Developer seeks access to County Road 400 East for proposed 41‑lot subdivision; council awaits River Heights' position

Public Works Director Matt Phillips presented the council with a multi‑jurisdictional request for access to County Road 400 East (Highway 238) from developer Blaine Hamlin for a proposed 41‑lot subdivision in River Heights. Phillips said county code requires council approval for municipal developments accessing a county roadway when annexation or municipal road acceptance is in question.

Phillips described the parcel location and the history: the road was once a UDOT route and jurisdiction changed to the county; an emergency access has been discussed through a neighboring church parking area; and River Heights has not issued a formal response on whether it will accept ownership or maintenance of the road. Phillips told the council staff and the developer have not received an official determination from River Heights and requested council direction.

Council members asked whether the county would be left with a small pocket of county‑owned roadway surrounded by city streets, and noted that typical county road standards differ from city street standards and that annexation or municipal acceptance of a road usually accompanies major subdivision work. Several members emphasized they could not act without a written statement from River Heights clarifying maintenance responsibility or annexation status.

No formal vote was taken; staff said the item will return in resolution form once River Heights provides a response and the developer and county legal staff have had further discussions.