One of the functions of government is to control zoning and development. Whenever there is word of a new development coming to South Willard, many residents become concerned with issues like density, open space parks and trails or sewer. Because South Willard is not incorporated there is no local governing body
to deal with these issues.
South Willard does have a community plan that was created after surveys of residents and public meetings. It reflects the vision of South Willard residents for the development of this area, but it is not a binding, legal document and cannot be enforced by the County.
The South Willard plan is a great vision of our community but it cannot stand legally or be defended against development. We must take action to have a say in what happens here.
Zoning laws are a set of restrictions on what land use and building can happen on a specific property. Many cities have industrial zones, residential zones, mixed use zones. These laws help protect private property owners from having a dog food plant build in the middle of a subdivision.
On the other hand these laws also prevent private property owners from having an angry neighbor protest a home addition or new garage and preventing its being built. They do that by allowing all building that fits within a specific zone. A land owner can also petition for a zoning change. Most cities have a master plan with different zones and use this when deciding whether to alter a zone.
Box Elder County has zoning laws but they are minimal because it is a rural community and most building is done within city limits. The county is not interested in running small, unincorporated cities so they have no interest in increased zoning regulations nor monies to enforce them.
I have been unable to find the exact area that would be annexed. Are there address coordinates that you could post.
ReplyDeleteThe county has maps if the proposed annexation area. I am sure you could see them at the planning commission offices. It's basically everything east of I15 from the Willard city line to the southern county line, though there is a bit that jogs east at the southern end.
ReplyDeleteI have lived most of my life in South Willard and just love the area. I recently moved away and have learned what it really costs to live in an area with all the services offered by a municipality. I just don't see why the South Willard community is so against an increase of cost to ensure that the growth in the area is done in a manner that will be beneficial to the long term success of the community. While becoming part of Willard proper seems counterintuitive to me, it would be better than continuing to rely on the county to be our advocate. Let's face it, Box Elder county is huge and even though South Willard may be one of the more populated and growing areas of the county, there are many more communities in the county that deserve the same services.
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