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S.B. 73 Enrolled

             1     

UNINCORPORATED AREAS AMENDMENTS

             2     
2009 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Karen Mayne

             5     
House Sponsor: Gregory H. Hughes

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill modifies provisions relating to unincorporated areas of counties.
             10      Highlighted Provisions:
             11          This bill:
             12          .    modifies the municipal annexation process with respect to a proposed annexation
             13      of an area included within a township to include a process for withdrawal of the
             14      area from the township;
             15          .    prohibits the filing of an annexation petition if the area proposed to be annexed is
             16      within a proposed township;
             17          .    repeals a provision prohibiting a municipality from denying, under certain
             18      circumstances, a petition proposing the annexation of an area located in a county of
             19      the first class;
             20          .    modifies the process for establishing a township and the authority of a county
             21      legislative body with respect to the establishment of a township;
             22          .    repeals obsolete language;
             23          .    provides a process for withdrawing an area from a township;
             24          .    provides a process for dissolving a township;
             25          .    repeals a provision limiting annexations of territory in a township; and
             26          .    repeals a provision repealing in 2010 a provision that prohibits an annexation by a
             27      municipality in a county of the first class under certain circumstances.
             28      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             29          None


             30      Other Special Clauses:
             31          None
             32      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             33      AMENDS:
             34          10-2-401, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 360
             35          10-2-402, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 167
             36          10-2-403, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 329
             37          10-2-405, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 90
             38          10-2-407, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2003, Chapter 211
             39          10-2-408, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2001, Chapter 206
             40          10-2-414, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 329
             41          17-27a-306, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 250
             42          63I-2-210, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 290 and renumbered and
             43      amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
             44      ENACTS:
             45          10-2-408.5, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             46      REPEALS:
             47          10-2-427, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 224
             48     
             49      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             50          Section 1. Section 10-2-401 is amended to read:
             51           10-2-401. Definitions -- Property owner provisions.
             52          (1) As used in this part:
             53          (a) "Affected entity" means:
             54          (i) a county in whose unincorporated area the area proposed for annexation is located;
             55          (ii) a local district under Title 17B, Limited Purpose Local Government Entities -
             56      Local Districts, or special service district under Title 17D, Chapter 1, Special Service District
             57      Act, whose boundaries include any part of an area proposed for annexation;


             58          (iii) a school district whose boundaries include any part of an area proposed for
             59      annexation; and
             60          (iv) a municipality whose boundaries are within 1/2 mile of an area proposed for
             61      annexation.
             62          (b) "Annexation petition" means a petition under Section 10-2-403 proposing the
             63      annexation to a municipality of a contiguous, unincorporated area that is contiguous to the
             64      municipality.
             65          (c) "Commission" means a boundary commission established under Section 10-2-409
             66      for the county in which the property that is proposed for annexation is located.
             67          (d) "Expansion area" means the unincorporated area that is identified in an annexation
             68      policy plan under Section 10-2-401.5 as the area that the municipality anticipates annexing in
             69      the future.
             70          (e) "Feasibility consultant" means a person or firm with expertise in the processes and
             71      economics of local government.
             72          (f) "Municipal selection committee" means a committee in each county composed of
             73      the mayor of each municipality within that county.
             74          (g) "Private," with respect to real property, means not owned by the United States or
             75      any agency of the federal government, the state, a county, a municipality, a school district, a
             76      local district under Title 17B, Limited Purpose Local Government Entities - Local Districts, a
             77      special service district under Title 17D, Chapter 1, Special Service District Act, or any other
             78      political subdivision or governmental entity of the state.
             79          (h) "Specified county" means a county of the second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth class.
             80          (i) "Township" has the same meaning as defined in Section 17-27a-103 .
             81          [(i)] (j) "Urban development" means:
             82          (i) a housing development with more than 15 residential units and an average density
             83      greater than one residential unit per acre; or
             84          (ii) a commercial or industrial development for which cost projections exceed
             85      $750,000 for all phases.


             86          (2) For purposes of this part:
             87          (a) the owner of real property shall be the record title owner according to the records
             88      of the county recorder on the date of the filing of the petition or protest; and
             89          (b) the value of private real property shall be determined according to the last
             90      assessment roll for county taxes before the filing of the petition or protest.
             91          (3) For purposes of each provision of this part that requires the owners of private real
             92      property covering a percentage or majority of the total private land area within an area to sign
             93      a petition or protest:
             94          (a) a parcel of real property may not be included in the calculation of the required
             95      percentage or majority unless the petition or protest is signed by:
             96          (i) except as provided in Subsection (3)(a)(ii), owners representing a majority
             97      ownership interest in that parcel; or
             98          (ii) if the parcel is owned by joint tenants or tenants by the entirety, 50% of the
             99      number of owners of that parcel;
             100          (b) the signature of a person signing a petition or protest in a representative capacity
             101      on behalf of an owner is invalid unless:
             102          (i) the person's representative capacity and the name of the owner the person
             103      represents are indicated on the petition or protest with the person's signature; and
             104          (ii) the person provides documentation accompanying the petition or protest that
             105      substantiates the person's representative capacity; and
             106          (c) subject to Subsection (3)(b), a duly appointed personal representative may sign a
             107      petition or protest on behalf of a deceased owner.
             108          Section 2. Section 10-2-402 is amended to read:
             109           10-2-402. Annexation -- Limitations.
             110          (1) (a) A contiguous, unincorporated area that is contiguous to a municipality may be
             111      annexed to the municipality as provided in this part.
             112          (b) An unincorporated area may not be annexed to a municipality unless:
             113          (i) it is a contiguous area;


             114          (ii) it is contiguous to the municipality;
             115          (iii) except as provided in Subsection 10-2-418 (1)(b), annexation will not leave or
             116      create an unincorporated island or peninsula; and
             117          (iv) for an area located in a specified county with respect to an annexation that occurs
             118      after December 31, 2002, the area is within the proposed annexing municipality's expansion
             119      area.
             120          (2) Except as provided in Section 10-2-418 , a municipality may not annex an
             121      unincorporated area unless a petition under Section 10-2-403 is filed requesting annexation.
             122          (3) (a) An annexation under this part may not include part of a parcel of real property
             123      and exclude part of that same parcel unless the owner of that parcel has signed the annexation
             124      petition under Section 10-2-403 .
             125          (b) A piece of real property that has more than one parcel number is considered to be a
             126      single parcel for purposes of Subsection (3)(a) if owned by the same owner.
             127          (4) A municipality may not annex an unincorporated area in a specified county for the
             128      sole purpose of acquiring municipal revenue or to retard the capacity of another municipality
             129      to annex the same or a related area unless the municipality has the ability and intent to benefit
             130      the annexed area by providing municipal services to the annexed area.
             131          (5) The legislative body of a specified county may not approve urban development
             132      within a municipality's expansion area unless:
             133          (a) the county notifies the municipality of the proposed development; and
             134          (b) (i) the municipality consents in writing to the development; or
             135          (ii) (A) within 90 days after the county's notification of the proposed development, the
             136      municipality submits to the county a written objection to the county's approval of the proposed
             137      development; and
             138          (B) the county responds in writing to the municipality's objections.
             139          (6) (a) An annexation petition may not be filed under this part proposing the
             140      annexation of an area located in a county that is not the county in which the proposed
             141      annexing municipality is located unless the legislative body of the county in which the area is


             142      located has adopted a resolution approving the proposed annexation.
             143          (b) Each county legislative body that declines to adopt a resolution approving a
             144      proposed annexation described in Subsection (6)(a) shall provide a written explanation of its
             145      reasons for declining to approve the proposed annexation.
             146          (7) (a) As used in this Subsection (7), "airport" means an area that the Federal
             147      Aviation Administration has, by a record of decision, approved for the construction or
             148      operation of a Class I, II, or III commercial service airport, as designated by the Federal
             149      Aviation Administration in 14 C.F.R. Part 139.
             150          (b) A municipality may not annex an unincorporated area within 5,000 feet of the
             151      center line of any runway of an airport operated or to be constructed and operated by another
             152      municipality unless the legislative body of the other municipality adopts a resolution
             153      consenting to the annexation.
             154          (c) A municipality that operates or intends to construct and operate an airport and does
             155      not adopt a resolution consenting to the annexation of an area described in Subsection (7)(b)
             156      may not deny an annexation petition proposing the annexation of that same area to that
             157      municipality.
             158          (8) An annexation petition may not be filed if it proposes the annexation of an area
             159      that is within a proposed township in a petition to establish a township under Subsection
             160      17-27a-306 (1)(c) that has been certified under Subsection 17-27a-306 (1)(f), until after the
             161      canvass of an election on the proposed township under Subsection 17-27a-306 (1)(h).
             162          Section 3. Section 10-2-403 is amended to read:
             163           10-2-403. Annexation petition -- Requirements -- Notice required before filing.
             164          (1) Except as provided in Section 10-2-418 , the process to annex an unincorporated
             165      area to a municipality is initiated by a petition as provided in this section.
             166          (2) (a) (i) Before filing a petition under Subsection (1) with respect to the proposed
             167      annexation of an area located in a county of the first class, the person or persons intending to
             168      file a petition shall:
             169          (A) file with the city recorder or town clerk of the proposed annexing municipality a


             170      notice of intent to file a petition; and
             171          (B) send a copy of the notice of intent to each affected entity.
             172          (ii) Each notice of intent under Subsection (2)(a)(i) shall include an accurate map of
             173      the area that is proposed to be annexed.
             174          (b) (i) Subject to Subsection (2)(b)(ii), the county in which the area proposed to be
             175      annexed is located shall:
             176          (A) mail the notice described in Subsection (2)(b)(iii) to:
             177          (I) each owner of real property located within the area proposed to be annexed; and
             178          (II) each owner of real property located within 300 feet of the area proposed to be
             179      annexed; and
             180          (B) send to the proposed annexing municipality a copy of the notice and a certificate
             181      indicating that the notice has been mailed as required under Subsection (2)(b)(i)(A).
             182          (ii) The county shall mail the notice required under Subsection (2)(b)(i)(A) within 20
             183      days after receiving from the person or persons who filed the notice of intent:
             184          (A) a written request to mail the required notice; and
             185          (B) payment of an amount equal to the county's expected actual cost of mailing the
             186      notice.
             187          (iii) Each notice required under Subsection (2)(b)(i)(A) shall:
             188          (A) be in writing;
             189          (B) state, in bold and conspicuous terms, substantially the following:
             190          "Attention: Your property may be affected by a proposed annexation.
             191          Records show that you own property within an area that is intended to be included in a
             192      proposed annexation to (state the name of the proposed annexing municipality) or that is
             193      within 300 feet of that area. If your property is within the area proposed for annexation, you
             194      may be asked to sign a petition supporting the annexation. You may choose whether or not to
             195      sign the petition. By signing the petition, you indicate your support of the proposed
             196      annexation. If you sign the petition but later change your mind about supporting the
             197      annexation, you may withdraw your signature by submitting a signed, written withdrawal with


             198      the recorder or clerk of (state the name of the proposed annexing municipality) within 30 days
             199      after (state the name of the proposed annexing municipality) receives notice that the petition
             200      has been certified.
             201          There will be no public election on the proposed annexation because Utah law does not
             202      provide for an annexation to be approved by voters at a public election. Signing or not signing
             203      the annexation petition is the method under Utah law for the owners of property within the
             204      area proposed for annexation to demonstrate their support of or opposition to the proposed
             205      annexation.
             206          [Under Utah law, the elected officials of (state the name of the proposed annexing
             207      municipality) may have no choice but to grant the annexation petition if the county's property
             208      tax rate for municipal services in the area proposed to be annexed is higher than the property
             209      tax rate of (state the name of the proposed annexing municipality) and if other statutory
             210      conditions are met.]
             211          You may obtain more information on the proposed annexation by contacting (state the
             212      name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address of the official or employee of the
             213      proposed annexing municipality designated to respond to questions about the proposed
             214      annexation), (state the name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address of the
             215      county official or employee designated to respond to questions about the proposed
             216      annexation), or (state the name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address of the
             217      person who filed the notice of intent under Subsection (2)(a)(i)(A), or, if more than one person
             218      filed the notice of intent, one of those persons). Once filed, the annexation petition will be
             219      available for inspection and copying at the office of (state the name of the proposed annexing
             220      municipality) located at (state the address of the municipal offices of the proposed annexing
             221      municipality)."; and
             222          (C) be accompanied by an accurate map identifying the area proposed for annexation.
             223          (iv) A county may not mail with the notice required under Subsection (2)(b)(i)(A) any
             224      other information or materials related or unrelated to the proposed annexation.
             225          (c) (i) After receiving the certificate from the county as provided in Subsection


             226      (2)(b)(i)(B), the proposed annexing municipality shall, upon request from the person or
             227      persons who filed the notice of intent under Subsection (2)(a)(i)(A), provide an annexation
             228      petition for the annexation proposed in the notice of intent.
             229          (ii) An annexation petition provided by the proposed annexing municipality may be
             230      duplicated for circulation for signatures.
             231          (3) Each petition under Subsection (1) shall:
             232          (a) [(i)] be filed with the city recorder or town clerk, as the case may be, of the
             233      proposed annexing municipality;
             234          [(ii) when filed and if applicable, be accompanied by a written statement, signed by
             235      the petition sponsors, certifying that signatures on a petition that does not comply with the
             236      requirements of Subsection (3)(d) were gathered before the effective date of that Subsection;]
             237          (b) contain the signatures of:
             238          (i) the owners of private real property that:
             239          (A) is located within the area proposed for annexation;
             240          (B) (I) subject to Subsection (3)(b)(i)(B)(II), covers a majority of the private land area
             241      within the area proposed for annexation; and
             242          (II) covers 100% of the private land area within the area proposed for annexation, if
             243      the area is within an agriculture protection area created under Title 17, Chapter 41, Agriculture
             244      and Industrial Protection Area; and
             245          (C) is equal in value to at least 1/3 of the value of all private real property within the
             246      area proposed for annexation; or
             247          (ii) if all the real property within the area proposed for annexation is owned by a
             248      public entity other than the federal government, the owner of all the publicly owned real
             249      property;
             250          (c) if the petition proposes the annexation of an area located within a township,
             251      explain that if the annexation petition is granted, the area will also be withdrawn from the
             252      township;
             253          [(c)] (d) be accompanied by:


             254          (i) an accurate and recordable map, prepared by a licensed surveyor, of the area
             255      proposed for annexation; and
             256          (ii) a copy of the notice sent to affected entities as required under Subsection
             257      (2)(a)(i)(B) and a list of the affected entities to which notice was sent;
             258          [(d)] (e) if the area proposed to be annexed is located in a county of the first class,
             259      contain on each signature page a notice in bold and conspicuous terms that states substantially
             260      the following:
             261          "Notice:
             262          [* Under Utah law, the elected officials of (state the name of the proposed annexing
             263      municipality) may have no choice but to grant this annexation petition if the county's property
             264      tax rate for municipal services in the area proposed to be annexed is higher than the property
             265      tax rate of (state the name of the proposed annexing municipality) and if other statutory
             266      conditions are met.]
             267          * There will be no public election on the annexation proposed by this petition because
             268      Utah law does not provide for an annexation to be approved by voters at a public election.
             269          * If you sign this petition and later decide that you do not support the petition, you may
             270      withdraw your signature by submitting a signed, written withdrawal with the recorder or clerk
             271      of (state the name of the proposed annexing municipality). If you choose to withdraw your
             272      signature, you must do so no later than 30 days after (state the name of the proposed annexing
             273      municipality) receives notice that the petition has been certified.";
             274          [(e)] (f) if the petition proposes the annexation of an area located in a county that is
             275      not the county in which the proposed annexing municipality is located, be accompanied by a
             276      copy of the resolution, required under Subsection 10-2-402 (6), of the legislative body of the
             277      county in which the area is located; and
             278          [(f)] (g) designate up to five of the signers of the petition as sponsors, one of whom
             279      shall be designated as the contact sponsor, and indicate the mailing address of each sponsor.
             280          (4) A petition under Subsection (1) may not propose the annexation of all or part of an
             281      area proposed for annexation to a municipality in a previously filed petition that has not been


             282      denied, rejected, or granted.
             283          (5) A petition under Subsection (1) proposing the annexation of an area located in a
             284      county of the first class may not propose the annexation of an area that includes some or all of
             285      an area proposed to be incorporated in a request for a feasibility study under Section 10-2-103
             286      or a petition under Section 10-2-125 if:
             287          (a) the request or petition was filed before the filing of the annexation petition; and
             288          (b) the request, a petition under Section 10-2-109 based on that request, or a petition
             289      under Section 10-2-125 is still pending on the date the annexation petition is filed.
             290          (6) If practicable and feasible, the boundaries of an area proposed for annexation shall
             291      be drawn:
             292          (a) along the boundaries of existing local districts and special service districts for
             293      sewer, water, and other services, along the boundaries of school districts whose boundaries
             294      follow city boundaries or school districts adjacent to school districts whose boundaries follow
             295      city boundaries, and along the boundaries of other taxing entities;
             296          (b) to eliminate islands and peninsulas of territory that is not receiving municipal-type
             297      services;
             298          (c) to facilitate the consolidation of overlapping functions of local government;
             299          (d) to promote the efficient delivery of services; and
             300          (e) to encourage the equitable distribution of community resources and obligations.
             301          (7) On the date of filing, the petition sponsors shall deliver or mail a copy of the
             302      petition to:
             303          (a) the clerk of the county in which the area proposed for annexation is located; and
             304          (b) if any of the area proposed for annexation is within a township:
             305          (i) the legislative body of the county in which the township is located; and
             306          [(b)] (ii) the chair of the township planning commission [of each township in which
             307      any part of the area proposed for annexation is located].
             308          (8) A property owner who signs an annexation petition proposing to annex an area
             309      located in a county of the first class may withdraw the owner's signature by filing a written


             310      withdrawal, signed by the property owner, with the city recorder or town clerk no later than 30
             311      days after the municipal legislative body's receipt of the notice of certification under
             312      Subsection 10-2-405 (2)(c)(i).
             313          Section 4. Section 10-2-405 is amended to read:
             314           10-2-405. Acceptance or denial of an annexation petition -- Petition certification
             315      process -- Modified petition.
             316          (1) (a) (i) [(A)] A municipal legislative body may:
             317          [(I) except as provided in Subsection (1)(b) and]
             318          (A) subject to Subsection (1)(a)[(i)(B)](ii), deny a petition filed under Section
             319      10-2-403 ; or
             320          [(II)] (B) accept the petition for further consideration under this part.
             321          [(B)] (ii) A petition shall be considered to have been accepted for further consideration
             322      under this part if a municipal legislative body fails to act to deny or accept the petition under
             323      Subsection (1)(a)(i)[(A)]:
             324          [(I)] (A) in the case of a city of the first or second class, within 14 days after the filing
             325      of the petition; or
             326          [(II)] (B) in the case of a city of the third, fourth, or fifth class or a town, at the next
             327      regularly scheduled meeting of the municipal legislative body that is at least 14 days after the
             328      date the petition was filed.
             329          [(ii)] (b) If a municipal legislative body denies a petition under Subsection
             330      (1)(a)(i)[(A)], it shall, within five days [of] after the denial, mail written notice of the denial to:
             331          (i) the contact sponsor[,];
             332          (ii) the clerk of the county in which the area proposed for annexation is located[,]; and
             333          (iii) if any of the area proposed for annexation is within a township:
             334          (A) the legislative body of the county in which the township is located; and
             335          (B) the chair of the planning commission [of each township in which any part of the
             336      area proposed for annexation is located].
             337          [(b) A municipal legislative body may not deny a petition filed under Section


             338      10-2-403 proposing to annex an area located in a county of the first class if:]
             339          [(i) the petition contains the signatures of the owners of private real property that:]
             340          [(A) is located within the area proposed for annexation;]
             341          [(B) covers a majority of the private land area within the area proposed for annexation;
             342      and]
             343          [(C) is equal in value to at least 1/2 of the value of all private real property within the
             344      area proposed for annexation;]
             345          [(ii) the population in the area proposed for annexation does not exceed 10% of the
             346      population of the proposed annexing municipality;]
             347          [(iii) the property tax rate for municipal services in the area proposed to be annexed is
             348      higher than the property tax rate of the proposed annexing municipality; and]
             349          [(iv) all annexations by the proposed annexing municipality during the year that the
             350      petition was filed have not increased the municipality's population by more than 20%.]
             351          (2) If the municipal legislative body accepts a petition under Subsection (1)(a)(i)[(A)]
             352      or is considered to have accepted the petition under Subsection (1)(a)[(i)(B)](ii), the city
             353      recorder or town clerk, as the case may be, shall, within 30 days [of] after that acceptance:
             354          (a) obtain from the assessor, clerk, surveyor, and recorder of the county in which the
             355      area proposed for annexation is located the records the city recorder or town clerk needs to
             356      determine whether the petition meets the requirements of Subsections 10-2-403 [(2),](3), [and]
             357      (4), and (5);
             358          (b) with the assistance of the municipal attorney, determine whether the petition meets
             359      the requirements of Subsections 10-2-403 [(2),](3), [and] (4), and (5); and
             360          (c) (i) if the city recorder or town clerk determines that the petition meets those
             361      requirements, certify the petition and mail or deliver written notification of the certification to
             362      the municipal legislative body, the contact sponsor, the county legislative body, and the chair
             363      of the planning commission of each township in which any part of the area proposed for
             364      annexation is located; or
             365          (ii) if the city recorder or town clerk determines that the petition fails to meet any of


             366      those requirements, reject the petition and mail or deliver written notification of the rejection
             367      and the reasons for the rejection to the municipal legislative body, the contact sponsor, the
             368      county legislative body, and the chair of the planning commission of each township in which
             369      any part of the area proposed for annexation is located.
             370          (3) (a) (i) If the city recorder or town clerk rejects a petition under Subsection
             371      (2)(c)(ii), the petition may be modified to correct the deficiencies for which it was rejected and
             372      then refiled with the city recorder or town clerk, as the case may be.
             373          (ii) A signature on an annexation petition filed under Section 10-2-403 may be used
             374      toward fulfilling the signature requirement of Subsection 10-2-403 (2)(b) for the petition as
             375      modified under Subsection (3)(a)(i).
             376          (b) If a petition is refiled under Subsection (3)(a) after having been rejected by the city
             377      recorder or town clerk under Subsection (2)(c)(ii), the refiled petition shall be treated as a
             378      newly filed petition under Subsection 10-2-403 (1).
             379          (4) Each county assessor, clerk, surveyor, and recorder shall provide copies of records
             380      that a city recorder or town clerk requests under Subsection (2)(a).
             381          Section 5. Section 10-2-407 is amended to read:
             382           10-2-407. Protest to annexation petition -- Township planning commission
             383      recommendation -- Petition requirements -- Disposition of petition if no protest filed.
             384          (1) (a) A protest to an annexation petition under Section 10-2-403 may be filed by:
             385          (i) the legislative body or governing board of an affected entity; or
             386          (ii) for a proposed annexation of an area within a county of the first class, the owners
             387      of private real property that:
             388          (A) is located in the unincorporated area within 1/2 mile of the area proposed for
             389      annexation;
             390          (B) covers at least 25% of the private land area located in the unincorporated area
             391      within 1/2 mile of the area proposed for annexation; and
             392          (C) is equal in value to at least 15% of all real property located in the unincorporated
             393      area within 1/2 mile of the area proposed for annexation.


             394          (b) (i) A planning commission of a township located in a county of the first class may
             395      recommend to the legislative body of the county in which the township is located that the
             396      county legislative body file a protest against a proposed annexation under this part of an area
             397      located within the township.
             398          (ii) (A) The township planning commission shall communicate each recommendation
             399      under Subsection (1)(b)(i) in writing to the county legislative body within 30 days [of] after
             400      the city recorder or town clerk's certification of the annexation petition under Subsection
             401      10-2-405 (2) (c)(i).
             402          (B) At the time the recommendation is communicated to the county legislative body
             403      under Subsection (1)(b)(ii)(A), the township planning commission shall mail or deliver a copy
             404      of the recommendation to the legislative body of the proposed annexing municipality and to
             405      the contact sponsor.
             406          (2) (a) Each protest under Subsection (1)(a) shall:
             407          (i) be filed:
             408          (A) no later than 30 days after the municipal legislative body's receipt of the notice of
             409      certification under Subsection 10-2-405 (2)(c)(i); and
             410          (B) (I) in a county that has already created a commission under Section 10-2-409 , with
             411      the commission; or
             412          (II) in a county that has not yet created a commission under Section 10-2-409 , with the
             413      clerk of the county in which the area proposed for annexation is located; and
             414          (ii) state each reason for the protest of the annexation petition and, if the area proposed
             415      to be annexed is located in a specified county, justification for the protest under the standards
             416      established in this chapter;
             417          (iii) if the area proposed to be annexed is located in a specified county, contain other
             418      information that the commission by rule requires or that the party filing the protest considers
             419      pertinent; and
             420          (iv) the name and address of a contact person who is to receive notices sent by the
             421      commission with respect to the protest proceedings.


             422          (b) The party filing a protest under this section shall on the same date deliver or mail a
             423      copy of the protest to the city recorder or town clerk of the proposed annexing municipality.
             424          (c) Each clerk who receives a protest under Subsection (2)(a)(i)(B)(II) shall:
             425          (i) immediately notify the county legislative body of the protest; and [shall]
             426          (ii) deliver the protest to the boundary commission within five days [of its creation]
             427      after:
             428          (A) receipt of the protest, if the boundary commission has previously been created; or
             429          (B) creation of the boundary commission under Subsection 10-2-409 (1)(b), if the
             430      boundary commission has not previously been created.
             431          (d) Each protest of a proposed annexation of an area located in a county of the first
             432      class under Subsection (1)(a)(ii) shall, in addition to the requirements of Subsections (2)(a)
             433      and (b):
             434          (i) indicate the typed or printed name and current residence address of each owner
             435      signing the protest; and
             436          (ii) designate one of the signers of the protest as the contact person and state the
             437      mailing address of the contact person.
             438          (3) (a) (i) If a protest is filed under this section:
             439          (A) the municipal legislative body may, at its next regular meeting after expiration of
             440      the deadline under Subsection (2)(a)(i)(A) [and, for a proposed annexation of an area located
             441      in a county of the first class, except as provided in Subsection (3)(a)(iii)], deny the annexation
             442      petition; or
             443          (B) if the municipal legislative body does not deny the annexation petition under
             444      Subsection (3)(a)(i)(A), the municipal legislative body may take no further action on the
             445      annexation petition until after receipt of the commission's notice of its decision on the protest
             446      under Section 10-2-416 .
             447          (ii) If a municipal legislative body denies an annexation petition under Subsection
             448      (3)(a)(i)(A), the municipal legislative body shall, within five days [of] after the denial, send
             449      notice of the denial in writing to:


             450          (A) the contact sponsor of the annexation petition;
             451          (B) the commission;
             452          (C) each entity that filed a protest; [and]
             453          (D) if a protest was filed under Subsection (1)(a)(ii) for a proposed annexation of an
             454      area located in a county of the first class, the contact person[.]; and
             455          [(iii) A municipal legislative body may not deny an annexation petition proposing to
             456      annex an area located in a county of the first class if:]
             457          [(A) the petition contains the signatures of the owners of private real property that:]
             458          [(I) is located within the area proposed for annexation;]
             459          [(II) covers a majority of the private land area within the area proposed for annexation;
             460      and]
             461          [(III) is equal in value to at least 1/2 of the value of all private real property within the
             462      area proposed for annexation;]
             463          [(B) the population in the area proposed for annexation does not exceed 10% of the
             464      population of the proposed annexing municipality;]
             465          [(C) the property tax rate for municipal services in the area proposed to be annexed is
             466      higher than the property tax rate of the proposed annexing municipality; and]
             467          [(D) all annexations by the proposed annexing municipality during the year that the
             468      petition was filed have not increased the municipality's population by more than 20%.]
             469          (E) if any of the area proposed for annexation is within a township, the legislative
             470      body of the county in which the township is located.
             471          (b) (i) If no timely protest is filed under this section, the municipal legislative body
             472      may, subject to Subsection (3)(b)(ii), [grant] approve the petition [and, by ordinance, annex
             473      the area that is the subject of the annexation petition].
             474          (ii) Before [granting] approving an annexation petition under Subsection (3)(b)(i), the
             475      municipal legislative body shall:
             476          (A) hold a public hearing; and
             477          (B) at least seven days before the public hearing under Subsection (3)(b)(ii)(A):


             478          (I) publish notice of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation within the
             479      municipality and the area proposed for annexation; or
             480          (II) if there is no newspaper of general circulation in those areas, post written notices
             481      of the hearing in conspicuous places within those areas that are most likely to give notice to
             482      residents within those areas.
             483          (iii) Within ten days after approving an annexation under Subsection (3)(b)(i) of an
             484      area that is partly or entirely within a township, the municipal legislative body shall send
             485      notice of the approval to the legislative body of the county in which the township is located.
             486          Section 6. Section 10-2-408 is amended to read:
             487           10-2-408. Denying or approving the annexation petition -- Notice of approval.
             488          (1) After receipt of the commission's decision on a protest under Subsection
             489      10-2-416 (2), a municipal legislative body may:
             490          (a) [except as provided in Subsection (2) for a proposed annexation of an area located
             491      in a county of the first class,] deny the annexation petition; or
             492          (b) if the commission approves the annexation, [grant] approve the annexation petition
             493      [and, by ordinance and] consistent with the commission's decision[, annex the area that is the
             494      subject of the annexation petition].
             495          [(2) A municipal legislative body may not deny an annexation petition proposing to
             496      annex an area located in a county of the first class if:]
             497          [(a) the petition contains the signatures of the owners of private real property that:]
             498          [(i) is located within the area proposed for annexation;]
             499          [(ii) covers a majority of the private land area within the area proposed for annexation;
             500      and]
             501          [(iii) is equal in value to at least 1/2 of the value of all private real property within the
             502      area proposed for annexation;]
             503          [(b) the population in the area proposed for annexation does not exceed 10% of the
             504      population of the proposed annexing municipality;]
             505          [(c) the property tax rate for municipal services in the area proposed to be annexed is


             506      higher than the property tax rate of the proposed annexing municipality; and]
             507          [(d) all annexations by the proposed annexing municipality during the year that the
             508      petition was filed have not increased the municipality's population by more than 20%.]
             509          (2) Within ten days after approving an annexation under Subsection (1)(b) of an area
             510      that is partly or entirely within a township, the municipal legislative body shall send notice of
             511      the approval to the legislative body of the county in which the township is located.
             512          Section 7. Section 10-2-408.5 is enacted to read:
             513          10-2-408.5. Annexation of an area within a township -- Withdrawing the area
             514      from the township.
             515          (1) As used in this section:
             516          (a) "Affected township" means a township some or all of which is proposed to be
             517      annexed to a municipality through an intra-township annexation.
             518          (b) "Committee" means a committee appointed under Subsection (5)(a).
             519          (c) "County legislative body" means the legislative body of the county in which an
             520      affected township is located.
             521          (d) "Intra-township annexation" means an annexation of an area that is partly or
             522      entirely within a township.
             523          (e) "Municipal legislative body" means the legislative body of the municipality to
             524      which an area within an affected township is proposed to be annexed through an
             525      intra-township annexation.
             526          (f) "Township withdrawal" means:
             527          (i) for an intra-township annexation that proposes the annexation of part of the
             528      township, the withdrawal of that area from the township; or
             529          (ii) for an intra-township annexation that proposes the annexation of the entire
             530      township, the dissolution of the township.
             531          (2) An intra-township annexation requires:
             532          (a) the municipal legislative body's approval of the annexation, as provided in this
             533      part; and


             534          (b) the approval of the township withdrawal by:
             535          (i) the county legislative body; or
             536          (ii) the committee as provided in Subsection (5), if the county legislative body does
             537      not approve the township withdrawal.
             538          (3) (a) No later than 30 days after receiving notice under Subsection
             539      10-2-407 (3)(b)(iii) or 10-2-408 (2) of the municipal legislative body's approval of a proposed
             540      intra-township annexation, the county legislative body shall hold a public hearing on the
             541      proposed township withdrawal that meets the requirements of Subsection 17-27a-306 (3)(f)(ii).
             542          (b) Before holding a public hearing under Subsection (3)(a), the county legislative
             543      body shall provide notice that meets the requirements of Subsection 17-27a-306 (3)(f)(iii).
             544          (c) (i) A public hearing required under Subsection (3)(a) may be combined with:
             545          (A) the public hearing required under Subsection 10-2-407 (3)(b)(ii), with the
             546      municipal legislative body's approval; or
             547          (B) the public hearing required under Section 10-2-415 , with the boundary
             548      commission's approval.
             549          (ii) If public hearings are combined under Subsection (3)(c)(i), notice of the combined
             550      public hearing shall be given as provided in Subsection (3)(b).
             551          (4) (a) No later than 60 days after receiving notice under Subsection
             552      10-2-407 (3)(b)(iii) or 10-2-408 (2) of the municipal legislative body's approval of a proposed
             553      intra-township annexation, the county legislative body shall make and issue a written decision
             554      approving or disapproving the township withdrawal.
             555          (b) In making its decision under Subsection (4)(a), the county legislative body shall, as
             556      applicable, consider the factors listed in Subsection 17-27a-306 (3)(g)(ii).
             557          (5) (a) (i) If the county legislative body, in its written decision under Subsection (4)(a),
             558      disapproves the township withdrawal, a committee shall be appointed consisting of:
             559          (A) one elected official, other than a member of the municipal legislative body or the
             560      municipality's mayor, appointed by the municipal legislative body;
             561          (B) one elected official, other than a member of the county legislative body or the


             562      county executive, appointed by the county legislative body; and
             563          (C) one person who is:
             564          (I) an elected official;
             565          (II) a resident of the county in which the township is located; and
             566          (III) appointed by the two committee members specified in Subsections (5)(a)(i)(A)
             567      and (B).
             568          (ii) (A) The municipal legislative body and county legislative body shall each appoint
             569      its respective appointee within ten business days after the county legislative body issues its
             570      written decision under Subsection (4)(a).
             571          (B) The committee members under Subsections (5)(a)(i)(A) and (B) shall, within 20
             572      days after their appointment, appoint the remaining member.
             573          (b) Committee members shall serve without compensation.
             574          (c) At the committee's request, the county shall provide the committee with necessary
             575      staff assistance.
             576          (d) The committee may, in its discretion and with reasonable advance public notice,
             577      hold one or more public hearings on the proposed township withdrawal.
             578          (e) In making its decision to approve or disapprove the township withdrawal, the
             579      committee may consider the issue of township withdrawal anew without:
             580          (i) considering the proceedings before the county legislative body; or
             581          (ii) giving the county legislative body's decision any deference.
             582          (f) Within 45 days after the appointment of the committee member under Subsection
             583      (5)(a)(i)(C), the committee shall make and issue a written decision approving or disapproving
             584      the township withdrawal.
             585          (6) The municipal legislative body may adopt an ordinance approving the
             586      intra-township annexation if:
             587          (a) the county legislative body, in its written decision under Subsection (4)(a),
             588      approves the township withdrawal; or
             589          (b) the committee, in its written decision under Subsection (5)(e), approves the


             590      township withdrawal.
             591          Section 8. Section 10-2-414 is amended to read:
             592           10-2-414. Modified annexation petition -- Supplemental feasibility study.
             593          (1) (a) (i) If the results of the feasibility study with respect to a proposed annexation of
             594      an area located in a county of the first class do not meet the requirements of Subsection
             595      10-2-416 (3), the sponsors of the annexation petition may, within 45 days of the feasibility
             596      consultant's submission of the results of the study, file with the city recorder or town clerk of
             597      the proposed annexing municipality a modified annexation petition altering the boundaries of
             598      the proposed annexation.
             599          (ii) On the date of filing a modified annexation petition under Subsection (1)(a)(i), the
             600      sponsors of the annexation petition shall deliver or mail a copy of the modified annexation
             601      petition to the clerk of the county in which the area proposed for annexation is located.
             602          (b) Each modified annexation petition under Subsection (1)(a) shall comply with the
             603      requirements of Subsections 10-2-403 [(2),](3), [and] (4), and (5).
             604          (2) (a) Within 20 days of the city recorder or town clerk's receipt of the modified
             605      annexation petition, the city recorder or town clerk, as the case may be, shall follow the same
             606      procedure for the modified annexation petition as provided under Subsections 10-2-405 (2) and
             607      (3)(a) for an original annexation petition.
             608          (b) If the city recorder or town clerk certifies the modified annexation petition under
             609      Subsection 10-2-405 (2)(c)(i), the city recorder or town clerk, as the case may be, shall send
             610      written notice of the certification to:
             611          (i) the commission;
             612          (ii) each entity that filed a protest to the annexation petition; and
             613          (iii) if a protest was filed under Subsection 10-2-407 (1)(a)(ii), the contact person.
             614          (c) (i) If the modified annexation petition proposes the annexation of an area that
             615      includes part or all of a local district, special service district, or school district that was not
             616      included in the area proposed for annexation in the original petition, the city recorder or town
             617      clerk, as the case may be, shall also send notice of the certification of the modified annexation


             618      petition to the board of the local district, special service district, or school district.
             619          (ii) If the area proposed for annexation in the modified annexation petition is within
             620      1/2 mile of the boundaries of a municipality whose boundaries were not within 1/2 mile of the
             621      area proposed for annexation in the original annexation petition, the city recorder or town
             622      clerk, as the case may be, shall also send notice of the certification of the modified annexation
             623      petition to the legislative body of that municipality.
             624          (3) Within ten days of the commission's receipt of the notice under Subsection (2)(b),
             625      the commission shall engage the feasibility consultant that conducted the feasibility study to
             626      supplement the feasibility study to take into account the information in the modified
             627      annexation petition that was not included in the original annexation petition.
             628          (4) The commission shall require the feasibility consultant to complete the
             629      supplemental feasibility study and to submit written results of the supplemental study to the
             630      commission no later than 30 days after the feasibility consultant is engaged to conduct the
             631      supplemental feasibility study.
             632          Section 9. Section 17-27a-306 is amended to read:
             633           17-27a-306. Townships.
             634          [(1) (a) (i) Subject to Subsection (1)(a)(ii), a county legislative body may, without
             635      having received a petition under Subsection (1)(b), enact an ordinance establishing a township
             636      within the unincorporated county or dividing the unincorporated county into townships.]
             637          [(ii) Before enacting an ordinance under Subsection (1)(a)(i), the county legislative
             638      body shall, after providing reasonable advance notice, hold a public hearing on the proposal to
             639      establish a township or to divide the unincorporated county into townships.]
             640          [(b) If 25% of the private real property owners in a contiguous area of the
             641      unincorporated county petition the county legislative body to establish a township for that
             642      area, the county legislative body shall:]
             643          [(i) hold a public hearing to discuss the petition;]
             644          [(ii) at least one week before the public hearing, publish notice of the petition and the
             645      time, date, and place of the public hearing at least once in a newspaper of general circulation


             646      in the county; and]
             647          [(iii) at the public hearing, consider oral and written testimony from the public and
             648      vote on the question of whether or not to establish a township.]
             649          [(c) If the county legislative body establishes a township pursuant to a petition, the
             650      members of the township planning commission shall be appointed as provided in Subsection
             651      17-27a-301 (3)(b) to perform the duties established in this part for the township.]
             652          (1) (a) A township may be established as provided in this Subsection (1).
             653          (b) [(d) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(e), each] A township [shall] may not be
             654      established unless the area to be included within the proposed township:
             655          [(i) contain:]
             656          (i) is unincorporated;
             657          (ii) is contiguous; and
             658          (iii) (A) contains:
             659          [(A)] (I) at least 20% but not more than 80% of:
             660          [(I)] (Aa) the total private land area in the unincorporated county; or
             661          [(II)] (Bb) the total value of locally assessed taxable property in the unincorporated
             662      county; or
             663          [(B) (I)] (II) (Aa) in a county of the first, second, or third class, at least 5% of the total
             664      population of the unincorporated county; or
             665          [(II)] (Bb) in a county of the fourth, fifth, or sixth class, at least 25% of the total
             666      population of the unincorporated county; or
             667          [(ii) have] (B) has been declared by the United States Census Bureau as a census
             668      designated place.
             669          (c) (i) The process to establish a township is initiated by the filing of a petition with
             670      the clerk of the county in which the proposed township is located.
             671          (ii) A petition to establish a township may not be filed if it proposes the establishment
             672      of a township that includes an area within a proposed township in a petition that has
             673      previously been certified under Subsection (1)(f), until after the canvass of an election on the


             674      proposed township under Subsection (1)(h).
             675          (d) A petition under Subsection (1)(c) to establish a township shall:
             676          (i) be signed by the owners of private real property that:
             677          (A) is located within the proposed township;
             678          (B) covers at least 10% of the total private land area within the proposed township;
             679          (C) is equal in value to at least 10% of the value of all private real property within the
             680      proposed township;
             681          (ii) be accompanied by an accurate plat or map showing the boundary of the
             682      contiguous area proposed to be established as a township;
             683          (iii) indicate the typed or printed name and current residence address of each owner
             684      signing the petition;
             685          (iv) designate up to five signers of the petition as petition sponsors, one of whom shall
             686      be designated as the contact sponsor, with the mailing address and telephone number of each
             687      petition sponsor;
             688          (v) authorize the petition sponsor or sponsors to act on behalf of all owners signing the
             689      petition for purposes of the petition; and
             690          (vi) request the county legislative body to provide notice of the petition and of a public
             691      hearing, hold a public hearing, and conduct an election on the proposal to establish a
             692      township.
             693          (e) Subsection 10-2-101 (3) applies to a petition to establish a township to the same
             694      extent as if it were an incorporation petition under Title 10, Chapter 2, Part 1, Incorporation.
             695          (f) (i) Within seven days after the filing of a petition under Subsection (1)(c)
             696      proposing the establishment of a township in a county of the first or second class, the county
             697      clerk shall provide notice of the filing of the petition to:
             698          (A) each owner of real property owning more than 1% of the assessed value of all real
             699      property within the proposed township; and
             700          (B) each owner of real property owning more than 850 acres of real property within
             701      the proposed township.


             702          (ii) A property owner may exclude all or part of the property owner's property from a
             703      proposed township in a county of the first or second class:
             704          (A) if:
             705          (I) (Aa) (Ii) the property owner owns more than 1% of the assessed value of all
             706      property within the proposed township;
             707          (IIii) the property is nonurban; and
             708          (IIIiii) the property does not or will not require municipal provision of municipal-type
             709      services; or
             710          (Bb) the property owner owns more than 850 acres of real property within the
             711      proposed township; and
             712          (II) exclusion of the property will not leave within the township an island of property
             713      that is not part of the township; and
             714          (B) by filing a notice of exclusion within ten days after receiving the clerk's notice
             715      under Subsection (1)(f)(i).
             716          (iii) (A) The county legislative body shall exclude from the proposed township the
             717      property identified in a notice of exclusion timely filed under Subsection (1)(f)(ii)(B) if the
             718      property meets the applicable requirements of Subsection (1)(f)(ii)(A).
             719          (B) If the county legislative body excludes property from a proposed township under
             720      Subsection (1)(f)(iii), the county legislative body shall, within five days after the exclusion,
             721      send written notice of its action to the contact sponsor.
             722          (g) (i) Within 45 days after the filing of a petition under Subsection (1)(c), the county
             723      clerk shall:
             724          (A) with the assistance of other county officers from whom the clerk requests
             725      assistance, determine whether the petition complies with the requirements of Subsection
             726      (1)(d); and
             727          (B) (I) if the clerk determines that the petition complies with the requirements of
             728      Subsection (1)(d):
             729          (Aa) certify the petition and deliver the certified petition to the county legislative


             730      body; and
             731          (Bb) mail or deliver written notification of the certification to the contact sponsor; or
             732          (II) if the clerk determines that the petition fails to comply with any of the
             733      requirements of Subsection (1)(d), reject the petition and notify the contact sponsor in writing
             734      of the rejection and the reasons for the rejection.
             735          (ii) If the county clerk rejects a petition under Subsection (1)(g)(i)(B)(II), the petition
             736      may be amended to correct the deficiencies for which it was rejected and then refiled with the
             737      county clerk.
             738          (h) (i) Within 90 days after a petition to establish a township is certified, the county
             739      legislative body shall hold a public hearing on the proposal to establish a township.
             740          (ii) A public hearing under Subsection (1)(h)(i) shall be:
             741          (A) within the boundary of the proposed township; or
             742          (B) if holding a public hearing in that area is not practicable, as close to that area as
             743      practicable.
             744          (iii) At least one week before holding a public hearing under Subsection (1)(h)(i), the
             745      county legislative body shall publish notice of the petition and the time, date, and place of the
             746      public hearing at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
             747          (i) Following the public hearing under Subsection (1)(h)(i), the county legislative body
             748      shall arrange for the proposal to establish a township to be submitted to voters residing within
             749      the proposed township at the next regular general election that is more than 90 days after the
             750      public hearing.
             751          (j) A township is established at the time of the canvass of the results of an election
             752      under Subsection (1)(i) if the canvass indicates that a majority of voters voting on the proposal
             753      to establish a township voted in favor of the proposal.
             754          [(e)] (k) (i) [(A)] A township that was dissolved under Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter
             755      389, is reinstated as a township under this part with the same boundaries and name as before
             756      the dissolution, if the former township consisted of a single, contiguous land area.
             757          [(B)] (ii) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)[(e)](k)(i)[(A)], a county legislative body


             758      may enact an ordinance establishing as a township under this part a former township that was
             759      dissolved under Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 389, even though the former township does not
             760      qualify to be reinstated under Subsection (1)[(e)](k)(i)[(A)].
             761          [(C)] (iii) A township reinstated under Subsection (1)[(e)](k)(i)[(A)] or established
             762      under Subsection (1)[(e)(i)(B) shall be](k)(ii) is subject to the provisions of this part.
             763          [(ii) Each planning district established under Laws of Utah 1995, Chapter 225, and
             764      each township planning district established under Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 389, shall
             765      continue in existence as a township, subject to the provisions of this part.]
             766          [(f) (i) After May 1, 2002, the legislative body of each county in which a township
             767      that has been reconstituted under Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 389, or reinstated under
             768      Subsection (1)(e)(i) is located shall review the township and determine whether its continued
             769      existence is advisable.]
             770          [(ii) In conducting the review required under Subsection (1)(f)(i), the county
             771      legislative body shall hold a public hearing with reasonable, advance, published notice of the
             772      hearing and the purpose of the hearing.]
             773          [(iii) Each township that has been reconstituted under Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter
             774      389, or reinstated or established under Subsection (1)(e)(i) and its planning commission shall
             775      continue in effect, unless, within 90 days after conducting the review and public hearing
             776      required under Subsections (1)(f)(i) and (ii), the county legislative body by ordinance
             777      dissolves the township and its planning commission.]
             778          [(g)] (l) A township established under this section on or after May 5, 1997, may use
             779      the word "township" in its name.
             780          (2) [(a) If the county legislative body establishes a township without having received a
             781      petition, the] The county legislative body may:
             782          [(i)] (a) assign to the countywide planning commission the duties established in this
             783      part that would have been assumed by a township planning commission designated under
             784      Subsection (2)[(a)(ii)](b); or
             785          [(ii)] (b) designate and appoint a planning commission for the township.


             786          [(b) (i) If the county legislative body fails to designate a planning commission for a
             787      township, 40% of the private real property owners in the area proposed to be included in the
             788      township, as shown by the last county assessment roll, may petition the county legislative
             789      body to designate and appoint a planning commission for the township.]
             790          [(ii) If the county legislative body determines that the petition is validly signed by
             791      40% of the private real property owners in the township, as shown by the last county
             792      assessment roll, it shall designate and appoint a planning commission for the township.]
             793          [(3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(f)(iii), a county legislative body may
             794      dissolve township planning commissions created under the authority of this section only by
             795      following the procedures and requirements of this Subsection (3).]
             796          [(b) If 20% of the private real property owners in the county petition the county
             797      legislative body to dissolve township planning commissions and to appoint a countywide
             798      planning commission, the county legislative body shall:]
             799          [(i) hold a public hearing to discuss the petition;]
             800          [(ii) at least one week before the public hearing, publish notice of the petition and the
             801      time, date, and place of the public hearing at least once in a newspaper of general circulation
             802      in the county; and]
             803          [(iii) at the public hearing, consider oral and written testimony from the public and
             804      vote on the question of whether or not to dissolve township planning commissions and to
             805      appoint a countywide planning commission.]
             806          [(c) (i) If the county legislative body fails to dissolve township planning commissions
             807      and to appoint a countywide planning commission when petitioned to do so by private real
             808      property owners under this Subsection (3), 40% of private real property owners in the county,
             809      as shown by the last county assessment roll, may petition the county legislative body to
             810      dissolve the township planning commissions and to appoint a countywide planning
             811      commission.]
             812          [(ii) If the county legislative body determines that the petition is validly signed by
             813      40% of private real property owners in the township, as shown by the last county assessment


             814      roll, it shall dissolve the township planning commissions and appoint a countywide planning
             815      commission.]
             816          (3) (a) An area within the boundary of a township may be withdrawn from the
             817      township as provided in this Subsection (3).
             818          (b) The process to withdraw an area from a township is initiated by the filing of a
             819      petition with the clerk of the county in which the township is located.
             820          (c) A petition under Subsection (3)(b) shall:
             821          (i) be signed by the owners of private real property that:
             822          (A) is located within the area proposed to be withdrawn from the township;
             823          (B) covers at least 50% of the total private land area within the area proposed to be
             824      withdrawn from the township; and
             825          (C) is equal in value to at least 33% of the value of all private real property within the
             826      area proposed to be withdrawn from the township;
             827          (ii) state the reason or reasons for the proposed withdrawal;
             828          (iii) be accompanied by an accurate plat or map showing the boundary of the
             829      contiguous area proposed to be withdrawn from the township;
             830          (iv) indicate the typed or printed name and current residence address of each owner
             831      signing the petition;
             832          (v) designate up to five signers of the petition as petition sponsors, one of whom shall
             833      be designated as the contact sponsor, with the mailing address and telephone number of each
             834      petition sponsor;
             835          (vi) authorize the petition sponsor or sponsors to act on behalf of all owners signing
             836      the petition for purposes of the petition; and
             837          (vii) request the county legislative body to withdraw the area from the township.
             838          (d) Subsection 10-2-101 (3) applies to a petition to withdraw an area from a township
             839      to the same extent as if it were an incorporation petition under Title 10, Chapter 2, Part 1,
             840      Incorporation.
             841          (e) (i) Within 45 days after the filing of a petition under Subsection (3)(b), the county


             842      clerk shall:
             843          (A) with the assistance of other county officers from whom the clerk requests
             844      assistance, determine whether the petition complies with the requirements of Subsection
             845      (3)(c); and
             846          (B) (I) if the clerk determines that the petition complies with the requirements of
             847      Subsection (3)(c):
             848          (Aa) certify the petition and deliver the certified petition to the county legislative
             849      body; and
             850          (Bb) mail or deliver written notification of the certification to the contact sponsor; or
             851          (II) if the clerk determines that the petition fails to comply with any of the
             852      requirements of Subsection (3)(c), reject the petition and notify the contact sponsor in writing
             853      of the rejection and the reasons for the rejection.
             854          (ii) If the county clerk rejects a petition under Subsection (3)(e)(i)(B)(II), the petition
             855      may be amended to correct the deficiencies for which it was rejected and then refiled with the
             856      county clerk.
             857          (f) (i) Within 60 days after a petition to withdraw an area from a township is certified,
             858      the county legislative body shall hold a public hearing on the proposal to withdraw the area
             859      from the township.
             860          (ii) A public hearing under Subsection (3)(f)(i) shall be held:
             861          (A) within the area proposed to be withdrawn from the township; or
             862          (B) if holding a public hearing in that area is not practicable, as close to that area as
             863      practicable.
             864          (iii) Before holding a public hearing under Subsection (3)(f)(i), the county legislative
             865      body shall:
             866          (A) publish notice of the petition and the time, date, and place of the public hearing at
             867      least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the
             868      township; and
             869          (B) mail a notice of the petition and the time, date, and place of the public hearing to


             870      each owner of private real property within the area proposed to be withdrawn.
             871          (g) (i) Within 45 days after the public hearing under Subsection (3)(f)(i), the county
             872      legislative body shall make a written decision on the proposal to withdraw the area from the
             873      township.
             874          (ii) In making its decision as to whether to withdraw the area from the township, the
             875      county legislative body shall consider:
             876          (A) whether the withdrawal would leave the remaining township in a situation where
             877      the future incorporation of an area within the township or the annexation of an area within the
             878      township to an adjoining municipality would be economically or practically not feasible;
             879          (B) if the withdrawal is a precursor to the incorporation or annexation of the
             880      withdrawn area:
             881          (I) whether the proposed subsequent incorporation or withdrawal:
             882          (Aa) will leave or create an unincorporated island or peninsula; or
             883          (Bb) will leave the county with an area within its unincorporated area for which the
             884      cost, requirements, or other burdens of providing municipal services would materially increase
             885      over previous years; and
             886          (II) whether the municipality to be created or the municipality into which the
             887      withdrawn area is expected to annex would be or is capable, in a cost effective manner, of
             888      providing service to the withdrawn area that the county will no longer provide due to the
             889      incorporation or annexation;
             890          (C) the effects of a withdrawal on adjoining property owners, existing or projected
             891      county streets or other public improvements, law enforcement, and zoning and other municipal
             892      services provided by the county; and
             893          (D) whether justice and equity favor the withdrawal.
             894          (h) Upon the written decision of the county legislative body approving the withdrawal
             895      of an area from a township, the area is withdrawn from the township and the township
             896      continues as a township with a boundary that excludes the withdrawn area.
             897          (4) (a) A township may be dissolved as provided in this Subsection (4).


             898          (b) The process to dissolve a township is initiated by the filing of a petition with the
             899      clerk of the county in which the township is located.
             900          (c) A petition under Subsection (4)(b) shall:
             901          (i) be signed by registered voters within the township equal in number to at least 25%
             902      of all votes cast by voters within the township at the last congressional election;
             903          (ii) state the reason or reasons for the proposed dissolution;
             904          (iii) indicate the typed or printed name and current residence address of each person
             905      signing the petition;
             906          (iv) designate up to five signers of the petition as petition sponsors, one of whom shall
             907      be designated as the contact sponsor, with the mailing address and telephone number of each
             908      petition sponsor;
             909          (v) authorize the petition sponsors to act on behalf of all persons signing the petition
             910      for purposes of the petition; and
             911          (vi) request the county legislative body to provide notice of the petition and of a public
             912      hearing, hold a public hearing, and conduct an election on the proposal to dissolve the
             913      township.
             914          (d) (i) Within 45 days after the filing of a petition under Subsection (4)(b), the county
             915      clerk shall:
             916          (A) with the assistance of other county officers from whom the clerk requests
             917      assistance, determine whether the petition complies with the requirements of Subsection
             918      (4)(c); and
             919          (B) (I) if the clerk determines that the petition complies with the requirements of
             920      Subsection (4)(c):
             921          (Aa) certify the petition and deliver the certified petition to the county legislative
             922      body; and
             923          (Bb) mail or deliver written notification of the certification to the contact sponsor; or
             924          (II) if the clerk determines that the petition fails to comply with any of the
             925      requirements of Subsection (4)(c), reject the petition and notify the contact sponsor in writing


             926      of the rejection and the reasons for the rejection.
             927          (ii) If the county clerk rejects a petition under Subsection (4)(d)(i)(B)(II), the petition
             928      may be amended to correct the deficiencies for which it was rejected and then refiled with the
             929      county clerk.
             930          (e) (i) Within 60 days after a petition to dissolve the township is certified, the county
             931      legislative body shall hold a public hearing on the proposal to dissolve the township.
             932          (ii) A public hearing under Subsection (4)(e)(i) shall be held:
             933          (A) within the boundary of the township; or
             934          (B) if holding a public hearing in that area is not practicable, as close to that area as
             935      practicable.
             936          (iii) Before holding a public hearing under Subsection (4)(e)(i), the county legislative
             937      body shall publish notice of the petition and the time, date, and place of the public hearing at
             938      least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the
             939      township.
             940          (f) Following the public hearing under Subsection (4)(e)(i), the county legislative body
             941      shall arrange for the proposal to dissolve the township to be submitted to voters residing
             942      within the township at the next regular general election that is more than 90 days after the
             943      public hearing.
             944          (g) A township is dissolved at the time of the canvass of the results of an election
             945      under Subsection (4)(f) if the canvass indicates that a majority of voters voting on the proposal
             946      to dissolve the township voted in favor of the proposal.
             947          Section 10. Section 63I-2-210 is amended to read:
             948           63I-2-210. Repeal dates -- Title 10.
             949          [(1) Section 10-2-427 is repealed July 1, 2010.]
             950          [(2)] Subsection 10-9a-305 (2) is repealed July 1, 2013.
             951          Section 11. Repealer.
             952          This bill repeals:
             953          Section 10-2-427, Annexation involving township -- Special election in township --


             954      Approval by township planning commission.


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