Heber Valley Utah Temple Construction Resumes

Heber City, Utah, August 27, 2025

News Summary

Construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple has resumed after a legal battle halted progress for nearly three years. Following a district court ruling, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now moving forward with infrastructure work. This temple represents a significant landmark in Wasatch County, marking the first house of worship in the area. Despite community concerns regarding its height and lighting plans, the church maintains compliance with local regulations as construction continues.

Heber City, Utah – Construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple has resumed after nearly three years since its groundbreaking, following recent legal rulings that clear the way for the building project. This temple will mark the first house of the Lord in Wasatch County, establishing a significant landmark for the community.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received a building permit from Wasatch County nearly two years ago, but construction was temporarily halted due to a lawsuit filed by residents opposed to the temple’s construction. This judicial review put the project on hold as the church sought to comply with legal regulations regarding land use.

On July 23, a district court judge dismissed the lawsuit, allowing construction to move forward. As a result, construction crews are currently grading the site and installing necessary infrastructure to support the future temple.

The Heber Valley Temple is one of 32 temples operating, under construction, or announced throughout Utah. It joins several other temples currently under construction in the state, including those in Lindon, which began in April 2022, Smithfield in June 2022, and Ephraim in August 2022.

Background on the Heber Valley Temple

The Heber Valley Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the Church’s general conference on October 3, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 8, 2022, presided over by President Nelson. In his remarks during the ceremony, he highlighted the historical significance of Heber City and the extensive growth of the Church in the area, emphasizing the influence of early pioneers and the importance of temple work for present-day church members.

A 4th District judge previously dismissed the lawsuit filed by some residents who claimed they did not receive sufficient notice about meetings that addressed the temple’s land use. The judge determined that Wasatch County followed proper legal procedures and that the church’s plans were compliant with existing zoning codes.

Furthermore, a referendum aimed at reversing the County Council’s approval of the temple was unable to gather enough signatures for the 2024 ballot, signaling community support for the construction.

Community Concerns

Despite moving forward, some residents have raised concerns regarding the temple’s height of 210 feet and its lighting plans. The residents who initiated the lawsuit have indicated their intention to appeal the court’s decision to the Utah Supreme Court. Their attorney claims that the temple’s plans infringe upon the county’s general land use plan and state laws.

In response, the Church has maintained that both the lighting and height of the temple adhere to county regulations, and the appeal process is anticipated to continue, regardless of who prompts it.

Key Features of the Heber Valley Utah Temple

• Height: 210 feet
• Status: Under construction
• Location: Wasatch County, Utah
• Church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Number of Temples in Utah: 32 operating, under construction, or announced

Conclusion

The resumption of construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple marks a significant step for the Church and the community as it continues to develop amidst legal challenges. The outcome of the pending appeal from residents remains to be seen but the church is pressing forward with its infrastructure work.

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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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