Heber Valley Utah Temple Wiki

Quick Facts

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Description

Heber Valley is a picturesque rural mountain valley located in Wasatch County, about 40 miles from Salt Lake City, near world-renowned ski resorts and state parks.

History

In 1858, President Brigham Young instructed Saints to build a road from Provo to Heber. In the 1840s, Elder Heber C. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helped to convert many of the first English settlers to the Church through his missionary service. These converts settled the valley and participated in the first ward created in Heber.

Announcement

Location Announcement

On September 19, 2022, the location of the Heber Valley Utah Temple was officially announced as a 17.9-acre site located southeast of 1400 East Center Street in Heber City, Utah. Plans call for a three-story temple of approximately 88,000 square feet.^[2]”Locations Announced for Two Temples in United States,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 19 Sept. 2022.

Render Released

Groundbreaking Announced

On September 19, 2022, the groundbreaking date of the Heber Valley Utah Temple was released to the public. It was originally announced that Elder Kevin R. Duncan, executive director of the Church Temple Department, would preside at the groundbreaking and site dedication for the Heber Valley Utah Temple on Saturday, October 8, 2022.^[4]”Locations Announced for Two Temples in United States,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 19 Sept. 2022.

Groundbreaking

Controversy

With the announcement and subsequent plans, concerns emerged regarding the temple’s size, potential light pollution, impact on local traffic, and effects on groundwater systems.

18 January 2023

The LDS Church applies to amend Wasatch County’s outdoor lighting code, seeking to allow uplighting for a new temple planned near Heber City. The church’s proposal includes permitting lights to shine upward until 10 p.m. and rekindling them at 5:30 a.m.^[5]Lasseter, Ben. “LDS Church Applies to Change Wasatch County Dark Sky Rules.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 18 January 2023, www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-01-18/lds-church-applies-to-change-dark-sky-rules.

7 February 2023

Local officials discuss the implications of the proposed lighting changes on dark sky regulations, highlighting mixed community opinions on light pollution versus the desire for uplighting on the new temple. The Church pauses its request to amend the lighting code due to community resistance, indicating it will prepare additional details for the planning commission.^[6]Lasseter, Ben. “Heber Valley Officials Discuss Dark Sky Strategy.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 7 February www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-02-07/heber-valley-officials-talk-strategy-about-dark-sky-downtown-development-property-taxes.

9 February 2023

Heber City leaders suggest creating a uniform dark sky policy across Wasatch County and discuss the need for flexibility in uplighting regulations to accommodate growth and development. The temple is in the county, not the City, but city boundaries are nearby.^[7]Lasseter, Ben. “Heber City Suggests Uniform Dark Sky Policy County-wide.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 9 February 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-02-09/heber-city-suggests-uniform-dark-sky-policy-county-wide

21 February 2023

A survey conducted by residents shows that 96% support maintaining or strengthening current dark sky guidelines amidst fears concerning light pollution and its impact on rural character.^[8]Lasseter, Ben. “Survey Respondents Support Heber Valley Dark Sky Rules.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 21 February 2023,https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-02-21/survey-respondents-support-heber-valley-dark-sky-rules

8 March 2023

An open house for local residents reveals plans for the temple, with mixed responses; some concerns center around the temple’s height and potential lighting issues.^[9]Lasseter, Ben. “At Heber Valley Temple Open House, Future Neighbors Want Answers.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 8 March 2023,https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-03-08/at-heber-valley-temple-open-house-future-neighbors-want-answers

30 March and 5 April 2023

Public meetings are held to review and discuss potential changes to the lighting code, with significant public turnout demonstrating strong opinions on preventing light pollution versus allowing uplighting. One hearing draws over 200 attendees with varied opinions. The council decides more time is needed before voting on the lighting code changes.^[10]Lasseter, Ben. “LDS Church’s Lighting Code Request in Wasatch County Scheduled for Public Hearing, Vote.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 5 April 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-04-05/lds-churchs-lighting-code-request-in-wasatch-county-scheduled-for-public-hearing-vote^[11]“Public Hearing Elicits Many Shades to Outdoor Lighting Debate in Wasatch County.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 6 April 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-04-06/public-hearing-elicits-many-shades-to-outdoor-lighting-debate-in-wasatch-county

14 April 2023

The council addresses concerns and ongoing discussions about updating outdoor lighting rules but seeks further review of some proposals related to residential and commercial lighting.^[12]Lasseter, Ben. “Dark Sky Code Returns to Wasatch County Council, but Is It Ready to Become Law?” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 14 April 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-04-14/dark-sky-code-returns-to-wasatch-county-council-but-is-it-ready-to-become-law

20 April 2023

The Wasatch County Council unanimously approves new outdoor lighting regulations permitting limited uplighting, requiring lights to turn off after certain hours, and implementing shielding requirements for visible bulbs. This represents a compromise amid ongoing community concerns about preserving dark skies while accommodating the LDS Temple’s design.^[13]Lasseter, Ben. “Wasatch County Lighting Code Update Passes With Limits on Uplighting, Brightness.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 20 April 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-04-20/wasatch-county-lighting-code-update-passes-with-limits-on-uplighting-brightness

17 May 2023

The LDS Church formally applied to Wasatch County for permission to construct the temple. However, it faced challenges regarding compliance with new lighting codes aimed at preventing light pollution. The church submitted an incomplete site plan, which was subsequently addressed. Around this same time, a group named Save Wasatch Back Dark Skies initiated a lawsuite against the county alleging a lack of transparency, and obstructing public participation in the code change.^[14]Lasseter, Ben. “LDS Church Begins Formal Application to Build Wasatch County Temple.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 17 May 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-05-16/lds-church-begins-formal-application-to-build-temple

7 June 2023

Residents challenged recent outdoor lighting concessions made for the temple. The county held discussions regarding a development agreement outlining building specifications, including height limits.^[15]Lasseter, Ben. “Heber Temple Development Agreement up for Review as Group Challenges Church Progress.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 7 June 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-06-06/heber-temple-development-agreement-up-for-review-as-group-challenges-church-progress

August-September 2023

Heber City officials discussed the expected increase in traffic due to the temple, which could add around 2,000 car trips daily. The church agreed to fund a roundabout for traffic mitigation and infrastructure improvements.^[16]Lasseter, Ben. “Heber Valley Temple Infrastructure Agreement Sparks Concerns About Future Traffic, Location.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 6 September 2023,https://www.kpcw.org/heber-city/2023-09-06/heber-valley-temple-infrastructure-agreement-sparks-concerns-about-future-traffic-location

25 October 2023

After extensive public hearings and discussions on October 25, the Wasatch County Planning Commission recommended approval of the temple project, which included stipulations on lighting levels and water usage during construction.^[17]Doerfler, Grace. “With Some Tweaks, LDS Temple Plans Will Head to Final Vote.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 26 October 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-10-26/with-some-tweaks-lds-temple-plans-will-head-to-final-vote

31 Octoberr 2023

Claiming the Dark sky ordinance had been filed illeagally, the group Save Wasatch Back Dark Skies had filed a lawsuite against the county earlier. A Judge dismissed the lawsuit on 31 October. The group vowed to ammend and refile.^[18]Doerfler, Grace. “Court Dismisses Dark Skies Lawsuit, Citizens’ Group Promises Legal Challenges Will Continue.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 1 November 2023, www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-11-01/court-dismisses-dark-skies-lawsuit-citizens-group-promises-legal-challenges-will-continue.

8 November 2023

The Wasatch County Council approved the plans for the Heber Valley Temple, which sparked intense public comment. Opponents, including local residents and the Dark Skies group, threatened legal action claiming violations of land use regulations and spot zoning issues. Supporters expressed the temple’s importance to their faith. The church committed to making the lighting dimmer and compliant with dark sky standards.^[19]Doerfler, Grace. “Heber Valley Temple Plans Unanimously Approved.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 9 Nov. 2023,https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-11-09/heber-valley-temple-plans-unanimously-approved

15 November 2023

Following the temple’s approval, the Save Wasatch Back Dark Skies group sought to amend their previously dismissed lawsuit regarding the county’s outdoor lighting code, asserting it violated public participation rights and discriminated against non-religious viewpoints. They also have asked for injunctive relief, or for the court to order the county not to move forward with allowing the temple plans until the case is resolved.^[20]Doerfler, Grace. “Dark Skies Group Files New Legal Challenge to Wasatch County Lighting Laws.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 15 Nov. 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-11-15/dark-skies-group-files-new-legal-challenge-to-wasatch-county-lighting-laws

29 November 2023

A group of residents from Red Ledges filed a lawsuit against Wasatch County, arguing the temple’s approval process was illegal and that it circumvented standard permitting procedures.^[21]Doerfler, Grace. “Residents Sue Wasatch County Over Heber Valley Temple Approval.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 30 Nov. 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-11-30/residents-sue-wasatch-county-over-heber-valley-temple-approval

12 December 2023

Citizens submitted a petition for a referendum to overturn the county’s approval of the temple. The county opposed this, asserting public support for the temple, and outlining how and when the rules were followed. Save Wastch Back Dark Skies claims that the Developer’s agreement was not the correct way to approve the project, and a Conditional user Permit should have been used instead. legislative development agreement as opposed to a conditional use permit. Both processes are proper under state law but the plaintiffs alleged the county had not complied with applicable land use regulations or the county’s general plan. The intent is to have the Developers agreement put to the voters in the following November.^[22]Doerfler, Grace. “Dark Skies Group Seeks Referendum to Overturn Heber Valley Temple Plans.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 12 Dec. 2023, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-12-12/dark-skies-group-seeks-referendum-to-overturn-heber-valley-temple-plans

21 December 2023

The Dark Skies group started collecting signatures for the referendum, needing over 3,200 signatures by late January to qualify for the ballot.^[23]Doerfler, Grace. “Dark Skies Group Gathers Signatures to Put Heber Valley Temple Plans to a Vote.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 21 Dec. 2023,https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2023-12-21/dark-skies-group-gathers-signatures-to-put-heber-valley-temple-plans-to-a-vote

25 January 2024

The Dark Skies group announced failure to gather the necessary signatures, collecting only 2,657, leading to the end of their referendum effort. With the Failure of the Referendum, the group vowed to continue their fight. The head member of the group announced a plan to run for Council member position.^[24]Doerfler, Grace. “Dark Skies Group Concedes Defeat in Temple Referendum Effort.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 29 Jan. 2024, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2024-01-29/dark-skies-group-concedes-defeat-in-temple-referendum-effort

20 February 2024

The Dark Skies lawsuit was dismissed when the Back Dark Skies movement voluntarily pulled the complaint.

The core lawsuit over the approval of the legislative development agreement for the temple, filed by local residents of the Red Ledges Community, remained ongoing.^[25]Doerfler, Grace. “Save Wasatch Back Dark Skies Lawsuit Against Wasatch County Dismissed.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 21 Feb. 2024, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2024-02-21/save-wasatch-back-dark-skies-lawsuit-against-county-dismissed

3 May 2024

A judge ruled that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could intervene in the lawsuit filed by the residents, allowing them to represent their interests in ongoing litigation.^[26]Doerfler, Grace. “Judge Allows LDS Church to Join Heber Valley Temple Lawsuit.” KPCW | Listen Like a Local, 3 May 2024, https://www.kpcw.org/wasatch-county/2024-05-02/judge-allows-lds-church-to-join-heber-valley-temple-lawsuit

Details

Location

Exterior

Spires and Finial

Spires

Interior

Region

TEMPLES IN UTAH _{by county}

Box Elder	1	Brigham City
Cache	2	Logan · Smithfield
Carbon	1	Price
Davis	3	Bountiful · Layton · Syracuse
Iron	1	Cedar City
Salt Lake	6	Draper · Jordan River · Oquirrh Mountain · Salt Lake · Taylorsville · West Jordan
San Juan	1	Monticello
Sanpete	2	Ephraim · Manti
Tooele	1	Deseret Peak
Uintah	1	Vernal
Utah	8	Lehi · Lindon · Mount Timpanogos · Orem · Payson · Provo Rock Canyon · Provo City Center · Saratoga Springs
Wasatch	1	Heber Valley
Washington	2	Red Cliffs · St. George
Weber	1	Ogden

TEMPLES IN UNITED STATES (EXCEPT UTAH) _{by state}

Alabama	2	Birmingham · Huntsville
Alaska	1	Anchorage · Fairbanks
Arizona	7	Gilbert · Mesa · Phoenix · Queen Creek · Snowflake · The Gila Valley · Tucson · Yuma
Arkansas	1	Bentonville
California	12	Bakersfield · Feather River · Fresno · Los Angeles · Modesto · Newport · Oakland · Redlands · Sacramento · San Diego · San Jose · Yorba Linda
Colorado	4	Colorado Springs · Denver · Fort Collins · Grand Junction
Connecticut	1	Hartford
Florida	5	Fort Lauderdale · Jacksonville · Orlando · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia	1	Atlanta
Hawaii	4	Honolulu · Kahului · Kona · Laie
Idaho	10	Boise · Burley · Coeur d’Alene · Idaho Falls · Meridian · Montpelier · Pocatello · Rexburg · Teton River · Twin Falls
Illinois	2	Chicago · Nauvoo
Indiana	1	Indianapolis
Iowa	1	Des Moines
Kansas	1	Wichita
Kentucky	1	Louisville
Louisiana	1	Baton Rouge
Maryland	1	Washington D.C.
Massachusetts	1	Boston
Michigan	2	Detroit · Grand Rapids
Minnesota	1	St. Paul
Missouri	3	Kansas City · Springfield · St. Louis
Montana	3	Billings · Helena · Missoula
Nebraska	1	Winter Quarters
Nevada	4	Elko · Las Vegas · Lone Mountain · Reno
New Jersey	1	Summit
New Mexico	2	Albuquerque · Farmington
New York	2	Manhattan · Palmyra
North Carolina	2	Charlotte · Raleigh
North Dakota	1	Bismarck
Ohio	3	Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus
Oklahoma	2	Oklahoma City · Tulsa
Oregon	3	Medford · Portland · Willamette Valley ·
Pennsylvania	3	Harrisburg · Philadelphia · Pittsburgh
South Carolina	1	Columbia
Tennessee	3	Knoxville · Memphis · Nashville
Texas	10	Austin · Dallas · El Paso · Fort Worth · Houston South · Houston · Lubbock · McAllen · McKinney · San Antonio
Utah	30
Virginia	3	Richmond · Roanoke · Winchester
Washington	6	Columbia River · Moses Lake · Seattle · Spokane · Tacoma · Vancouver
Wisconsin	1	Milwaukee
Wyoming	3	Casper · Cody · Star Valley

Sources and Citations