Artificial Turf: South Jordan vs West Jordan
How do artificial turf rules compare between South Jordan, UT and West Jordan, UT?
West Jordan has fewer restrictions than South Jordan.
South Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County does not prohibit artificial turf on private residential lots. Inside Salt Lake City limits, Chapter 21A.48 (Landscaping and Buffers) prohibits artificial turf in any location where landscaping is regulated by the chapter, including required front-yard landscape areas and park strips, after a March 2024 City Council clarification. Suburban Salt Lake County cities have varied rules - confirm with the local planning office.
View full South Jordan rules →West Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
West Jordan allows artificial turf on private property with no permit for most residential installations. Utah Code §10-9a-530 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping including synthetic turf. HOAs may still impose restrictions.
View full West Jordan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | South Jordan | West Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| County Position | Allowed; not counted as required landscape | - |
| Salt Lake City Rule | Prohibited where landscaping is regulated (Chapter 21A.48) | - |
| Effective | March 2024 Council clarification | - |
| Park Strips (SLC) | No artificial turf | - |
| Front Yards (SLC) | No artificial turf | - |
| State Protection | HB 282 covers live plants only - not turf | - |
| South Salt Lake | Restricted (Ord. 2023-29 / Ch. 17.06) | - |
| Permit Required | - | Generally no |
| State Preemption | - | Utah Code §10-9a-530 |
| HOA Restriction Ban | - | Utah Code §57-8a-231 |
| Coverage Max | - | 100% of landscape area allowed |
| Base Recommendation | - | Permeable sub-base |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
South Jordan FAQ
Can I install artificial turf in my front yard in Salt Lake City?
No. Under Salt Lake City Code Chapter 21A.48, artificial turf is prohibited in any location where landscaping is regulated, including required front-yard landscape areas and the park strip between sidewalk and curb. This was clarified by the City Council in March 2024.
Can I use artificial turf in unincorporated Salt Lake County?
Yes - the county does not ban it. But under Chapter 19.77 (Water Efficient Landscape Design Standards), artificial turf does not count toward the required living landscape area in new development. Plan to install living water-wise plantings or hardscape to meet the chapter's minimums.
Does state law protect my right to install artificial turf?
No. Utah Code Sec. 17-50-339 (HB 282, 2022) protects only live water-wise and xeriscape plantings - it does not require an HOA, city, or county to permit artificial turf. Cities like Salt Lake City may still prohibit synthetic turf in required landscape areas.
West Jordan FAQ
Can my HOA stop me from installing artificial turf?
Generally no. Utah Code §57-8a-231 prohibits HOAs from banning waterwise landscaping including synthetic turf, though they can regulate aesthetic quality.
Do I need a permit?
Most residential installations require no city permit. New construction or installations part of site plans may need landscape plan review.
Compare other topics
See how South Jordan and West Jordan compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool