The Box Elder County Commission on July 9 approved a package of land use changes aimed at protecting agriculture while clarifying development rules in rural areas. The actions include the creation of a new agricultural heritage zone, a consistent slope standard for buildable land, and a revision to the county’s annexation policy. All three passed unanimously following presentations from Box Elder County Community Development Director Scott Lyons. “We found that kind of a safe slope to be putting in our code for a buildable slope would be 20%,” Lyons said. “Some of those regulations say 15%, some of them say...

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The Perry City Council has approved a one-year agreement allowing police to board stray or seized dogs at Ellie’s Pet Hotel in Willard following the loss of access to Brigham City’s animal shelter. “Brigham City has indicated they’re no longer providing animal shelter services to non-Brigham residents. This agreement outlines what that cost would be, it’s located in Willard, a day,” Perry City Administrator Bob Barnhill explained to the council. Police Chief Scott Hancey warned that costs could rise quickly. “Again, this is not for the public, and this is only for dogs. It’s a day…a dog that...

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If you think you’ve noticed the beaches at Willard Bay getting larger, you’re right. They are. The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District has begun pumping the 9,900-acre reservoir to roughly half its normal volume so crews can cut through the south dike and replace two steel siphon pipes that have delivered fresh water to Compass Minerals, the Harold Crane Waterfowl Management Area and other users since the 1970s. “Those siphons help feed several of the users out there— Compass Minerals as well as the bird refuge,” district General Manager Scott Paxman told Salt Lake City’s KSL-TV. “They’ve been corroding from...

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The Perry City Council voted unanimously June 26 to rezone two parcels totaling 14.69 acres near 910 W. and 950 W. 1600 North, changing their classification from industrial commercial to a combination of industrial-commer- cial and industrial-mixed use. The applicant, Perry 1600 L.L.C., requested the change to allow greater flexibility for future development. The new designation permits a broader range of uses, including retail, office space, and light manufacturing, which are not all allowed under the previous zoning alone. City Administrator Robert Barnhill said the proposal aligned with city goals for economic development and mixed-use flexibility. Planning staff recommended approval,...

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Box Elder County commissioners on Wednesday approved Garland City’s request to annex a 2.34-acre parcel located roughly 60 feet from the city’s existing boundary, classifying the move as an “island annexation” under state law. Community Development Director Scott Lyons explained that under Utah annexation policy, island annexations— where a parcel is not directly contiguous to city limits—require approval from both the city and the county. “The city is requesting that the county approve this,” Lyons said. “We received it, we reviewed it, and I don’t see any issues with the request.” The annexation applies to a single property and landowner....

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Garland City will suspend its municipal justice court and begin contracting with Box Elder County for judicial services starting Aug. 1, following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the county commission. The interlocal agreement approved by the commission includes prosecution, public defense and victim advocacy, mirroring services already provided by the county for Brigham City and Perry. Annie Hansen, chief civil deputy county attorney, said the move allows Garland to pause court operations until it reaches a point where reopening makes sense. Under the terms of the deal, net court revenues will be split evenly between the city and county after...

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The Perry City Council approved three land-use and zoning ordinances aimed at updating city code for residential uses and development standards at its June 26 meeting. One ordinance regulates special residential facilities for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and youth. These facilities are considered protected under federal law, and the ordinance was introduced after a recent inquiry revealed that Perry had no code governing them. The update permits such facilities in residential zones while placing limits on square footage, proximity to other facilities, and licensing. Perry City Administrator Robert Barnhill said the ordinance was designed to ensure Perry complies with...

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Box Elder County sold 37 properties in its annual tax sale in May, while another 10 parcels were struck back to the county after receiving no qualifying bids. The results were presented by Box Elder County Auditor Shirlene Larsen at the June 25 commission meeting, where the 2025 sale was ratified with a unanimous vote. Each year, the county auctions off properties whose owners have failed to pay property taxes for at least five years. Delinquent parcels are posted for public sale, and proceeds are used to satisfy unpaid taxes, penalties and administrative costs. The 2025 sale was again conducted...

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