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.
๐ 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 RestrictionsModified 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).
Amplified Music & Events
Some RestrictionsAmplified 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.
Leaf Blower Rules
Few RestrictionsLawn 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.
Aircraft Noise
Few RestrictionsAircraft 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.
Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsConstruction 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.
Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
๐ 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 RestrictionsSTR 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.
Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan STR occupancy generally follows the International Property Maintenance Code: 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with local nuisance rules enforced against overcrowding.
Registration Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
Insurance Requirements
Few RestrictionsSouth 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.
Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsSTR operators in South Jordan must collect: Utah state sales tax (4.85โ4.95%), 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 10โ11%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit most taxes.
Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
๐ฅ 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 RestrictionsSmoke alarms required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor per IRC R314; CO alarms required where fuel-burning appliances exist.
Brush Clearance
Some RestrictionsProperties in designated wildland-urban interface along the western foothills must maintain 30-foot defensible space under IFC Chapter 49.
Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsClass 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.
Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor 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).
Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsRecreational 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.
๐ 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.
Abandoned Vehicles
Heavy RestrictionsUtah Code ยง41-6a-1406 defines abandoned vehicles as unattended for 48+ hours on public highways. South Jordan Code Compliance prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets and private property. Subject to tow after notice.
RV & Boat Parking
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan allows RVs, boats, and trailers to be parked on private residential property in side or rear yards, subject to setback and screening rules. On-street parking of RVs is limited to 48 hours, typically for loading and unloading.
Street Parking Limits
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan prohibits parking any vehicle on a public street for more than 48 consecutive hours. Overnight parking is generally allowed within this limit unless signed otherwise, and vehicles must be moved to avoid being tagged or towed.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCommercial vehicles over a defined weight or size threshold cannot be parked overnight on residential streets or in residential driveways in South Jordan, except for short-term loading, service calls, or deliveries.
๐งฑ 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.
Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan allows wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain link in most zones under Title 17, though HOAs in Daybreak and similar communities typically restrict materials and colors.
Retaining Walls
Some RestrictionsRetaining walls in South Jordan over 4 feet (measured bottom of footing to top) require a building permit and stamped engineering per IRC Section R404.
Pool Barriers
Heavy RestrictionsPools in South Jordan require a minimum 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per the International Residential Code Appendix G as adopted by Utah.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsLive hedges in South Jordan are generally not regulated as fences under Title 17, except within the corner-lot sight-distance triangle where height limits apply.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan Title 17 zoning limits fences to 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side/rear yards in standard residential zones. Taller fences require a zoning approval.
๐ 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 RestrictionsSouth Jordan may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.
Breed Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsSouth 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.
Livestock
Some RestrictionsLivestock 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.
Beekeeping
Some RestrictionsBackyard 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).
Pet Limits
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan limits the number of dogs and cats per residence under Title 6 โ commonly 3 dogs and 3 cats without a kennel permit.
Exotic Pets
Heavy RestrictionsSouth 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.
Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsWildlife 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.
Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
๐ฟ Landscaping Rules
From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.
Native Plants
Few RestrictionsWaterwise (xeriscape) landscaping is protected by Utah law; HOAs cannot prohibit it. Turf rebates up to $3/sq ft available.
Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsGrass and weeds over 8 inches on developed lots constitute a nuisance; city may abate after notice and lien costs to the property.
Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan enforces weed abatement. Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code ยง4-17-101) applies statewide. County weed boards enforce.
Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsSecondary (irrigation) water restricted to 2-3 days per week during drought; no daytime watering 10am-6pm May through October.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Some RestrictionsTrees on private property may be removed without permit; park strip and protected trees in development zones require city approval.
๐ผ 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.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLimited customer visits allowed โ typically no more than 1-2 clients at a time, by appointment, during reasonable hours.
Zoning Restrictions
Some RestrictionsHome occupation permit and city business license required; activity must be clearly incidental to residential use.
Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHome occupations cannot display commercial signage โ no yard signs, window signs, or lighted advertising visible from the street.
Home Daycare
Some RestrictionsIn-home day care is allowed in South Jordan residential zones but must be licensed by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services and comply with local zoning on client limits.
๐ Swimming Pools & Spas
Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.
Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsSouth 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.
Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAll 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.
Above-Ground Pools
Heavy RestrictionsSouth 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.
๐๏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.
ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan allows ADUs (accessory apartments) per the city's Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook and Utah Code ยง10-9a-530 (HB 462, 2022). ADU Affidavit required. Owner occupancy required for internal ADUs. Internal ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals. Building permit required for all ADU construction.
Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan requires building permits for accessory structures including sheds. Structures must comply with zoning setback and placement requirements. Utah Residential Code ยงR105.2 may exempt structures under 200 sq ft at state level, but South Jordan permit requirements should be verified.
Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsGarage conversions in South Jordan require building permits and Utah Residential Code compliance. If converting to an ADU, ADU rules apply including owner-occupancy requirement and prohibition on STR use. Certificate of occupancy required before habitation.
๐ Environmental Rules
Stormwater Management
Heavy RestrictionsSouth Jordan's Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program prohibits dumping any non-stormwater material into storm drains, ditches, or waterways. Violations can result in citations, cleanup costs, and state penalties up to $10,000 per day.
Flood Zones
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces floodplain development standards for properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Development in floodplains requires a floodplain development permit.
๐ฑ Cannabis Regulations
โ๏ธ Solar Energy
Panel Permits
Few RestrictionsRooftop solar installations in South Jordan require a building and electrical permit, an over-the-counter expedited review per Utah's solar streamlining law, and a licensed solar contractor. Most residential installs are permitted within a few business days.
HOA Restrictions
Few RestrictionsUtah Code ยง57-8a-801 prohibits HOAs in South Jordan from banning rooftop solar on detached dwellings. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic regulations but cannot prevent installation or significantly impair system performance or cost.
๐ชง Sign Regulations
Garage Sale Signs
Few RestrictionsGarage sale signs are allowed in South Jordan without a permit if kept on private property, small in size (typically 4 sq ft or less), and removed promptly after the sale. Signs placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or in medians are prohibited and subject to removal.
Political Signs
Some RestrictionsPolitical signs are treated the same as other temporary signs under South Jordan's content-neutral code. Utah Code 57-8a-219 further guarantees HOA residents the right to post political signs from 45 days before through 7 days after an election.
๐๏ธ Property Maintenance
๐ก Outdoor Lighting
Light Trespass
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan prohibits light trespass and glare from exterior lighting onto adjacent residential properties. Outdoor fixtures must be shielded to prevent direct view of the light source from neighboring lots or public rights-of-way.
Dark Sky Rules
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan has outdoor lighting standards in its zoning code requiring full-cutoff fixtures, shielding, and limits on trespass. Utah has no statewide dark-sky law, but many Utah cities have adopted lighting ordinances to reduce light pollution.
๐ Rental Property Rules
Mold Disclosure
Few RestrictionsUtah and South Jordan have no statute or ordinance requiring landlords to disclose mold in rental properties, but landlords must provide habitable premises under Utah's Fit Premises Act, which courts have applied to significant mold infestations.
Lead Paint Disclosure
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan has no local lead-paint ordinance, but federal law requires landlords of pre-1978 housing to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide the EPA pamphlet 'Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home' before any lease is signed.
Rental Registration
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan participates in Utah's Good Landlord Program, which reduces the city's business license fee for landlords who screen tenants and manage their properties. Rental registration/business licensing is required for all landlords operating rental housing.
๐๏ธ Trash & Recycling
Illegal Dumping
Heavy RestrictionsIllegal 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.
Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsContainers 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.
Recycling Requirements
Few RestrictionsSouth 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.
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
Bulk Item Disposal
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
๐ Drone Rules
๐ Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors
Food Truck Permits
Some RestrictionsFood trucks operating in South Jordan must hold a South Jordan business license, a Salt Lake County Health Department mobile food permit, and comply with Utah's statewide food truck reciprocity law under Utah Code ยง11-56-104.
Vending Zones
Some RestrictionsFood trucks in South Jordan may operate on private commercial property with owner consent, at permitted events, and (with limited restrictions) on public right-of-way. Utah state law limits cities from overly restricting mobile food business locations.
๐ช Soliciting & Door-to-Door
No-Knock Registry
Few RestrictionsSouth Jordan does not currently maintain a formal Do-Not-Knock registry, but residents can post 'No Solicitors' or 'No Trespassing' signs that are legally enforceable against commercial solicitors. Violations become criminal trespass under Utah law.
Solicitor Permits
Some RestrictionsDoor-to-door commercial solicitors in South Jordan must obtain a Peddler/Solicitor license through the South Jordan business licensing office, carry their ID, and follow no-trespass signage. Non-commercial canvassers (political, religious) are protected by the First Amendment and do not need a license.
๐ Curfew Laws
Park Curfew
Heavy RestrictionsSouth Jordan parks are closed to the public from approximately 10:00 PM to sunrise (or 6:00 AM) unless a permitted event or lit facility use is authorized. Remaining in a closed park is a Class B or C misdemeanor infraction.
Juvenile Curfew
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
๐ Building Setbacks & Zoning
๐ท๏ธ Garage & Yard Sales
Garage Sale Permits
Few RestrictionsSouth Jordan does not require a permit for casual residential garage or yard sales. Sales must be conducted on the homeowner's private property, not block pedestrian or vehicle traffic, and follow frequency limits so as not to become a de facto retail business.
Frequency Limits
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan typically limits residential garage sales to 3-4 sales per calendar year, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days. Exceeding this frequency converts the activity into a retail home business requiring a business license and zoning approval.
๐๏ธ HOA Rules
Hoa Disputes
Some RestrictionsSouth Jordan HOA disputes are handled under the Utah Community Association Act, which requires notice and an opportunity to cure before fines and allows mediation before litigation.
Hoa Fines
Some RestrictionsUtah HOAs can levy fines for CC&R violations if procedural requirements are met, and unpaid fines can become liens and lead to foreclosure under Utah Code Title 57.
Hoa Vs City
Some RestrictionsIn South Jordan, HOA rules supplement rather than replace city code โ homeowners must comply with whichever standard is stricter, and the city does not enforce HOA CC&Rs.
๐ง Building Safety
Electrical Permits
Heavy RestrictionsElectrical 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.
Smoke Alarms
Heavy RestrictionsSouth Jordan requires smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor, per the Utah-adopted International Residential Code.
Roofing Permits
Some RestrictionsSouth 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.
Plumbing Permits
Some RestrictionsPlumbing 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.
Co Detectors
Heavy RestrictionsSouth Jordan requires carbon monoxide alarms outside each sleeping area in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, per Utah-adopted building codes.
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.