75-3-917 is enacted to read:
             753          75-3-917. Conveyance of real property.
             754          Each owner who prepares or causes to be prepared a document that conveys title to real
             755      property shall comply with Section 57-1-45 .


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