Architectural Review: Sandy vs South Jordan
How do architectural review rules compare between Sandy, UT and South Jordan, UT?
Sandy and South Jordan have similar restriction levels.
Sandy, UT
Salt Lake County
Utah HOAs can enforce architectural review under recorded CCRs but must follow their own written procedures and cannot unreasonably deny solar panels, xeriscaping, or EV chargers.
View full Sandy rules →South Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
HOA architectural review committees (ARCs) in Salt Lake County HOAs operate under Utah Code §57-8a-218 (limits on rules and design criteria), §57-8a-217 (rulemaking procedure), and §57-8a-109 (cap on plan-review fees). Boards may adopt design criteria but cannot charge plan-review fees exceeding the actual cost of review, cannot retroactively divest an owner of approval rights vested under prior governing documents, and cannot deny plans solely because they include fire-resistant materials (important along the Wasatch Front WUI).
View full South Jordan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sandy | South Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Fact | Operates under recorded CCRs | - |
| Plan-review fee cap | - | Actual cost only |
| Rule notice | - | 15 days, §57-8a-217(2) |
| Owner disapproval | - | 51% within 60 days |
| Fire-resistant materials | - | Protected, §57-8a-218 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sandy FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep a lawn?
No, Utah HB 282 (2021) prohibits HOAs from requiring turfgrass or restricting water-efficient landscaping.
What if the ARC does not respond?
If CCRs specify a response deadline and it passes without action, approval is typically deemed.
South Jordan FAQ
Can my Salt Lake County HOA charge any amount for architectural plan review?
No. Utah Code §57-8a-109 prohibits a plan-review fee that exceeds the actual costs of reviewing and approving the plans.
Can the ARC ban my plan because I want fire-resistant siding?
No. Utah Code §57-8a-218 prohibits an HOA from prohibiting, unreasonably restricting, denying, or delaying a plan because it includes fire-resistant materials in an area with heightened wildfire risk — important along the Wasatch foothills.
If I submitted a complete application before a new rule passed, am I locked into the new rule?
No. Utah Code §57-8a-218 protects you: a new rule or design criterion cannot divest you of the right to proceed under the governing documents in effect when your complete application was submitted.
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