Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in West Jordan, UT: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in West Jordan or are thinking about moving there, zoning overlays & bonuses are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. West Jordan has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of zoning overlays & bonuses, and some of them might surprise you.

Density Bonus Law

West Jordan lets developers in the West Side Planning Area (WSPA) earn density above the base rate by installing approved amenities. City Code section 13-5J-5 sets base and maximum dwelling units per acre by zone, then awards weighted percentage bonuses for trails, street design, smart growth and building-design features, capped at the zone's maximum density.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 13-5J-5. Applies to: West Side Planning Area (WSPA) zones. MFR zone range: 4.51 to 9.00 dwelling units/acre. HFR zone range: 9.01 to 18.00 dwelling units/acre. MU zone max: 25.00 dwelling units/acre.

Density bonuses under section 13-5J-5 are secured, not self-executing: subsection A(2) requires bonus density to be determined and secured through the development plan process in section 13-5J-10, and required improvements listed as mandatory in the incentive chart carry no waiver, so a project cannot claim bonus density while skipping a required item like traffic calming or master-planned subdivision design. Amendments to an approved development plan must follow the same section 13-5J-10 procedure before revised density takes effect.

Downtown Design Guide

West Jordan's City Center zone is governed not only by City Code article 13-5I but by the adopted West Jordan downtown revitalization design guidelines and land use element, prepared by LMN Architects. Section 13-5I-13(B) folds those documents into zoning review and says the more restrictive language controls whenever the guidelines and the code text disagree.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 13-5I-13(B). Guideline document: West Jordan downtown revitalization design guidelines. Author: Prepared by LMN Architects. Conflict rule: More restrictive language controls. Review body: Design review committee + planning commission.

A City Center development plan that does not demonstrate compliance with the downtown revitalization design guidelines, as required under section 13-5I-13, does not clear design review committee or planning commission approval, so the building permits that depend on that approved plan cannot issue. Because occupancy also requires a certificate of occupancy and zoning compliance under section 13-1-9, a project built inconsistent with the approved plan and guideline commitments is not eligible for that certificate until corrected.

This is one of the stricter rules in West Jordan's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

West Jordan's zoning overlays & bonuses rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming West Jordan is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects West Jordan's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.