West Jordan, UT Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Article E of title 13, chapter 6 establishes the Floodplain Overlay Zone under section 13-6E-2: the F-P designation attaches to any area FEMA identifies as a special flood hazard area on the current flood insurance rate maps, is marked on the zoning map with the suffix 'F-P' after the base zone (for example R-1-10 (F-P)), and its regulations control over the base zone wherever they conflict. Section 13-6E-3 makes the article apply to every development inside the F-P zone and bars construction, extension or alteration of any structure or land there without full compliance.

Section 13-6E-8(A) requires a development permit before construction begins in any area of special flood hazard, with an application that must show plans, elevations, existing or proposed structures and fill, and, for nonresidential floodproofing, a certification from a registered professional engineer or architect. The city engineer serves as floodplain administrator under section 13-6E-6(A), reviewing every permit application to confirm compliance, checking whether it needs sign off from other federal, state or local agencies, and determining whether proposed development would adversely affect the flood-carrying capacity of the area.

Section 13-6E-7(B)(5) also bars any structure, fill or surface obstruction within one hundred feet of the bank of the Jordan River or inside the mapped regulatory floodway, except bridges or flood control devices. Findings adopted at section 13-6E-1 explain the purpose: preventing flood losses caused by obstructions that raise flood elevations, protecting life and health, and keeping potential buyers on notice that a property sits in a special flood hazard area.