Cody Wyoming Temple Wiki

Quick Facts

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Description

Cody is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming near the border of Montana.

History

Approximately one-ninth of the population of Wyoming (or 68,000 people) claim membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Pioneers famously traveled across the state in their westward migration to Utah, primarily from the 1840s to the 1860s.^[1]”At the October 2021 General Conference, the Prophet Says the Church Will Build 13 More Temples,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 3 Oct. 2021.

Cody is home to the Historic Cody Mural and Museum—a meetinghouse of the Church that features a large domed ceiling with a rich-colored mural depicting scenes from Church history including the Restoration and the westward expansion of the pioneers. The chapel and visitors’ center are open to the public during the summer months.

Announcement

Location Announced

On March 13, 2023, the location of the Cody Wyoming Temple was announced as an empty field situated northwest of Skyline Drive and Cody Canal in Cody. Plans call for a single-story temple of approximately 9,950 square feet.^[3]”News for Temples in Western United States,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, 13 Mar. 2023.

Render Released

Controversy

2023 May 24

The Cody Planning and Zoning board  held a special meeting to discuss the construction of a new Cody Temple for The Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 24 at the Cody Auditorium at 6 p. m. The proposal involved a 4. 69-acre parcel off Skyline Drive. Earlier that same week, a community coalition formed, naming itself Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods. The groups stated intent was not to oppose the Church itself, but the location of the temple, advocating for it to be built elsewhere.^[5]Wolfson, Leo. “Plans for 101-Foot Mormon Temple in Cody Spark Opposition, Petition Drive.” Cowboy State Daily, 25 May 2023, cowboystatedaily.com/2023/05/24/plans-for-101-foot-mormon-temple-in-cody-spark-opposition-petition-drive.

2023 June 6

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) holds an open house in Cody to discuss the proposed temple project, inviting community input.^[6]Andrew-Rossi. “Cody Residents Attend Cody Wyoming Temple Open House.” Big Horn Radio Network | Wyoming, 7 June 2023, mybighornbasin.com/cody-wyoming-temple-open-house-june-2023.

2023 June 15

The Cody city approved the construction of a new Latter-day Saints temple but postponed the decision on whether a 77-foot steeple would be allowed. The city planner argued that the steeple should not be considered part of the building’s height. This decision came after months of community debate and objections regarding the temple’s height and potential light pollution issues. The board approved a conditional use permit for the temple but tabled the discussion on the steeple’s exemption from the height limit.

The proposed temple stirred controversy due to its 77-foot steeple, which would make the building exceed the city’s 30-foot height limit. The architect argued that the steeple should not be counted as part of the building’s height because it is not a closed structure. Opponents expressed concerns about the steeple’s height and its potential impact on the neighborhood’s aesthetics and surroundings.

Supporters of the project highlighted the benefits the temple would bring to the community, attracting LDS families and enhancing the area’s cultural landscape. However, opponents argued that the temple’s location and height were not suitable for Cody and could detract from the city’s heritage. A petition signed by approximately 1,500 individuals supported the temple’s construction, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the community.

The city planner defended the temple’s compliance with the city’s master plan and zoning regulations, despite objections from residents. The debate also raised questions about conflicts of interest among board members who are members of the church. The legal framework governing conflicts of interest in Wyoming was discussed, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical decision-making in such matters.

The Cody Planning and Zoning Board voted 3-1 with one abstention to approve the temple’s site plan, but then decided to table the discussion due to 2 absences from the 7 member council.^[7]Wolfson, Leo. “Cody Mormon Temple Gets OK, but Not the Enormous 77-Foot Steeple.” Cowboy State Daily, 22 June 2023, cowboystatedaily.com/2023/06/17/cody-mormon-temple-gets-ok-but-not-its-77-foot-steeple.

2023 June 17

The Church filed a lawsuit against the City of Cody’s Planning, Zoning, and Adjustment Board regarding the proposed Temple development. The petition, submitted to Park County’s District Court on July 17, 2023, challenged the Board’s decision on approving the Site Plan. The Church claims that the Board incorrectly interpreted the voting rules during a special meeting on June 15, 2023, where they believe a majority vote was achieved to approve the plan.

During the June 15 meeting, 5 of the 7 board members were in attendance. A motion was made to approve the Site Plan with three board members voting in favor, one voting against the motion and one abstaining from voting.

The petition states that the Board Chair stated the motion failed with the understanding that the motion required an affirmative vote from majority of the board, at least 4 of the 7, despite only 5 members being in attendance. The court document claims that an affirmative vote requires only the majority of the Board in attendance, not the entire Board and that 3 of the 5 votes is enough to approve the Site Plan.

Attorney Kendall R. Hoopes filed the petition, requesting a judicial review of the Board’s decision. The Board Chair and City Attorney have not commented on the matter. A special meeting has been scheduled for July 19th to discuss the proposed temple, where “The Findings of Fact” regarding the Special Exemption and Conditional Use Permit will be addressed. For further details on the meeting, contact the City of Cody.^[8]Entel, Jessi. “The LDS Church Files Lawsuit Against Cody’s Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board | Big Horn Basin Media.” Big Horn Radio Network | Wyoming, 19 July 2023, mybighornbasin.com/the-lds-church-files-lawsuit-against-codys-planning-zoning-and-adjustment-board.

2023 June 27

The Cody Planning and Zoning Board failed to reach a decision regarding the temple, resulting in a split vote and a lack of resolution. The controversy revolves around the proposed 101-foot building with a 77-foot steeple in a residential area. While the board approved a conditional use permit for the church, they were unable to agree on the site plan due to concerns about the building’s height and lighting. The site plan includes stipulations regarding lighting, but none were approved during the meeting.

Additionally, the church rescinded its application for a special exemption to exceed the 30-foot height limit, creating further uncertainty about the project’s future.

The new business resulted as follows:

• Public Hearing for the Special Exemption and Conditional Use Permit applications for the proposed. – CLOSED
• Interpretation of Building Height, as related to the proposed. Presentation by staff. – FAILED
• Consideration of Special Exemption application related to building . Presentation by staff and applicant. –TABLED
• Consideration of Commercial Site Plan. Presentation by staff and applicant. – TABLED
• Consideration of Fence Height Waiver to authorize an increase in height from 4 feet to 6 feet for the fence in the front yard. Presentation by staff and applicant. – APPROVED
• Consideration of Conditional Use Permit. Presentation by staff and applicant. – APPROVED

^[9]Phillips, Morgan”Temple decisions tabled again, more delays,” Cody Enterprise, 25 July 2023https://www.codyenterprise.com/news/local/article_37a75cbe-2b59-11ee-bb16-67f8103dbe78.html

2023 July 27

The Church filed a second lawsuit against the City of Cody’s Planning, Zoning, and Adjustment Board regarding the proposed temple project. The lawsuit was filed in Park County District Court by the Church’s attorney, Kendal Hoopes from Wyoming. The Church is seeking judicial review of the Board’s meetings on June 15 and June 27, particularly related to compliance with zoning ordinances, reconsideration of permits, and modifications to previous approvals.

The items the LDS Church would like reviewed are as follows:

Whether the proposed Temple complies with applicable zoning ordinances pertaining to maximum building height and maximum number of stories.

• Whether the Board had power and authority on June 27, 2023 to reconsider the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and findings that had previously been approved by the Board on June 15, 2023.
• Whether the Board had power and authority on June 27, 2023 to modify and add a condition to the findings it had made with respect to the CUP during the special meeting held on June 15, 2023.
• Whether the Board had power and authority on June 27, 2023 to reconsider and table the Site Plan, which had previously been approved on June 15, 2023.

The LDS Church is pursuing civil action against the Board, claiming errors in the review process. The Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods group has also filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit.^[10]Entel, Jessi.“LDS Church Files a Second Lawsuit Against the City of Cody | Big Horn Basin Media.” Big Horn Radio Network | Wyoming, 2 Aug. 2023, mybighornbasin.com/lds-church-files-a-second-lawsuit-against-the-city-of-cody.

2023 August 6

After nearly two months of deliberation and feedback from residents, Cody’s planning board narrowly approved The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ plan to build a temple in the city. The 9,950 square foot facility was approved by a 4-2 vote, with conditions such as reduced exterior lighting from 11 p. m. to 5 a. m. The board rejected a compromise to lower the tower’s height to 85 feet, leading to some contention among members but ultimately moving forward with the 101-foot design.

Despite the challenges, the planning board faced in balancing community concerns and city ordinances, members ultimately voted to approve the temple’s construction with limited conditions. The board’s decision to move forward without imposing height limits or restrictions on the tower has left some neighbors feeling that their views were not fully considered.

While the church expressed a desire to work with the community and address concerns about dark skies, some board members were hesitant to compromise on design elements like the tower height. However, in the end, the approval process moved forward.^[11]Wolfson, Leo.“Surprise: Gigantic 77-Foot Steeple for Mormon Temple in Cody Gets Approved After All.” Cowboy State Daily, 11 Aug. 2023, cowboystatedaily.com/2023/08/11/surprise-all-101-feet-of-cody-mormon-temple-has-green-light.^[12]Pierce, Scott D.“LDS Church Wins Approval for Wyoming Temple but May yet Have to Lose That Steeple.” The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Aug. 2023, www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/08/11/lds-church-wins-approval-wyoming.

2023 August 14

Construction of a new Latter-day Saint temple in Cody, Wyo. , has been put on hold as the mayor instructed the city not to issue a building permit. Mayor Matt Hall and the City Council are exploring all options, reviewing the site plan and conditional use permit. However, a decision has not been reached following an 80-minute executive session. The planning and zoning board previously approved the site plan and permit, making it challenging for the city to reverse those decisions. City Attorney Scott Kolpitcke told ta local paper that the application the board approved “came with drawings that showed the height, including the steeple, at 100 feet, 11 inches. There were no limits or conditions placed on the height.”^[13]Entel, Jessi. “Cody’s Mayor Halts LDS Temple Building Permit | Big Horn Basin Media.” Big Horn Radio Network | Wyoming, 15 Aug. 2023, mybighornbasin.com/codys-mayor-halts-lds-temple-building-permit.

2023 August 21

Despite the city’s approval to build the temple, and the Mayor’s subsequent block, a new court petition has been filed by Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods

The ongoing dispute has seen multiple court petitions filed by both the church and the opposition group, reflecting the escalating tensions between the two sides. The latest petition challenges the Planning and Zoning Board’s decision to approve the temple’s conditional use permit. The opposition group believes the process lacks transparency and accountability, questioning the city’s adherence to zoning laws and regulations. They argue that the temple’s construction violates the city’s master plan and height regulations. The group believes that by revoking a special exemption permit for the temple’s tower, the church relinquished approval for that aspect of the building.^[14]Wolfson, Leo. “Cody Group Files With Court to Block LDS Temple and Its 77-Foot Steeple.” Cowboy State Daily, 22 Aug. 2023, cowboystatedaily.com/2023/08/22/cody-group-wants-to-block-construction-of-lds-temple-and-its-77-foot-steeple.

2023 September 18

The city announced Monday it has lifted a pause it had placed on a building permit for the proposed temple which, including its 77-foot steeple, will stand 101 feet tall when complete. The city, in a press release, said they had paused the issuance of the permit to ease tensions.  Church representatives instead threatened to take the city to federal court.^[15]Wolfson, Leo. “Gigantic 101-Foot-Tall LDS Temple a Done Deal, as Far as City of Cody’s Concerned.” Cowboy State Daily, 19 Sept. 2023, cowboystatedaily.com/2023/09/18/soaring-101-foot-tall-lds-temple-a-done-deal-as-far-as-city-of-codys-concerned.

20230 October 23

A 23 October court filing alleges that Cody’s City Planner, Todd Stowell, had conflicts of interest in approving building permits for the LDS temple. Save Our Cody Neighborhoods, who are trying to stop temple construction, submitted the filing. Stowell is accused of assisting the church with the permit application and being offered a job by a donor of the temple land. The brief also alleges Stowell is a Bishop in the Church, and that he quoted scripture in an official staff memo. The group believes Stowell’s involvement, including quoting scripture in a memo, is inappropriate. The city claims no conflict of interest, but the court filing seeks a construction halt until the conflict is resolved. Stowell has not commented on the allegations.^[16]Preston, Penny. “Save Our Cody Neighborhoods Alleges a Conflict of Interest Regarding Building Approvals for LDS Temple.” Wyoming Public Media, 30 Oct. 2023, www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/news/2023-10-27/save-our-cody-neighborhoods-alleges-conflict-of-interest-regarding-building-approvals-for-lds-temple.

2024 January 16

District Judge John Perry heard arguments in a hearing about the Cody temple.

He noted that the issue about the possible conflict of interest with planner Todd Stowell due to his church membership had been raised and discussed before the City Planning and Zoning board voted on temple topics last summer. The city attorney said the religious affiliation didn’t pose a conflict.

In the January 16 hearing, lawyers for the two sides addressed the alleged conflict of interest once during the 90-minute video session.

The church argued that Stowell was simply doing his job and that his affiliation with the church did not create a conflict. The question of a temporary injunction to delay temple construction was also discussed, with one side calling the building permit unlawful due to height violations, while the other argued that the temple complied with city ordinances.

Ultimately, the decision on the temple’s construction was in the hands of the court. The POCN believed they had a strong case for an injunction, while the LDS argued that delaying construction would cause harm to the church and its members. The issue of the temple’s height, zoning regulations, and the city planner’s role were all central to the debate surrounding the temple construction. Both sides presented their arguments regarding the potential benefits and detriments of the temple’s construction in the rural residential area off Skyline Drive.

Perry made no decisions, but set a deadline of noon January 26 for the lawyers to submit more paperwork.^[17]Hassric, Buzzy. “Judge hears arguments about stay against LDS temple.” Cody Enterprise, 17 January 2024. https://www.codyenterprise.com/news/local/article_3cf9158c-b573-11ee-b19f-cba9d9726551.html

2024 February 1

While litigation over the project continued, District Court Judge John Perry won’t block The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from starting to build its planned temple in Cody.

A group of neighbors opposed to the temple location had asked  the Judge to order a halt to construction until their appeal of the project is resolved, but he denied that request on Tuesday.^[18]Weitz, Olivia. “Judge Rules LDS Can Move Forward With Cody Temple. Neighborhood Group Filed Petition Too Late.” Wyoming Public Media, 5 Sept. 2024, www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/news/2024-09-05/judge-rules-lds-can-move-forward-with-cody-temple-neighborhood-group-filed-petition-too-late.

2024 May 8

Modular units for the proposed Cody LDS temple are being relocated to new private land due to the current storage area no longer being available. Construction has not yet begun. The units were previously stored behind Y-Tex but needed to be moved to make room for expansion. The new storage location will avoid having to cross public roads with the modules during construction.

A court ruling on the temple project is expected soon, with potential for further legal challenges depending on the outcome. The community debate sparked changes to local ordinances related to project approval processes, including greater landowner notification requirements and council involvement in decisions.^[19]Hassric, Buzzy. “Temple units relocated, not for assembly” Cody Enterprise, 8 May 2024, https://www.codyenterprise.com/news/local/article_bcd6ee18-0d5d-11ef-85e1-934f91eacb37.html

2024 August 29

District Court Judge John Perry ruled that the controversial 101-foot-tall Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple in Cody, Wyoming, can move forward. The board’s initial15  June 2023 approval of the conditional use permit and site plan for the temple was upheld by Judge Perry. The board’s attempt to amend the permit was deemed unauthorized, and the subsequent attempts to modify the decisions were found to be invalid, based upon the lack of authority to do soo in the City’s own rules.

Preserve our Cody Neighborhood failed to file a petition for review within the legal 30 day window based upon The 15 June meeting having been the only legal one, resulting in the court lacking jurisdiction to consider their claims. The group may appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court.

While the legal challenges played out, the church waited to begin construction, but with the court’s ruling, there are no obstacles to starting construction whenever they choose. The church has thanked city leaders for approving the proposal and is ready to move forward with the project.^[20]Walch, Tad. “Judge Upholds City’s Approval of Cody Wyoming Temple.” Deseret News, 30 Aug. 2024, www.deseret.com/faith/2024/08/29/judge-upholds-citys-approval-of-cody-wyoming-temple.^[21]Baker, Cj. “Cody Temple Again Cleared to Move Forward.” Powell Tribune, 29 Aug. 2024, www.powelltribune.com/stories/cody-temple-again-cleared-to-move-forward,138181.

2024 September 11

The Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods Group is appealing two district court decisions to stop the construction of a 101-foot-tall temple near the town’s golf course. They dispute the court’s ruling that planning officials’ initial vote in June 2023 was final approval and challenge the timing of their petitions. The group believes the court overlooked key issues and denied public involvement. Terry Skinner stated they are not against the LDS religion but oppose the temple’s location.^[22]Weitz, Olivia. “Citizen Group Asks Wyoming Supreme Court to Weigh in on Proposed LDS Temple in Cody.” Wyoming Public Media, 11 Sept. 2024, www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/news/2024-09-11/citizen-group-asks-wyoming-supreme-court-to-weigh-in-on-proposed-lds-temple-in-cody.

2024 September 12

The Church announced they were moving forward with the construction of the temple after securing a favorable court ruling. Despite a recent court ruling in favor of the church, the neighbor group has already appealed to the Wyoming Supreme Court, citing concerns about the planning and zoning board’s approval process. ^[23]Baker, Cj. “Church Begins ‘Preliminary Construction Work’ on Cody Temple.” Powell Tribune, 12 Sept. 2024, https://www.powelltribune.com/stories/church-begins-preliminary-construction-work-on-cody-temple,139867?

Goundbreaking

Dedication Order

The Cody Wyoming Temple will be the third temple built in Wyoming, following the Star Valley Wyoming Temple and the Casper Wyoming Temple.

Details

Location

Interior

Region

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