Pop. 77,487 · Salt Lake County
Waterwise (xeriscape) landscaping is protected by Utah law; HOAs cannot prohibit it. Turf rebates up to $3/sq ft available.
Grass and weeds over 8 inches on developed lots constitute a nuisance; city may abate after notice and lien costs to the property.
South Jordan enforces weed abatement. Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code §4-17-101) applies statewide. County weed boards enforce.
Limited customer visits allowed — typically no more than 1-2 clients at a time, by appointment, during reasonable hours.
Home occupation permit and city business license required; activity must be clearly incidental to residential use.
Home occupations cannot display commercial signage — no yard signs, window signs, or lighted advertising visible from the street.
In-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.
Utah Cottage Food Program (Utah Code 4-5a-102) allows home-prepared non-potentially-hazardous foods to be sold directly to consumers. Registration with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is required; no annual inspection of the home kitchen is needed for qualifying products. Labeling with producer name, address, and a cottage food disclaimer is required.
Home occupations in unincorporated Salt Lake County may receive limited client visits, typically 1 to 3 clients at a time or 6 to 10 per day depending on zone. Clients must not generate parking demand beyond the dwelling driveway. No walk-in retail, group classes, or regular large gatherings are permitted under home occupation rules.
South Jordan may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.
South Jordan designates dangerous dogs based on behavior under Title 6. Utah Code §18-1-3 governs liability, and Utah Code §11-46-201 preempts breed-specific legislation statewide.
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.
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 §4-11).
South Jordan limits the number of dogs and cats per residence under Title 6 — commonly 3 dogs and 3 cats without a kennel permit.
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.
Wildlife in South Jordan — including deer, raccoons, skunks, and occasional mountain lions — is regulated by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Feeding wildlife is discouraged; some species are protected.
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.
Modified exhaust, loud stereos, and prolonged engine idling in South Jordan are regulated by Title 5 Chapter 3 and Utah Code §41-6a-1626 (muffler requirements).
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.
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.
Aircraft noise is federally preempted under the FAA Act (49 U.S.C. §40103). 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.
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.
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.
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.
Commercial and industrial noise in unincorporated Salt Lake County is limited by Title 6 nuisance standards and Title 19 zoning. Loading docks, HVAC, compressors, and mechanical equipment must not be plainly audible inside nearby homes. Nighttime operations next to residential zones require mitigation. Unified Police and county code enforcement investigate complaints, with escalating penalties.
South 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 in South Jordan over 4 feet (measured bottom of footing to top) require a building permit and stamped engineering per IRC Section R404.
Pools 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.
Live 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.
South 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.
Building permits in unincorporated Salt Lake County are generally required for fences taller than six feet, any fence in a flood plain or foothill overlay, and all masonry walls over three feet in height. Standard residential wood, vinyl, and chain link fences under six feet typically do not need a building permit but must still meet zoning standards. Retaining wall permits are required over four feet.
SLCo zoning requires 30 ft sight triangle at street corners with nothing over 3 ft tall. Driveways need 10 ft clear triangle. Violations can force removal at owner cost.
Smoke alarms required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor per IRC R314; CO alarms required where fuel-burning appliances exist.
Properties in designated wildland-urban interface along the western foothills must maintain 30-foot defensible space under IFC Chapter 49.
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.
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).
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.
Utah Code 53-7-301 et seq. and Utah Administrative Rule R710-6 give the State Fire Marshal exclusive authority over liquefied petroleum gas, adopting NFPA 58 statewide for tank installation, storage, certification, and operator licensing.
Utah Code Title 65A, Chapter 8 grants the state forester authority over wildfire prevention statewide, including closed fire season declarations, restricted fire areas, and the Wildland Urban Interface program coordinating municipal mitigation standards.
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.
South Jordan STR occupancy generally follows the International Property Maintenance Code: 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with local nuisance rules enforced against overcrowding.
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.
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.
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.
STR operators in South Jordan must collect: Utah state sales tax (4.85–4.95%), 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 10–11%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit most taxes.
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.
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.
All pool and spa drains in South Jordan must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act — anti-entrapment covers and, where required, secondary safety systems.
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.
Utah's adopted construction code applies the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code to all permanent residential and public spas. Hot tubs with locking covers may be exempt from barrier requirements; public spas follow R392-302 health rules statewide.
Utah State Construction Code adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, requiring building permits for pool construction statewide. Local jurisdictions enforce, but the technical standards for pool construction, barriers, and inspection apply uniformly through Utah Code Title 15A.
Utah Code §41-6a-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.
South 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.
South 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 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.
Utah law restricts homeowners associations from prohibiting EV charging stations on owner-controlled property and sets state policy for public EV charging infrastructure investments through the Department of Transportation.
South Jordan allows ADUs (accessory apartments) per the city's Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook and Utah Code §10-9a-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.
South Jordan requires building permits for accessory structures including sheds. Structures must comply with zoning setback and placement requirements. Utah Residential Code §R105.2 may exempt structures under 200 sq ft at state level, but South Jordan permit requirements should be verified.
Garage 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.
Utah regulates tiny homes through the State Construction Code. Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet the IRC including Appendix Q for dwellings under 400 square feet. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles or park models with separate standards.
Utah criminalizes using a drone to conduct surveillance or capture images of private property without consent under Utah Code 76-9-408. South Jordan residents can seek civil remedies for drone voyeurism, harassment, or nuisance in addition to state criminal charges.
Commercial drone use in Utah is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 with Utah's UAS preemption statute limiting local interference. State law adds restrictions for emergencies, wildfires, and correctional facilities applicable to all operators.
Rooftop 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.
Utah Code §57-8a-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.
Garage 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 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.
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.
South Jordan requires smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor, per the Utah-adopted International Residential Code.
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.
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.
South Jordan requires carbon monoxide alarms outside each sleeping area in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, per Utah-adopted building codes.
Salt Lake County requires building permits for most construction in unincorporated areas, enforced by the County Building Services and Permits Division under Title 15 of the County Code. The County has adopted the 2021 International Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Fire Code with Utah state amendments. Permits are required for new structures, additions, most remodels, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and accessory structures over 200 square feet.
Salt Lake County Building Services conducts inspections at defined construction milestones for permitted work in unincorporated areas. Inspections must be scheduled at least one business day in advance through the County online portal or by phone. Passing each required inspection is mandatory before proceeding to the next phase of construction, and final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy are required before building use.
Construction, alterations, additions, and most accessory structures in unincorporated Salt Lake County require a building permit. Work must follow the International Residential Code, International Building Code, and other ICC codes as adopted by the State of Utah, and must pass required inspections before use or occupancy.
Utah 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.
South 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.
South 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.
Utah does not require just-cause for eviction and uses a streamlined unlawful detainer process under Title 78B Chapter 6 Part 8. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 15 days notice for any lawful reason, and three-day notices apply for nonpayment.
Utah Code 10-8-85.5 and 17-50-336 expressly prohibit cities and counties from enacting any ordinance that controls rents charged on private residential property. Rent control is universally banned across Utah, with no exceptions for emergency or affordability initiatives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
South 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.
South 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.
Medical cannabis is legal in Utah under the Utah Medical Cannabis Act (HB 3001, 2018). Patients with a qualifying condition and a medical cannabis card can purchase from licensed pharmacies; South Jordan does not host a licensed cannabis pharmacy within its limits.
Utah law strictly prohibits home cultivation of cannabis, including by registered medical cannabis patients. All medical cannabis must be purchased from state-licensed pharmacies, and unauthorized cultivation remains a felony under the Utah Controlled Substances Act.
South 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.
South 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.
South 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.
Utah 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.
In South Jordan, HOA rules supplement rather than replace city code — homeowners must comply with whichever standard is stricter, and the city does not enforce HOA CC&Rs.
HOA architectural review committees may approve or deny exterior changes under standards in the CC&Rs, but their authority is limited by Utah state law. Solar panels, water-wise landscaping, and the U.S. flag cannot be prohibited, and architectural decisions must follow the procedural requirements of the Community Association Act.
South 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.
South 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.
Salt Lake County protects trees in public rights-of-way and foothill overlay zones. Title 19 Chapter 19.72 foothills and canyons overlay requires preservation of mature native vegetation during development. Street tree removal requires a permit. Noxious weed control under Utah Code 4-17 is mandatory, and the County Weed Board enforces eradication of listed noxious species on private property.
South Jordan prohibits storing inoperable, unregistered, or wrecked vehicles on residential property in public view. Junk vehicles must be enclosed in a garage, screened, or removed within the notice period set by code enforcement, typically 10-15 days.
Unincorporated Salt Lake County prohibits weeds and uncultivated vegetation over 12 inches tall on developed residential lots under County ordinance and the Utah Noxious Weed Act at Utah Code Section 4-17-101. Property owners are responsible for controlling weeds along the property line to the curb. Violations receive written notice with 10 days to abate before County contractor cleanup and lien.
South 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.
Door-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.
South 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.
South 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.
Food 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 §11-56-104.
Food 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.
Utah Title 34 Chapter 40 establishes the state minimum wage and preempts local governments from enacting their own minimum wage ordinances.
Utah preempts local paid leave mandates through employment regulation provisions, leaving private-sector leave benefits to employer discretion or state law.
Utah preempts local predictive scheduling and fair workweek ordinances by reserving employment scheduling regulation to the state Legislature.
Utah recognizes both a concealed firearm permit under Title 53 Chapter 5 and permitless concealed carry for qualifying adults statewide, preempting local restrictions.
Utah Code 53-5a-102 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, reserving authority to the Legislature with limited exceptions for state property and government buildings.
Utah generally allows open carry of firearms by adults who may lawfully possess them, with local regulation preempted by Utah Code 53-5a-102.
Utah Code 76-10-505 and related sections govern carrying firearms in vehicles, allowing loaded carry by qualifying adults under permitless carry while preempting local rules.
Utah Code 63G-12-301 and following sections require private employers with 15 or more employees to use a status verification system such as E-Verify for new hires.
Utah Code 17-22-9.5 requires county sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, effectively preempting sanctuary policies through HB 497 enforcement provisions.
Utah law supports agricultural zoning, greenbelt taxation, and Right to Farm protections that limit local restrictions on customary agricultural land uses.
Utah Code 78B-6-1101 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits when surrounding land uses change toward residential development.
Utah Code 11-39-110 preempts local governments from regulating auxiliary containers including plastic bags, foam containers, and similar packaging items.
Utah Code 11-39-110 prevents local bans on polystyrene foam food containers by classifying them as preempted auxiliary containers under state law.
Utah Code 11-39-110 preempts local regulation of plastic straws and similar single-use service items as auxiliary containers under state law.
Utah Code 76-10-104 prohibits sale, furnishing, or provision of tobacco and electronic cigarettes to anyone under 21 years of age statewide.
Utah restricts flavored electronic cigarette products outside specialty tobacco retailers, regulating where minors-prohibited flavored vapes may lawfully be sold.
Utah regulates vape retailers under Title 26B and Title 59, requiring licensing, age verification, and compliance with state nicotine and flavor restrictions.