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Moving to South Jordan, UT?

Here are the local rules you need to know before you unpack.

Every city has its own set of local ordinances that go beyond state and federal law. From when you can mow your lawn to whether you can park your RV in the driveway, these rules affect daily life in ways most people do not expect. This guide covers the key ordinances in South Jordan across 26 categories and 87 specific rules we track.

12 Permissive58 Moderate17 Strict

๐Ÿ”Š Noise Ordinances

Noise rules affect everything from weekend parties to lawn care schedules. Quiet hours, construction restrictions, and barking dog limits vary widely between cities.

Vehicle Noise

Some Restrictions

Modified exhaust, loud stereos, and prolonged engine idling in South Jordan are regulated by Title 5 Chapter 3 and Utah Code ยง41-6a-1626 (muffler requirements).

State law: Utah Code ยง41-6a-1626 (mufflers)City code: Title 5, Chapter 3

Amplified Music & Events

Some Restrictions

Amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours, or at unreasonable volume at any time, violates South Jordan Title 5 Chapter 3 noise provisions.

Nighttime standard: Plainly audible at property line is a violationDaytime standard: Must be reasonable

Leaf Blower Rules

Few Restrictions

Lawn mowers, trimmers, and similar power equipment may be operated in South Jordan between approximately 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, consistent with the city's general construction-noise window.

Typical allowed hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PMGoverning code: Title 5 Chapter 3 (general noise)

Aircraft Noise

Few Restrictions

Aircraft noise is federally preempted under the FAA Act (49 U.S.C. ยง40103). South Jordan is located south of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Flight paths over the Wasatch Front serve the South Jordan/Riverton area. Local ordinances cannot restrict aircraft operations.

Local Ordinance: None โ€” federally preemptedFederal Law: FAA Act 49 U.S.C. ยง40103

Quiet Hours

Some Restrictions

South Jordan observes nighttime quiet hours of 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM under Title 5 Chapter 3, during which amplified sound and other disturbing noises are presumptively unlawful.

Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM dailyCode location: Title 5, Chapter 3

Construction Hours

Some Restrictions

Construction noise in South Jordan is generally limited to 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with stricter limits on Sundays and holidays under Title 5 Chapter 3.

Weekday/Saturday hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PMSunday/holidays: Generally prohibited in residential zones

Barking Dogs

Some Restrictions

South Jordan animal ordinances prohibit dogs from creating excessive noise disturbing neighbors. All dogs must be licensed annually through Salt Lake County Animal Services. Dogs must be on leash or in a secured enclosure at all times. Code violations reportable via Service Request or by calling (801) 446-4357.

Standard: Excessive noise disturbing neighbors prohibitedDog License: Annual โ€” Salt Lake County Animal Services

๐Ÿ  Short-Term Rentals

If you plan to rent out your home on Airbnb or VRBO - even occasionally - you need to know the local STR rules before listing.

Parking Rules

Some Restrictions

STR guests in South Jordan must park on-site in the driveway or garage; street parking is allowed only where posted, and RV/overnight restrictions still apply.

On-site parking: RequiredStreet limit: 48 hours typical

Occupancy Limits

Some Restrictions

South Jordan STR occupancy generally follows the International Property Maintenance Code: 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with local nuisance rules enforced against overcrowding.

Standard cap: 2 per bedroom + 2Min sleeping room: 70 sq ft first person

Registration Rules

Some Restrictions

South Jordan requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning, but Utah Code 10-8-85.4 limits the city's ability to ban rentals based solely on online listings.

City license: RequiredState preemption: Utah Code 10-8-85.4

Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

South Jordan does not have a short-term rental-specific noise ordinance. The City permits STRs in condos, townhouses, single-family houses, and detached guest houses operating under an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit permit; basement/internal ADUs are not allowed to be used as STRs. Guest noise is governed by the general municipal nuisance and disturbing-the-peace standards in the South Jordan Municipal Code, with practical quiet hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. consistent with Salt Lake County practice. Utah Code 17-50-338 (counties) and the parallel Utah Code 10-8-85.4 (municipalities) bar South Jordan from punishing a host solely for listing a property on an STR website like Airbnb or Vrbo, but the City may still enforce noise, nuisance, and zoning rules against the underlying conduct.

STR Noise Ordinance: None (general nuisance code applies)Allowed STR Types: Condos, townhouses, SFH, guest houses (ADU)

Insurance Requirements

Few Restrictions

South Jordan does not impose a stand-alone liability insurance mandate on short-term rental hosts. STRs are allowed in condos, townhouses, single-family houses, and detached guest houses with an approved ADU permit; internal/basement ADUs are not allowed to be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a City business license under Title 5 of the Municipal Code (and a Chapter 5.38 home occupation license if customers visit the home), and Utah does not have a statewide STR insurance statute. Utah Code 10-8-85.4 prohibits the City from punishing a host solely for listing the property on an STR website, but does not address insurance, so coverage is left to the host's contracts, platform protections (Airbnb AirCover, Vrbo Liability Insurance), and any conditions the City may attach to a home occupation or business license.

Local Insurance Mandate: None (no STR-specific requirement)State Insurance Mandate: None statewide

Taxes & Fees

Some Restrictions

STR operators in South Jordan must collect: Utah state sales tax (4.85โ€“4.95%), Salt Lake County transient room tax (4.25%), and state transient room tax (0.32%). Registration with the Utah State Tax Commission required. Combined effective STR tax rate is approximately 10โ€“11%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit most taxes.

State Sales Tax: ~4.95% (Utah Code ยง59-12-103 + county option)County TRT: 4.25% Salt Lake County transient room tax

Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

South Jordan allows short-term rentals (STRs) in condos, townhouses, single-family houses, and approved ADU guest houses. A business license is required from the South Jordan Business Licensing Department. Internal ADUs (basement apartments) cannot be used as STRs. Verify current permit requirements with South Jordan directly.

Allowed Types: Condos, townhouses, single-family, ADU guest housesBusiness License: Required โ€” South Jordan Business Licensing

๐Ÿ”ฅ Fire Regulations

Fire pit rules, fireworks restrictions, and brush clearance requirements are especially important if you are coming from a state with different fire risk profiles.

Smoke Detectors

Some Restrictions

Smoke alarms required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor per IRC R314; CO alarms required where fuel-burning appliances exist.

Code basis: IRC R314/R315Locations: Each bedroom + outside sleep areas + each floor

Brush Clearance

Some Restrictions

Properties in designated wildland-urban interface along the western foothills must maintain 30-foot defensible space under IFC Chapter 49.

WUI area: Western foothills / Oquirrh benchZone 1 (0-5 ft): Noncombustible

Fireworks

Heavy Restrictions

Class C fireworks legal only July 2-5, July 22-25, and Dec 31-Jan 1, 11am-11pm (midnight on holidays); restricted areas along Wasatch foothills.

Legal dates: Jul 2-5, Jul 22-25, Dec 31-Jan 1Hours: 11am-11pm (midnight on holidays)

Outdoor Burning

Heavy Restrictions

Outdoor burning in South Jordan is regulated by the Utah Division of Air Quality and Salt Lake Valley Health Department. Burn bans are frequently implemented in the Wasatch Front due to air quality inversions. Open burning is prohibited on red/yellow air action days. South Jordan is served by Unified Fire Authority (UFA).

Authority: Utah DAQ + Salt Lake Valley Health Dept. + UFAAir Action Days: No burning on red/yellow air quality days

Fire Pit Rules

Some Restrictions

Recreational fire pits in South Jordan are subject to Unified Fire Authority (UFA) guidelines and Utah DAQ air quality rules. On red/yellow air action days, all outdoor burning including fire pits is prohibited. Gas fire pits may be less restricted. Check UFA guidelines before lighting.

Air Action Days: All outdoor burning prohibited including fire pitsGas Fire Pits: May be permitted as appliances โ€” verify with UFA

๐Ÿš— Parking Rules

Parking rules catch more new residents off guard than almost any other ordinance. RV storage, overnight parking bans, and driveway regulations vary significantly.

๐Ÿงฑ Fence Regulations

Planning to put up a fence? Height limits, material restrictions, and permit requirements differ by city - and sometimes by which side of the property the fence sits on.

๐Ÿ” Animal Ordinances

Pet owners and aspiring chicken keepers should check local animal ordinances before signing a lease or closing on a home.

Chickens & Livestock

Some Restrictions

South Jordan may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.

Hens: Typically 4 to 6 allowedRoosters: Usually prohibited

Breed Restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

South Jordan designates dangerous dogs based on behavior under Title 6. Utah Code ยง18-1-3 governs liability, and Utah Code ยง11-46-201 preempts breed-specific legislation statewide.

Standard: Behavior-based, not breed-basedBSL preemption: Utah Code ยง11-46-201

Livestock

Some Restrictions

Livestock in South Jordan is permitted only on properties meeting minimum acreage and zoning requirements under Title 17 (zoning) and Title 6 (animals). Most residential lots cannot keep horses or cattle.

Zoning controls: Title 17 (A-5, RR, legacy parcels)Typical density: 1 large animal per 0.5 acre pasture

Beekeeping

Some Restrictions

Backyard beekeeping is allowed in South Jordan with hive registration to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food under the Utah Bee Inspection Act (Utah Code ยง4-11).

State registration: Utah Dept of Agriculture & Food (annual)Governing law: Utah Code ยง4-11 (Bee Inspection Act)

Pet Limits

Some Restrictions

South Jordan limits the number of dogs and cats per residence under Title 6 โ€” commonly 3 dogs and 3 cats without a kennel permit.

Typical limit: 3 dogs and 3 cats over 4 monthsKennel permit: Required to exceed limits

Exotic Pets

Heavy Restrictions

South Jordan prohibits most exotic and dangerous animals (large cats, primates, venomous reptiles, alligators) in residential zones. State law (Utah Admin Code R657-3) governs possession of wildlife.

Prohibited (city): Big cats, primates, bears, venomous reptiles, alligatorsState rule: Utah Admin Code R657-3

Wildlife Feeding

Some Restrictions

Wildlife in South Jordan โ€” including deer, raccoons, skunks, and occasional mountain lions โ€” is regulated by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Feeding wildlife is discouraged; some species are protected.

Primary authority: Utah Division of Wildlife ResourcesDWR Northern Region: 801-491-5678

Dog Leash Laws

Some Restrictions

South Jordan requires all dogs over 3 months to be licensed annually and leashed (max 6 ft) when off the owner's property, under Title 6 (Animals) of the Municipal Code.

License age: 3 months and olderLeash length: 6 feet maximum

๐ŸŒฟ Landscaping Rules

From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.

๐Ÿ’ผ Home Business

Working from home is common, but running a business from home often requires permits and must comply with zoning restrictions on customer traffic and signage.

๐ŸŠ Swimming Pools & Spas

Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.

Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

South Jordan requires residential pools to be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates, per Utah-adopted International Residential Code.

Min height: 48 inchesVertical spacing: Max 4 inches

Safety Rules

Heavy Restrictions

All pool and spa drains in South Jordan must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act โ€” anti-entrapment covers and, where required, secondary safety systems.

Federal law: VGB Act (2007)Cover standard: ANSI/APSP-16

Above-Ground Pools

Heavy Restrictions

South Jordan regulates above-ground residential swimming pools through the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) adopted by the City Building Department, with Utah State amendments under Title 15A. The barrier around an above-ground pool must be at least 48 inches high above grade, must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere, and must surround the entire perimeter. The pool wall itself may serve as the barrier under ISPSC Section 305.5 only if it is at least 48 inches above grade for the entire perimeter and any ladder or steps used to access the pool can be secured, locked, or removed so that the resulting opening will not pass a 4-inch sphere. Public/community above-ground pools (HOA, apartment, hotel) are also subject to Utah Admin Code R392-302, which requires a 6-foot perimeter fence with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Adopted Pool Code: 2021 ISPSC + Utah Amendments (Title 15A)Residential Barrier Height: At least 48 inches above grade

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Accessory Structures

Thinking about an ADU, shed, or garage conversion? Local rules on accessory structures have changed rapidly in recent years, especially in California.

๐ŸŒ Environmental Rules

๐ŸŒฑ Cannabis Regulations

โ˜€๏ธ Solar Energy

๐Ÿชง Sign Regulations

๐Ÿš๏ธ Property Maintenance

๐Ÿ’ก Outdoor Lighting

๐Ÿ”‘ Rental Property Rules

๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Trash & Recycling

Illegal Dumping

Heavy Restrictions

Illegal dumping is prohibited in South Jordan under municipal code and Utah state law. Depositing waste on public property, vacant lots, or waterways can result in fines from $200 to thousands of dollars plus cleanup costs, and large-volume dumping is a state criminal offense.

Small amounts: Infraction, ~$200 fineOver 1 cubic foot: Class B misdemeanor

Bin Placement Rules

Some Restrictions

Containers issued by the city must be used for curbside collection and stored out of public view between pickups, typically behind a fence or in a garage. Lids must close fully and carts remain in serviceable condition; damaged carts are replaced by the hauler.

Cart ownership: Hauler / cityLid requirement: Must close fully

Recycling Requirements

Few Restrictions

South Jordan provides weekly curbside single-stream recycling in the blue 96-gallon cart. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics #1 and #2, aluminum and steel cans, and glass is generally NOT accepted curbside and must go to drop-off sites.

Frequency: Weekly, same day as trashAccepted: Paper, cardboard, #1-#2 plastics, metals

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Some Restrictions

South Jordan residential trash, recycling, and green waste are collected weekly by the city's contracted hauler on assigned routes Monday through Friday. Containers must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day and removed by the end of the day.

Frequency: Weekly trash and recyclingSet-out time: By 7:00 AM on pickup day

Bulk Item Disposal

Some Restrictions

South Jordan residents receive bulk pickup service through scheduled neighborhood cleanup events and on-call bulk waste pickup through the city's hauler. Items must be sorted and placed curbside by the posted time; hazardous waste and electronics are excluded.

Neighborhood cleanups: Spring and fall, rotatingOn-call pickup: Year-round, fee per item

๐Ÿš Drone Rules

๐Ÿ” Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

๐Ÿšช Soliciting & Door-to-Door

๐ŸŒ™ Curfew Laws

๐Ÿ“ Building Setbacks & Zoning

๐Ÿท๏ธ Garage & Yard Sales

๐Ÿ˜๏ธ HOA Rules

๐Ÿ”ง Building Safety

Electrical Permits

Heavy Restrictions

Electrical work in South Jordan requires a permit from the city Building Division, and most work must be performed by a Utah-licensed electrician, per state law.

Permit: Required for most wiringContractor: Utah-licensed electrician

Smoke Alarms

Heavy Restrictions

South Jordan requires smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor, per the Utah-adopted International Residential Code.

Required: Every bedroom + hallway + floorNew construction: Hardwired + interconnected

Roofing Permits

Some Restrictions

South Jordan requires a building permit for all roof replacements and structural roofing work, per the adopted International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC). Permits are issued through the Building Division and inspections are required before final approval.

Permit required: Yes โ€” full re-roof or structuralCode adopted: IRC/IBC with Utah amendments

Plumbing Permits

Some Restrictions

Plumbing permits are required in South Jordan for new installations, relocations, and most repairs beyond minor fixture replacement. Work must comply with the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted by Utah, and licensed plumbers are required for non-homeowner work.

Code adopted: International Plumbing Code (Utah amended)Licensing: Utah DOPL plumber license required

Co Detectors

Heavy Restrictions

South Jordan requires carbon monoxide alarms outside each sleeping area in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, per Utah-adopted building codes.

Required when: Fuel appliance or attached garageLocation: Outside each sleeping area

Overall: What to Expect in South Jordan

South Jordan has 87 ordinances on file across 26 categories. Of these, 12 are rated permissive, 58 moderate, and 17 strict. This gives you a general sense of how tightly regulated daily life is in South Jordan compared to other cities.

Rules can change, and enforcement varies. Always verify specific requirements with the city directly before making major decisions like building a fence, listing on Airbnb, or starting a home business.

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