August 27, 2025

Heber Valley Utah Temple Construction Resumes

News Summary

Construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple has resumed after nearly three years of delays due to legal challenges. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received the necessary permits, and work is now focused on grading and site preparation. Despite some opposition from residents, a court ruling has cleared the way for progress on what will be the first temple in Wasatch County. The temple is expected to provide a vital space for worship and community for Latter-day Saints in the area.

Heber City, Utah – Construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple has officially resumed after nearly three years since its groundbreaking ceremony. This temple marks the first house of worship in Wasatch County, an area where construction was initially postponed due to legal challenges.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received a building permit for the Heber Valley temple from Wasatch County nearly two years ago. The church voluntarily delayed construction while a lawsuit was filed against the county, prompting a judicial review. On July 23, a district court judge ruled in favor of the county by dismissing the lawsuit, which allows construction to proceed without further delays.

Currently, the church is engaged in grading the temple site and installing necessary infrastructure. The progress places the Heber Valley Temple among 32 other temples that are either operating, under construction, or planned in Utah. Other temples currently under construction in the state include locations in Lindon, Smithfield, and Ephraim.

The announcement for the Heber Valley Utah Temple was made by President Russell M. Nelson during the general conference held on October 3, 2021. The temple’s groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 8, 2022, with President Nelson officiating. During the event, he prayed to dedicate the site and spoke about the historical significance of Heber City and the ongoing growth of the Church in the community. President Nelson highlighted the contributions of early pioneers and stressed the importance of modern-day Latter-day Saints continuing their legacy through temple related activities.

The legal issue arose when a group of residents filed a lawsuit intending to halt the temple’s construction. They claimed they did not receive adequate notice about meetings that discussed the land use for the temple. However, the judge determined that the county had adhered to the necessary legal procedures and concluded that the church’s construction plans fell within the zoning regulations.

In addition, a referendum aimed at overturning the County Council’s approval of the temple construction could not gather enough signatures for inclusion on the 2024 ballot. Nonetheless, residents who initiated the lawsuit have announced their intent to appeal the judge’s ruling to the Utah Supreme Court. Their attorney has argued that the temple construction contradicts the county’s general plan and state land use laws. Conversely, the church maintains that its plans regarding the lighting and height of the temple comply with the relevant county regulations.

The temple, standing 210 feet tall, has faced concerns from some residents regarding its height and proposed lighting arrangements. While the church’s construction plans proceed, legal appeals are expected to continue, regardless of whether the church or the residents initiate further judicial actions.

The ongoing construction of the Heber Valley Utah Temple signifies important developments within the community and reflects the growth of religious institutions in the area. The temple is anticipated to serve as a vital place of worship for Latter-day Saints in Wasatch County, providing a spiritual and cultural hub for its members.

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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.