Royce City opens discussion on adding 25‑acre area east of 1900 West to annexation policy plan; Ogden City signals interest

The Royce City Planning Commission held a discussion on May 13 about a request to amend the city’s annexation policy plan to include roughly 25 acres located north of Hinkley Drive and east of 1900 West (approximately 1811 West and 3300 South). The item was a discussion for affected entities; the commission took no vote.

Staff explained that an amendment to the annexation policy plan does not itself annex land but signals the city would entertain annexation applications for the highlighted area. The city will accept written comments from affected entities for 10 days following the meeting; the planning commission will then review comments and can schedule a public hearing.

Barton Briarly, Ogden City planning director, told the commission that the area is within Ogden City’s annexation area, noted that Ogden has extended sewer and water to serve the site and that a project to rebuild the 24th Street/I‑15 interchange will provide direct freeway access. Briarly said, “this is in Ogden City’s annexation area, and we would welcome an application to annex this area.”

Commissioners discussed practical issues including high groundwater in the low bluff area, jurisdictional boundaries with West Haven and Ogden, utility service providers and that property owners ultimately must initiate annexation petitions. Staff reiterated that affected entities (for example, water and fire districts) may submit comments within the 10‑day window and that the commission would consider those comments at a later meeting; a public hearing would follow before any formal recommendation.

No action was taken; the item will return for further review after the comment period and prior to any public hearing.