Commission creates Leland agricultural protection area covering roughly 274 acres

The Utah County Commission voted to create the Leland 2023 agricultural protection area, covering approximately 274.3 acres, after a staff presentation and public remarks from Spanish Fork Mayor Mendenhall and county staff.

Kevin Stinson (Community Development) summarized the proposal, which had been tabled previously; several landowners and the mayor spoke in support. Mayor Mendenhall described the area’s agricultural significance and emphasized cooperation between the city and county to protect farming while acknowledging the need to address safety and road‑widening concerns if development occurs. County staff explained that agricultural protection status does not prevent infrastructure projects that are allowed under the underlying zoning, but that acquiring additional roadway or widening typically requires negotiation with landowners and, in some cases, could be complicated if land is included in an ag‑protection area.

Commissioners said they would honor landowner preferences (including allowing parcels to be excluded if owners request), and they discussed the practical implications for future road projects such as possible negotiating or eminent‑domain steps—though staff said eminent domain is used rarely in the county. Commissioner S7 moved to approve item 11; Commissioner S2 seconded and the motion passed 3–0.

The commission approved the agricultural protection area while asking staff to clarify parcels and roads listed in the staff report and to continue working with landowners and the city on any safety or right‑of‑way needs.