The Moab City Council voted 3–2 on Nov. 12 to accept a petition to initiate annexation of 486 River Sands Road, beginning the statutory notice, objection and planning‑commission steps that would be required before a final annexation decision.

Staff framed the action as acceptance of a petition (not final annexation), and explained that the property — currently county rural residential — has a pre‑annexation agreement that would deliver split C‑2 (commercial) and R‑3 (multi‑household) zoning on the parcel and a required AEH (assured employee/affordable housing) commitment for residential units. Staff and council noted the petitioner’s conceptual plan calls for 20 multi‑household units under the pre‑annexation agreement; staff said that if the project pursued a subdividing route under R‑2 it could legally develop fewer units, potentially around 16, but that the pre‑annexation agreement set expectations for a multi‑household project.

Council debate focused on whether the city should take responsibility for River Sands Road — described repeatedly as narrow, lacking curb and gutter and drainage, and carrying varied land uses — and on the cost of bringing infrastructure up to city standards. Several councilmembers also raised concerns that the pre‑annexation agreement limits council discretion by committing to a density that may not fit once full engineering and site plans are prepared.

Collin moved to deny the petition but the motion died for lack of a second. Caitlin then moved to accept the petition and Luke seconded; the motion passed 3–2 with Collin and Jason recorded as opposed. Staff said accepting the petition advances the noticing and objection period required by the state municipal annexation code and would bring the matter back to planning commission and council with additional engineering and public hearings before any final annexation could occur.