One of the latest “fronts” in the wars over new and “different” development, is annexations.  Just take a look at recent items that have made the news – Erda http://tooeleonline.com/property-owners-try-to-avoid-future-erda-city/   Providence https://www.hjnews.com/news/government/mixed-density-housing-development-still-dividing-providence-cache-valley-residents-as-election-day-nears/article_d0efcc18-3000-54e7-8ce8-916c8fb8cc86.html   Plain City/West Weber   https://www.standard.net/news/government/2021/feb/05/western-weber-county-incorporation-annexation-pushes-on-hold-but-growth-continues/

and of course the infamous Hideout situation https://www.kpcw.org/local-news/2021-10-26/hideout-dealt-another-legal-blow-annexation-likely-headed-to-appellate-court

There are others as well.  These battles prompted several bill proposals in the last legislative session, and another being discussed currently by the Land Use Task Force (about third party standing in legal challenges to annexations).  Shannon Ellsworth, a good friend and AICP planner who is currently an elected member of the Provo city council, asked that I summarize the various postings I’ve done in the past on this topic, which I will do.  But bottom line is something I’ve been saying and advocating for a while – Utah’s annexation code badly needs a comprehensive recodification. That probably won’t solve all the issues around annexation and opposition to development, but one thing’s for sure, the current code is no help at all.  As pressure grows, and more train wrecks happen, maybe action will finally be prompted.