Commission recommends approval of annexation policy plan amendment

The Ivins City Planning Commission on March 18 recommended approval of proposed amendments to the Ivins City Annexation Policy Plan, an amendment to the city’s general plan.

Planning staff summarized prior meetings and public comment, including written input about environmentally sensitive parcels and whether specific areas should appear on the expansion map. Staff and several commissioners said including the areas on the annexation plan retains the city’s option to consider annexation in the future and ensures the city receives formal notice if neighboring jurisdictions pursue annexation.

Robert Rausch spoke during the public hearing and had submitted written comments, which staff acknowledged and reviewed. Commissioners discussed the tradeoffs of including areas that have low probability of annexation versus keeping those areas on the map so Ivins would be formally notified and able to respond to future proposals. Several commissioners said that inclusion on the annexation plan does not obligate the city to annex land but preserves its ability to participate in boundary discussions.

Following discussion, a motion to recommend approval of the annexation plan amendment was made and seconded. The recorded roll call showed aye votes from Commissioner Waite, Commissioner Robinson, Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Clifford and the chair. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.