The Utah Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in a legal battle over the proposed West Hills municipality. The court is considering whether the state's incorporation process and the proposed town are unconstitutional.
A lawsuit filed by ten Summit County property owners led to the removal of the proposal from the Election Day ballot. The legal challenge names Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, the state Legislature, and West Hills town sponsor Derek Anderson as defendants.
The lawsuit seeks to block the creation of West Hills, a proposed town located on 3,600 acres along State Route 248 near Kamas. If successful, the plaintiffs claim the decision could reshape the municipal incorporation process across the state.
Opposition to the development has been significant within the community. During a public hearing in January 2025, residents expressed skepticism and anger regarding the proposal. The Kamas City Council also passed a resolution opposing West Hills, with the mayor and council stating their position on the town's western front.
In response to the development concerns, the Kamas Valley Preservation Association was formed in March. This nonprofit organization aims to protect the agricultural lifestyle, history, and natural beauty of southern Summit County.
The West Hills proposal previously cleared state hurdles after enough voters and landowners signed a petition submitted in January 2025. However, infrastructure challenges remain a noted concern for development in the area, according to Summit County Community Development Director Peter Barnes.
