Weber County commissioners agree to advance ordinance to rename private Babylas Lane to Spring Creek Lane

Weber County commissioners on Aug. 4 agreed to advance an ordinance request to change a private lane name from Babylas Lane to Spring Creek Lane after staff verified the name's uniqueness and ownership status. The request was brought by property owner Jeremy Krause, who asked the county to proceed with an ordinance because the county’s process requires it for private lane name changes outside incorporated cities.

County staff told commissioners they had checked mapping records and confirmed the parcel is within the Babylus 2 Subdivision and that the same owner controls the two lots that share the lane. A staff member said the county had been advised that an ordinance is required to effect the change and that GeoGizmo and recording files were reviewed to ensure the new name is sufficiently distinct from other road names in the county.

Commissioners voiced general support during the work session. One commissioner said, “If they're in favor of it, I'm in favor of it,” and another observed it was “a little silly for us to be involved” in a private lane change but added that staff had verified uniqueness and ownership. No formal vote to adopt an ordinance occurred during the work session; staff said the item would be placed on a future commission meeting agenda for formal consideration.

County staff also noted that, unlike incorporated cities that may allow a name change by affidavit under state code, the county does not have that specific statutory avenue and therefore requires an ordinance process. The item moves next to a regular commission meeting for a formal motion and vote.

Record of the conversation and staff verification was provided to commissioners so the mayor, city staff or residents who inquire are informed that the county’s records and GIS had been checked before advancing the ordinance process.