The annexation requirements specified in this Chapter are intended to protect the general interests and character of the community; assure orderly growth and Development of the Heber City community in terms of utilities and public services; preserve open space, enhance parks and trails; ensure environmental quality; protect entry corridors, ridgeline protection and environmentally Sensitive Lands; preserve Historic and cultural resources; create buffer Areas; protect public health, safety, and welfare; and ensure that annexations are approved consistent with the Heber City General Plan, the Heber City Annexation Policy Plan Ordinance 2021-21, Heber City Capital Facilities Plan, Chapter 18.106.030and Utah State law.

The Planning Commission is responsible for the creation of the Heber City Annexation Policy Plan. After creation of the document and holding one public hearing on the Plan the Planning Commission shall forward a recommendation to the City Council for a public hearing on the matter. Utah State Code 10-2-401.5 et seq. outlines the requirements for the Policy Plan.

All properties petitioning for annexation must be identified in the Heber City Policy Plan expansion area.

In addition to the process outlined in Sections 10-2-403 et seq of the Utah State Code Figure 1 Typical Annexation Process outlines the review process. The Heber City Annexation Guide and Heber City Annexation Petition are found at the city offices and provide guidance and application procedures for annexation petitions. The annexation timeline will vary based on each petition but generally takes between ten to fifteen months to complete the state and local requirements.

In addition to the process outlined in Sections 10-2-403 et seq of the Utah State Code generally illustrated in Figure 1 Typical Annexation Process, the Planning Commission shall conduct a public meeting to review the petition application. If in the petition a development agreement is proposed a public hearing on the item shall be held. In either case the Planning Commission shall forward a recommendation to the City Council prior to the City Council hearing on the approval or denial of the proposed petition application.

The applicant must submit a separate application to the Planning Commission and attend the Planning Commission meeting(s). As part of application, submit the following:

A. Annexation Fees as per the current Heber City Consolidated Fee Schedule

B. A conceptual development plan for the area proposed for annexation or development plans and meeting minutes for approvals granted by Wasatch County if the petition seeks to retain those entitlements.

C. A feasibility report for the following:

1. Existing and proposed population density; 2. Geology, geography, and topography of the area and its surroundings; 3. Determination of islands or peninsulas remaining in the unincorporated area; 4. Fiscal impact of the proposed annexation on the unincorporated area, other municipalities, other government entities, special districts, and school district; 5. Current and five-year projections of the demographic and economic base for the proposed annexation area and surrounding unincorporated area; 6. Projected five-year growth for the proposed annexation area and surrounding unincorporated area; 7. Current and five-year projections of the cost of government services for the proposed annexation area; 8. Present and five-year projection of revenue to be received by the City resulting from the annexation; and 9. Projected tax impact the annexation will have for the next five years on affected property owners.

The City Council shall require an annexation agreement be recorded with the annexation plat, outlining specific circumstances relating to services, transportation corridors, zoning, and other issues identified by the City during the annexation process.

Subsequent substantive amendments to the annexation agreement are subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council with adequate public notice and recordation with the Wasatch County Recorder.