Bill > HB0457

This bill modifies how unincorporated areas are annexed into cities, particularly in counties of the second class, by changing the definition of an "unincorporated island" to include smaller areas (55 acres or less) completely surrounded by a single municipality in a second-class county, provided certain conditions regarding services or infrastructure are met. It also adjusts the process for automatic annexations, specifying that these will occur on July 1, 2027, for both first-class counties (to the most populous bordering municipality unless agreed otherwise) and second-class counties (to the municipality that surrounds them). For second-class counties, the bill mandates public hearings and specific notice requirements for affected property owners regarding these automatic annexations. Additionally, it clarifies that plats for annexations can now include non-contiguous areas and sets an effective date of May 6, 2026, for the bill's provisions.

Government Affairs

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0457.html