West Hills moves closer to incorporation as key petition clears state hurdle

The proposed boundary map for West Hills, which has moved one step closer to annexation from Kamas. Photo: Steven G. McCutchan Planning

West Hills, located between Kamas and Hideout, has cleared a major hurdle in its push for incorporation after enough voters and landowners signed a petition submitted to the state on Jan. 16.

If approved, West Hills would become Utah’s newest town, allowing residents to govern locally and control future development. The move has divided the community, with supporters seeking autonomy and opponents fearing the loss of rural character.

By the numbers:

• Just 47 registered voters will decide the fate of the town.
• At least 10% of voters (11) signed the petition, meeting state requirements.
• The proposed town spans 3,600 acres along State Route 248, west of Kamas.

The big picture: Proponents see incorporation as a way to secure long-term options for their property and improve infrastructure. But local officials and neighboring towns worry about fragmented development, lack of water and sewer services, and the town’s irregular borders, which they say appear gerrymandered.

What’s next: The issue now moves to a public vote, though a date has yet to be set. If approved, West Hills will chart its own course—shaping growth, services, and taxation in a region where development pressures continue to mount.

In recent years, Summit and Wasatch counties have witnessed other significant annexation activities that have reshaped local governance and development.

Hideout’s Annexation of Richardson Flat

In 2020, the town of Hideout initiated the annexation of approximately 350 acres in the Richardson Flat area of Summit County.This move was facilitated by a temporary state law permitting municipalities to annex unincorporated areas without county consent.The annexation faced legal challenges from Summit County, but in June 2024, the Utah Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hideout, allowing the annexation to proceed.

Heber City’s Proposed 4,000-Acre Annexation

Heber City is currently considering the annexation of nearly 4,000 acres northeast of town, known as the Wasatch Highlands development.The proposal includes both state-owned and private lands and has raised concerns regarding infrastructure, water, and sewer capabilities.Discussions between Heber City and Wasatch County officials are ongoing, with public hearings held to gather community input.