CHAPTER7
ANNEXATION ChapterOutline
1.Definitions(UCA 10-2-401)...... 1
2.Purpose...... 1
3.OtherDefinitions(UCA 10-2-401)...... 1
4.TheAnnexation PolicyPlan(UCA 10-2-401.5)...... 1 -3
5.TheAnnexation Petition(UCA 10-2-403)...... 3 -4
6.Acceptanceorrejectionofanannexation petitionbyCityCouncil/Town Board-
Modifiedpetition(UCA 10-2-405)...... 4
A.Ifdenied
B.Ifacceptedforfurtherconsideration
C.IfcertifiedasvalidbyCityRecorder/TownClerk
D.Ifpetitionisrejected-notcertifiedbyCityRecorder/TownClerk
E.Modification
7.NoticeofCertification-Publishing andprovidingnoticeofpetition(UCA 10-2-406)...... 5
8.Protesttoannexation petition-Requirements-Dispositionifnoprotest(UCA 10-2-407)...... 6-7
A.Protestfiledby
B.Protestrequirements
C.Protestperiod
D.Dispositionifnotimeprotestisfiled
9.Denialorapprovingofpetitionfollowingcommissiondecisiononaprotest–
filingofplatormap(UCA 10-2-408)...... 7 -8
A.Denialofpetition
B.Approvingofprotestedannexation
C.Afterapprovalofannexation
10.Otherinformation...... 8
A.Requestforfeasibilitystudy-Requirements-Limitations
B.Annexationofanislandorpeninsulawithoutapetition(UCA10-2-418) C.Boundaryadjustment-noticeandhearing-protest(UCA10-2-419)
D.Bondsnotaffectedbyboundaryadjustmentsorannexation–
Paymentofpropertytaxes(UCA10-2-420)
E.AnnexationLimitations–AirportConicalsurfacearea(UCA10-2-402) (7)
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1.DEFINITION--10-2-401 UCA
Petitionbyownersofcertainrealpropertyrequestingthatsuchpropertybeannexedtothecorporate boundariesofamunicipality.PetitionersmustcomplywithalloftherequirementsspecifiedinUCA10-2-
401 through 10-2-426, asnecessary.
2.PURPOSE-
Toincorporate(territory) into anexistingormore significantmunicipality, county, orstate.
3.OTHER DEFINITIONS--10-2-401 UCA
A.Affected Entity
•Acountyofthefirstorsecondclassinwhoseunincorporatedareatheareaproposedfor annexation islocated.
•Acounty ofthethird,fourth,fifth,orsixthclassinwhoseunincorporatedareathe areaproposed forannexationislocated,ifthearea includesresidentsor commercialorindustrialdevelopment.
•AlocaldistrictunderTitle17B,LimitedPurposeLocalGovernmentEntities–LocalDistricts, orspecial servicedistrictunder Title 17D,Chapter1SpecialServiceDistrictAct,whose boundaryincludesanypartof anareaproposed for annexation.
•Aschooldistrictwhoseboundaryincludesanypartofanareaproposedforannexation,ifthe boundaryisproposed tobeadjustedasa resultoftheannexation.
•A municipalitywhoseboundariesarewithin 1/2 mileof an areaproposed for annexation.
B.ExpansionArea:theunincorporatedareathatisidentifiedinanannexationpolicyplanasthearea that themunicipalityanticipates annexingin the future.
C.Specified County:a countyofthesecond, third, fourth, fifth, orsixthclass. D.Urban Development:
•Ahousingdevelopmentwithmorethan15residentialunitsandanaveragedensitygreaterthan
oneresidentialunitperacre;or
•Acommercialorindustrialdevelopmentforwhichcostprojectionsexceed$750,000forall phases.
4.THEANNEXATIONPOLICY PLAN--10-2-401.5 UCA
AfterDecember31,2002,amunicipalitymusthaveanadoptedAnnexationPolicyPlanbeforeannexing anyarea. Thepolicyplanwillhelpguidedecisionmakingregardingfutureannexationsandhelpplanfor futureexpansionofservices in conjunction withneighboringpoliticalentities.
A. Whatmustbeincluded intheAnnexation PolicyPlan:
1) Amapofthe"expansionarea"whichmayincludeterritorylocatedoutsidethecountyinwhich themunicipalityis located;
2) Astatementofthespecificcriteriathatwillguidethemunicipality'sdecisionwhetherornotto approve future annexationpetitions,addressingmatters relevanttothose criteriaincluding:
•Thecharacterofthe community;
•Theneed formunicipalservices indeveloped andundeveloped unincorporatedareas;
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•Themunicipality'splans for extension ofmunicipalservices;
•How theserviceswillbefinanced;
•Anestimateofthetaxconsequencestoresidentsbothcurrentlywithinthemunicipal boundaries andinthe"expansionarea";
•Theinterestsofall"affected entities";
3) Justificationforexcludingfrom the"expansionarea"anyareacontainingurbandevelopment within one-halfmileofthemunicipality'sboundary; and
4) A statementaddressing any commentsmadeby"affectedentities"atorwithinten daysafterthe publicmeetingthatisheldbytheplanningcommissiontoreceiveinputfrom "affectedentities" asstated in thelaw.
B.What the planning commission and the municipal legislative body must do while developing,considering, and adopting an annexation policyplan:
1) Attempt toavoid gapsbetween oroverlapswithin theexpansion areasofothermunicipalities;
2) Considerpopulationgrowthprojectionsforthemunicipalityandadjoiningareasforthenext20 years;
3) Consider currentand projected costs of infrastructure, urban services, and public facilities necessaryto:
•Facilitatefulldevelopmentof theareawiththemunicipality; and
•Expand the infrastructure, services, and facilities into the area being considered for inclusion in the"expansionarea";
4) Consider, in conjunctionwith themunicipality'sgeneralplan, theneed overthenext20 yearsfor additionalland suitable forresidential,commercial, and industrialdevelopment;
5) Consider thereasons forincluding agricultural lands,forests, recreational areas,and wildlife management areasinthemunicipality; and
6) Beguided bythefollowingprinciples regardingeach proposed annexation:
Ifpracticableand feasible, theboundariesofan areaproposedforannexationshallbedrawn:
•Alongtheboundariesofexistingspecialdistrictsforsewer,water,andotherservices, alongtheboundariesofschooldistrictswhoseboundariesfollow cityboundaries or school districtsadjacenttoschooldistrictswhoseboundariesfollowcityboundaries,andalong theboundariesofothertaxingentities;
•Toeliminateislandsandpeninsulasofterritorythatarenotreceivingmunicipal-type services;
•Tofacilitate the consolidation ofoverlappingfunctionsof localgovernment;
•To promotetheefficientdeliveryofservices;and
•Toencourage the equitabledistributionofcommunityresourcesand obligations.
C.Urbandevelopment within amunicipality's expansion area:
AftertheAnnexationPolicy Planisadopted,andacopyhasbeensentto thecountylegislativebody, thecountycannotapproveurbandevelopmentwithinamunicipality'sexpansionareaunless:
1) Thecountynotifiesthemunicipalityoftheproposeddevelopmentandthemunicipality consentsin writingtothedevelopment;
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Or
2) thecounty notifies themunicipality and,within90 daysofreceiving notification,the municipality submitsto thecounty awrittenobjection to the county'sapprovalof the proposed development, andthecountyrespondsin writingto themunicipality'sobjections.
D.ProcessforadoptingtheAnnexation PolicyPlan:
1)Planning Commission holds a Public Meeting. This meetingisheldtoallow“affected entities"to examinetheproposedannexation policyplan andto provideinputonit.
•PlanningCommissionmustprovidenoticetoeach"affectedentity"atleast14daysbefore thepublicmeeting.
•PlanningCommissionmustacceptandconsideranyadditionalwrittencommentsfrom
"affectedentities"until10days afterthepublicmeeting.
•PlanningCommissionmaymakeanymodificationstotheproposedannexationpolicy planthatitconsidersappropriatebasedoninputreceivedfrom thepublicmeeting and duringthe10 dayperiod afterthemeeting.
2)PlanningCommission holdsaPublicHearing.
•PlanningCommission mustprovidereasonablenoticeof thehearingto thepublicand each
"affectedentity" atleast14daysbeforethepublichearing.
•Afterthepublichearing,thePlanningCommissionmaymakeanymodificationstothe proposedannexationpolicy planthat it considersappropriatebased upon input received from thepublichearing,andthensubmititsrecommendedannexationpolicyplantothe municipallegislativebody.
3)MunicipalLegislativeBodyholdsaPublicHearing.
•TheMunicipalLegislativeBodymustprovidereasonablenoticeofthehearingtothe public and each "affected entity" atleast14 daysbefore thepublichearing.
•Afterthepublichearing,theMunicipalLegislativeBodymaymakeanymodificationsto the proposed annexation policy plan that it considers appropriate based upon input receivedfromthepublichearing,and then adopttherecommendedannexationpolicy plan with orwithoutmodifications.
•MunicipalLegislativeBodymustsendacopyoftheplantothecountylegislativebody within 30 days afteradoptingthe annexationpolicyplan.
5.THEANNEXATIONPETITION--10-2-403UCA
Petitionsignedbyprivatepropertyownersrepresentingthemajorityoflandareaandatleast1/3ofthe appraisedvaluewillbefiledwithRecorder/Clerk.Ifprivateland areaproposed forannexation iswithin an AgricultureProtectionareacreatedunderTitle14Chapter14,AgricultureProtectionArea,thesignatures of100%of theland ownersisrequired. Feeswillbepaid bypropertyowner.
RECOMMENDATION:THERE SHOULD BEAFEE ASSESSEDUPFRONT.THIS FEE ISTOBEDETERMINED BY INDIVIDUALMUNICIPALITY.THERE WILLBECONSIDERABLEEXPENSEASSOCIATED WITHAN ANNEXATION ASARESULT OF STATE REQUIRED PUBLICATIONANDMAILING FEES.IT ISEASIER TO COLLECTATTHE BEGINNING OF THE PROCEDURERATHER THAN TRY TO COLLECTIT AFTER-THE- FACT.
Designationofupto five(5)signersofthepetitionas sponsorsandonedesignatedascontactsponsorwith themailingaddressofeach.
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Petitionwillbeaccompaniedbyan accurateplat map preparedbyalicensedsurveyorofthearea proposed forannexation.
Thepetitionmay notcontainareasthat areapartofanotherpending annexationorunderafeasibility study forincorporation.
Ifpracticalandfeasible,theannexationshouldbe drawnalong boundaries ofspecialdistricts,school districts, and othertaxing entities.
Onthedateoffiling theannexationpetitionwithRecorder/Clerk,thepetitionershoulddeliverormail a copyofthepetitionandmaptotheCountyClerkandifapplicableacopytotheChairofthetownship PlanningCommission andthe legislativebodyoftheCounty.
SUGGESTION:IFTHEMUNICIPALITYWISHESTOINVOLVETHEIR PLANNINGCOMMISSION INTHE ANNEXATION PROCESS, THIS INVOLVEMENT SHOULD TAKE PLACE AT THE FRONT END - AFTER PETITIONSAREFILEDBUTBEFORE THEMUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVEBODYVOTESTOACCEPT ORREJECT THEPETITIONS.INVOLVEMENTOFTHEPLANNINGCOMMISSION ISNOTREQUIRED BYSTATELAW.
6.ACCEPTANCEORREJECTIONOFANANNEXATION PETITION-MODIFIED PETITION--
10-2-405 UCA
Themunicipal legislativebodymay acceptordeny apetition.Failureofthemunicipallegislativebody to acttodenyoracceptapetitionunderSubsection(1)(a)(i)(A)within14daysafterthefilingofthepetition orat thenextcitycouncilmeetingshallbeconsideredto beacceptanceofthepetition.
A. IfDenied:City/TownLegislativeBodyshall within5daysafterofthedenial,mailwrittennotice tothecontactsponsor,County Clerk andifany oftheareaproposedforannexationiswithin a township,thentothechairof theplanningcommissionand thelegislativebodyofthecounty.
B. IfAcceptedforfurtherconsideration:TheCityRecorder/TownClerkshall within 30days of acceptance determinewithassistanceofthemunicipalattorney,assessor,countyclerk,surveyor,and recorderofthecounty, whetherthepetition meetstherequirementsof10-2-403(3), (4),and(5).
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1)WHEN AN ANNEXATION PETITION IS ACCEPTED BY ACITY COUNCIL/TOWN BOARD,A RESOLUTIONSHOULDBEPASSEDTOSHOWACCEPTANCE.
2)OBTAINAWRITTEN STATEMENT FROMTHECOUNTYCONCERNINGTHEFINDINGOFTHEIR REVIEWOFTHEPETITION.
C. IfPetition is certified asvalid by City Recorder/TownClerk:Proceed to 7, NoticeofCertification – Publishingand ProvidingNoticeofPetition.
D. If Petition is Rejected - NOT CERTIFIED by City Recorder/Town Clerk: Notification of the rejection andthereason for rejection istobeprovided tothemunicipallegislativebody,thecontact sponsor, the county legislative body and if applicable the chair of each township planning commission and entities.
E.Modification:Petitionmaybemodifiedtocorrectthedeficienciesandthenfiledagainwiththe
Clerk/Recorder. NOTIMELINE.
RevisedpetitionisthenreviewedbyCity/TownandCountyofficialsasanewlysubmittedpetition forcertification.
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7.NOTICE OFCERTIFICATION-PUBLISHINGANDPROVIDINGNOTICE OFPETITION--
10-2-406 UCA
After receiptofthenoticeof certification, themunicipal legislativebodyshall:
Publish noticeatleastonceaweekforthree(3)successiveweeks-beginning nolaterthan tendays afterreceiptofthenoticeofcertificationinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationwithintheareaproposed forannexation and theunincorporatedareawithinone-halfmileoftheareaproposed forannexation;or if thereisno newspaperofgeneralcirculation withinthose areas,postwrittennoticesinconspicuousplaces withinthoseareasthataremostlikelytogivenoticetoresidents; and within20daysofreceiptofthe noticeofcertification,mailwrittennoticetothecounty legislativebody,theboardofeachservicedistrict, independent specialdistrictswhoseboundariesincludepartor allof the areaproposed forannexation, the legislativebodyofeachmunicipalitywhoseboundariesarewithinone-halfmileoftheareaproposed forannexation;andeachschooldistrict whoseboundariesincludepartofalltheareaproposedfor annexation.
TheNoticeShallIncludetheFollowing:
A.Thatapetitionhasbeenfiled proposingannexationofan area tothemunicipality. B.Thedateof themunicipal legislativebody's receiptofnoticeof certification.
C. Adescriptionoftheareaproposedforannexationandastatementindicatingthepetitionisavailable forinspectionand copyingattheofficeoftheCityRecorderorTown Clerk.
D. Astatementindicating themunicipality may approvethepetitionandannextheareadescribed inthe petitionunless awritten protest to the annexation petition isfiledwith the boundary commission (if created)orCountyClerkandacopyoftheprotestis deliveredtotheCityRecorderorTownClerkof theproposedannexing municipality.Thenotice shouldincludetheaddressoftheboundary commission orCountyClerk.
E. Astatementindicatingthedeadlineforfilingthewrittenprotestwhichistoincludetheactual deadlinedate. Thedeadlineforfilingtheprotestis30daysafterthemunicipallegislativebody's receiptofthenoticeofcertification.
F. Foraproposed annexation ofanareawithin acounty ofthefirstclass,statethataprotest tothe annexationpetitionmay befiledwith thecommission by property owners if it contains thesignatures of theownersofprivaterealpropertythat:
1)Is locatedintheunincorporatedareawithin one-halfmileoftheareaproposed forannexation;
2)Coversatleast25%oftheprivatelandareaintheunincorporatedareawithinone-halfmileof theareaproposedfor annexation, and
3)Isequaltoatleast15%ofallrealpropertylocatedintheunincorporatedareawithinone-half
mileoftheareaproposedfor annexation.
NOTE: CERTIFICATION OF A PETITION IS BASED ON THE RESPONSES TO UTAH CODE ANNOTATED-10-2-403(3),(4),AND(5).
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8.PROTESTTOANNEXATIONPETITION-REQUIREMENTS-DISPOSITIONIFNOPROTEST
--10-2-407 UCA
A.Aprotestofan annexation petition maybe filedby:
1)Thelegislativebodyorgoverningboardofan affected entity;or
2) Foraproposedannexationofanareawithina countyofthefirstclass,theownersofprivate realpropertythat:
(a) Is locatedintheunincorporatedareawithin 1/2 mileofan areaproposedforannexation
(b) Coversatleast25%oftheprivatelandarealocatedintheunincorporatedareawithin
1/2mileoftheareaproposedforannexation;andis equal invalue toatleast15%of all realproperty located intheunincorporated areawithin 1/2mileof the areaproposedfor annexation.
Atownshipplanningcommissionlocatedinacountyofthefirstclassmay recommendto thelegislativebody ofthe county inwhich thetownshipis located thatthecounty legislative bodyfileaprotest against theproposed annexation of an area located within thetownship.The recommendation istobecommunicatedwithin30daysofthecertificationof theannexation petition.Atthetimethe recommendation ismade tothecounty legislativebody under Subsection(1)(b)(ii)(A), thetownshipplanning boardshallmailordelivera copy ofthe recommendation tothelegislativebody of theproposedannexing municipality andthecontact sponsor.
B.Each ProtestShould:
1) Befiledbya legislativeorgoverningbodyof an “affected entity.”
2) Befiledwithintheappropriatetimeperiod(30daysafterthemunicipallegislativebody's receiptofthenoticeofcertification).
3) Befiledwith boundary commissionor thecountyclerk iftheboundary commissionhasnotyet been created.
4)Stateeachreasonfortheprotestoftheannexationpetitionandmustincludejustificationfor
theprotestunderthestandardsof the annexation statute.
5) Mustcontain otherinformationthat thecommission by rule requiresor that theparty filing the protestconsiderspertinent.
6)Contains thenameandaddressofacontactpersonwhoistoreceivenotices fromtheboundary
commission withrespecttotheprotestproceedings.
7) A copy of the protest shallon the samedate be mailedordelivered to the recorder/clerk of the proposedannexingmunicipality. (Each Clerkwho receives a protestshall immediately notifythecountylegislativebodyoftheprotestanddeliver theprotesttotheboundary commissionwithinfivedaysof itscreation.)
8)Eachprotestofaproposedannexationlocatedinacountyofthefirstclassshallindicatethe
typedorprintednameand currentresidenceofeachownersigningtheprotestanddesignate oneofthesignersas the contactperson andincludethemailingaddressofthecontactperson.
C.ProtestPeriod:
The protest period is 30 days after the municipal legislative body's receipt of the notice of certification.
D.Ifaprotestisfiled,themunicipallegislativebodymayatthenextregularmeetingafterexpirationof thedeadline:
1)Denythe annexationpetition;or
2)Takenofurtheractiononthepetitionuntilafterreceiptofthecommission'snoticeofits decisionontheprotest (See9A below).
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E.Disposition ifnotimelyprotestisfiled:
Themunicipallegislativebody mayapprove thepetition.
Beforeapprovinganannexation, themunicipal legislativebodyshallholdapublic hearing.At least sevendayspriortothepublichearing,publishnoticeofthehearinginanewspaperofgeneral circulationwithinthemunicipalityandtheareaproposedforannexation,orpostwrittennoticein conspicuousplaceswithin the areasthataremostlikelyto givenoticetoresident within thearea.
The municipal legislativebodymay thenapprovethepetitionand annexthe areathrough original documentsrequired bytheparticular“boundaryaction” beingmade (generallybythe entitiesordinance).
(Afterannexationis approved proceedto 9Cbelow)
9.DENIALOFORAPPROVINGTHEANNEXATION PETITION-FILING OFPLATORMAP--
10-2-408
A.Denialof:Afterreceiptofthecommission'sdecisiononaprotest,amunicipallegislativebody maydenythe annexation petition.
Themunicipallegislativebodyshall, withinfivedaysafterthedenial,sendnoticeofthedenialin writing to the contactsponsoroftheannexationpetition,theboundary commission,eachentity that filedaprotest,andthesponsorofany protestfiledby landowners. Ifanyoftheareaproposedfor annexation iswithin atownship, thenotice shouldbe sentto the legislativebody ofthe county in whichthetownshipislocated.
B. Grantingofapprovedprotestedannexation:Ifthecommissionapprovesaprotestedannexation,the municipal legislativebody may approvethe annexationpetition and by ordinance annex thearea that isthesubjectofthepetition.
RECOMMENDATION:THELAWDOESNOTSTATETHATASECONDPUBLICHEARING NEEDSTOBE HELDIFONEHASBEENHELDBYTHECOUNTY.YOUMAYWANTTOCONSIDER ASECONDPUBLIC HEARING.
C. Afterapprovalofannexation: (10-2-425)
NOTE: 2009 CHANGESINSTATELAWMAKETHISFINALSTEPEXTREMELYIMPORTANT, ASTHE ENTITY MAYNOTCOLLECTREVENUE FROM THE AFFECTED AREAUNTILITISRECORDED; THE DATEOFRECORDINGISTHEEFFECTIVEDATERELATING TOTHECOLLECTIONOFREVENUE.
1) Within30daysafter enactingtheordinanceannexinganunincorporatedareathemunicipal legislativebodyshallfilewiththeLieutenantGovernor:
a. Originalnoticeofimpendingboundaryaction(i.e. Amended ArticlesofIncorporation)
b.Copyoflocalentityplatmap. Thiswillnotbearecordedplatmap,butmusthavebeen reviewed and approved byCountySurveyor.
c. Otheroriginaldocumentsrequiredbytheparticular“boundaryaction”beingmade. (i.e.
Ordinance)
2)UpontheissuanceoftheLieutenantGovernor’scertificateofannexationorboundaryadjustment theCityRecordershallsubmit to the recorderofthatcounty:
a. An originalboundaryaction, asreturned byLieutenantGovernor’sOffice b.A certificateofannexationorboundaryadjustment
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c. A local entityplat;and
d.An original or certified copy of the ordinance approving the annexation or boundary adjustment
3)TheCityRecordershallalsosendnoticeofannexationorboundaryadjustmenttoeachaffected
entity;andfileacertifiedcopyoftheordinanceapprovingtheannexationandacopyofthe approved finallocal entityplatwith theDepartmentof Health.
AFTER APPROVINGAPETITIONITISIMPORTANTTOREMEMBER:IFTAXESARE PAID ONPROPERTYFOR ONEYEAR, ANNEXATIONCANNOTBECHALLENGED!(10-2-422)
10.OTHER INFORMATION:
A.Requestforfeasibilitystudy -Requirements-Limitations
B.Annexationofan island orpeninsulawithoutaPetition -Notice-Hearing(10-2-418)
Undercertainconditionsamunicipalitymayannexanunincorporatedarea(peninsulaorisland)
without anannexationpetition if:
1) Consists of residential or commercial development, requires delivery of municipal-type services, and mostoralloftheserviceshavebeen providedforoveroneyear;or
2) Hasfewerthan800residents,andhasprovidedoneormoremunicipal-typeservicestothe
areaforat leastoneyear;or
3) Nomorethan50acresandthecountyinwhichtheareaislocatedagreestotheproposed annexation.
Authorizesamunicipality toadoptan annexationordinancewithout allowing or considering protests iftheownersof75%oftheland with75%ofthevaluehave consented totheannexation. (10-2-418) Uponthe effectivedateunderSection10-2-425ofan annexationapprovedby anordinanceadopted underSubsection (3)(b)(i), theareaannexedshallbe conclusively presumedtobevalidly annexed. (10-2-418)
C.Boundaryadjustment- Noticeand hearing-Protest(10-2-419)
Thelegislativebodiesoftwoormoremunicipalitieshavingcommonboundariesmayadjusttheir common boundariesasprovided inthis section.
D.Bondsnotaffected byboundaryadjustmentsorannexation -Paymentofpropertytaxes (10-2-420) E. Annexation Limitations– Airport, Conicalsurface area. (10-2-402)(7)
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