Heber City, Utah, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Construction has resumed on the Heber Valley Utah Temple after nearly three years of delays due to a lawsuit. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received a building permit following a court decision that dismissed the case opposing the project. The temple, set to be the first house of the Lord in Wasatch County, is part of a larger plan, with 32 temples either operating or under construction in Utah. Local community members have raised concerns about the temple’s height and lighting as construction progresses.
Heber City, Utah
Construction has resumed on the Heber Valley Utah Temple, nearly three years after groundbreaking took place. This temple, which will be the first house of the Lord in Wasatch County, comes after a period of delay due to a lawsuit challenging the project and subsequent judicial reviews.
As of now, a building permit has been issued to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, allowing construction to advance following a recent legal clearance. On July 23, a district court judge dismissed the case that had sought to halt construction, permitting the Church to proceed with activities like site grading and infrastructure installations.
The Heber Valley Temple is one of 32 temples that are either operating, under construction, or have been announced in Utah. It joins other temples currently being built in nearby areas including Lindon, Smithfield, and Ephraim.
Legal Background and Community Concerns
The construction of the Heber Valley Temple was initially delayed after residents filed a lawsuit against Wasatch County. The plaintiffs argued that they had not received sufficient notice about meetings regarding the land use approval for the temple. However, the district court ruled in favor of the county, affirming that legal procedures had been followed and that the construction plans complied with existing zoning codes.
Despite the court’s ruling, some residents have expressed ongoing concerns about the height of the temple, which is planned to reach 210 feet, and the proposed lighting setup. These concerns led to a failed referendum that sought to reverse the County Council’s approval, which did not gather enough signatures for the 2024 ballot.
Temple Announcement and Construction Timeline
The announcement of the Heber Valley Utah Temple came during a general conference on October 3, 2021, by President Russell M. Nelson. Groundbreaking for the temple took place on October 8, 2022, with President Nelson presiding over the ceremony. In his address, he acknowledged the area’s rich history and emphasized the importance of temple work in honoring the legacy of early pioneers.
As construction began after a two-year waiting period, the Church is committed to complying with all local regulations and ensuring that the temple construction aligns with community standards. While the judge’s recent dismissal of the lawsuit allows for progress, the residents involved have indicated plans to appeal the decision to the Utah Supreme Court, citing continuing concerns that the temple’s plans might violate county general plans and state land use laws.
Next Steps in Construction
Currently, the Church is focusing on preparing the site for the temple, which includes grading the land and building necessary infrastructure. As community discussions evolve, it is anticipated that the Church will maintain transparency regarding construction plans and address any ongoing community concerns as they arise.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Heber Valley, Utah |
| Height | 210 feet |
| Legal Status | Construction resumed after lawsuit dismissal |
| Number of Temples in Utah | 32 (operating or under construction) |
| Groundbreaking Date | October 8, 2022 |
| Temple Announcement | October 3, 2021 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Heber Valley Utah Temple?
The Heber Valley Utah Temple is the first house of the Lord to be built in Wasatch County, Utah, by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Why was construction postponed?
Construction was postponed due to a lawsuit filed by local residents questioning the notice given for County Council meetings regarding the temple’s land use.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
A district court judge dismissed the lawsuit on July 23, allowing construction to proceed.
What concerns have residents raised about the temple?
Some residents have expressed concerns about the height of the temple and its lighting plans, claiming they may not comply with county regulations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Church News: Heber Valley Temple Construction Underway
- Park Record: Red Ledges Residents Appeal Heber Valley Temple Ruling
- MSN: Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Heber Valley Temple
- KSL: Lawsuit Blocking Heber Valley Temple Dismissed
- Salt Lake Tribune: Judge’s Ruling Clears Way for Heber Valley Temple
- Wikipedia: Heber City, Utah
- Google Search: Heber Valley Utah Temple news
- Google Scholar: Heber Valley Temple
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heber Valley Utah
- Google News: Heber Valley Temple
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PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
