Heber City, Utah, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple has resumed after a three-year pause due to legal challenges. The temple marks a significant development for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wasatch County. A district court judge dismissed a lawsuit that had delayed progress, allowing the Church to move forward with site grading and infrastructure installation. The temple, at 210 feet tall, is the first of its kind in the county and symbolizes the Church’s commitment to the growing community.
Heber City, Utah
Construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple has resumed, almost three years after groundbreaking took place. This temple marks the first house of the Lord to be built in Wasatch County, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to the area following a series of legal challenges that previously delayed progress.
A building permit was issued to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Wasatch County two years ago. However, construction was voluntarily postponed as the Church awaited the outcome of a judicial review related to a lawsuit against the county. The legal battle was resolved when a judge dismissed the lawsuit on July 23, allowing construction to proceed.
Currently, the Church is working on grading the site and installing essential infrastructure in preparation for the temple’s construction. The Heber Valley Temple joins a growing list of 32 temples currently under construction or announced in Utah, enhancing the significance of the region for Latter-day Saints.
Background on Legal Challenges
The construction of the Heber Valley Utah Temple faced challenges from local residents who filed a lawsuit claiming they did not receive adequate notice regarding meetings that discussed the temple’s land use. The 4th District judge ruled in favor of the county, stating that the proper legal procedures were followed and that the Church’s plans adhered to existing zoning regulations. Furthermore, a referendum on the 2024 ballot aimed at overturning the County Council’s decision was unsuccessful, as it failed to amass sufficient signatures.
Despite the court’s ruling, some residents have indicated plans to appeal the decision to the Utah Supreme Court. They maintain that the temple’s height of 210 feet and its lighting plans violate the county’s general plan and state land-use laws. Conversely, the Church asserts that the temple’s design complies with county regulations.
Key Developments in the Project
The Heber Valley Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the general conference on October 3, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony followed on October 8, 2022, with President Nelson leading the occasion. He spoke about the historical significance of Heber City and the growth of the Church in the region, urging current Latter-day Saints to honor the legacy of early pioneers through temple work.
As construction proceeds, the Church is also engaged in building projects for other temples in Utah, including those in Lindon, Smithfield, and Ephraim, which are all in various stages of construction. The Heber Valley Temple is expected to play a pivotal role in serving the spiritual and community needs of Latter-day Saints in the region.
Future of the Heber Valley Temple
With construction now back on track, the Heber Valley Utah Temple symbolizes a significant milestone for the Church and local community. Despite ongoing concerns about its size and lighting, the temple is a testament to the Church’s resilience and commitment to building a strong presence in Wasatch County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple postponed?
Construction was postponed due to a judicial review of a lawsuit filed against the county by local residents. The lawsuit raised concerns about the adequacy of public notice regarding meetings discussing the temple’s land use.
What recent legal decision allowed construction to resume?
A district court judge dismissed the lawsuit on July 23, determining that the county followed proper legal procedures and that the temple’s plans did not violate zoning codes.
What are the dimensions of the Heber Valley Temple?
The Heber Valley Temple will stand at a height of 210 feet.
What is the significance of the Heber Valley Utah Temple?
The temple represents the first house of the Lord in Wasatch County and is part of an ongoing effort to expand the Church’s presence in the region, serving the spiritual needs of Latter-day Saints in the community.
Are there other temples under construction in Utah?
Yes, the Heber Valley Temple is among 32 temples operating, under construction, or announced in Utah, including other projects in Lindon, Smithfield, and Ephraim.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Heber Valley, Wasatch County, Utah |
| Height | 210 feet |
| Groundbreaking Date | October 8, 2022 |
| Recent Legal Decision | Lawsuit dismissed on July 23, 2023 |
| Other Temples Under Construction | Lindon, Smithfield, Ephraim |
| Total Temples in Utah | 32 (operational, under construction, or announced) |
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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