Agency Histories
Ivins (Utah)
Abstract
Biography/History Notes
Like several other towns in Washington County, Ivins could not be settled until residents constructed a canal to bring irrigation water to the land. A group of men from Santa Clara worked together to build a canal to this bench, and the project was completed in 1918. The first family moved to this area in 1922, and the town was named for Anthony Ivins, a prominent Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints official and early pioneer of Washington County. Ivins became incorporated 5 August 1935.
Utah municipal governments perform numerous functions, including the maintaining of law and order, guarding public health and sanitation, promoting recreation, and providing fire protection. Municipal governments also construct and maintain streets, sidewalks, water works, and sewers. The city government also regulates commercial and residential development and sets zoning ordinances.
As a third class city, Ivins established a traditional mayor and city council government. This government consists of a mayor and five council men who are elected by the community for four year terms. The city council functions as a legislative governing body for the community and the mayor as the chief executive.
For many years, Ivins remained a very rural community, hosting only a convenience store. In the 1990s home building in this area mushroomed, and Ivins has emerged as the site of elegant homes on large lots built according to strict zoning regulations. Ivins hosts easy access to park and bike trails and the Red Mountain Spa. It is one of the fastest growing communities in Utah.