Additional Guidelines Updated March 10, 2025

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ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

Here, you'll find information on the following topics:

  • Architectural Lighting
  • Additional Lighting Requirements
  • Internal Accessory Dwelling Units (IADU)
  • Artificial Turf - Basketball Goals/Standards/Backboards
  • Boulders
  • Cameras
  • Decking
  • Dog Runs
  • Edging
  • Flag Poles
  • Garden Structures
  • Gazebos
  • Generators
  • House Numbers
  • Landscape Walls
  • Mulch
  • Outdoor Patio Furniture
  • Park Strip Paths
  • Parking Pad
  • Paving
  • Play Elements
  • Radon Mitigation
  • Satellite Dishes
  • Shade Structures
  • Sheds - Shutters
  • Sport Courts
  • Trash Enclosures
  • Vegetable Gardens
  • Water Features
  • Window Boxes

Notice

Remember that the modifications, changes or projects listed below or elsewhere on this site or document are not all-inclusive and that all exterior modifications must be approved before starting work. Even if your project or modification is not listed, approval must be given by the Design Review Committee.

Nothing in this document will be considered an official approval or denial for a design review application. No verbal decisions will be given; decisions are made by the Design Review Committee per the Board of Directors approved process. You will be sent an official letter with the final decision.

Please note that to be added to the Design Review Meeting agenda, your application must be completed as determined by staff and submitted at least one week before the meeting. During periods of high application volume, we cannot guarantee that a completed application will be placed on the next meeting agenda.

Architectural Lighting

For holiday lighting see Christmas Light Resolution at www.MyDaybreak.com

Low voltage clear landscape lighting is permitted for practical night-time safety and pedestrian circulation.

Fixtures must complement the architecture and be downward facing to mitigate light pollution and nuisance to neighbors.

Eave and ground lighting, illuminating structures are not permitted. • We strive to uphold the concepts of the “Dark Sky Initiative”. Please go to www.darksky.org for more information. Landscape lighting must be low voltage. “Up lighting” of trees is acceptable but must be approved by the Design Review Committee prior to installation.

Permanent, aluminum track lighting may be installed and remain on the exterior of the home all year based on the following requirements:

  • Permanent lighting must be approved by the Design Review Committee prior to installation.
  • No vinyl, PVC or plastic tracks permitted as a permanent fixture.
  • Daybreak Community Association reserves the right to require a resident to modify the brightness and programming of a light display after approved installation if light emission causes a nuisance or disturbance to neighboring properties.

Non-permanent, string Christmas lighting and displays may be installed beginning October 1st and may be illuminated between November 15th and January 15th of each year. Christmas light displays must be removed from the exterior of the home by April 1st of the following year.

Non-permanent wires and bulbs are to not be visible on the exterior of the home prior to October 1st and must removed by April 1, the following calendar year.

Both permanent and non-permanent lighting may be illuminated between November 15th and January 15th each calendar year.

View Holiday Lighting & Display Resolution

Additional Lighting Requirements - See Appendix

  • All lighting should be low level and recessed to shield the source of light.
  • All fixtures and lights must be submitted in lumens versus watts. Lumens refer to the brightness of the light and wattage is a measure of power to produce the light. Lights may not be more than 600 lumens. Colored lamps/bulbs are not allowed. In areas where accent or access lighting is desired, low voltage lighting is preferred because of its ability to produce dramatic lighting effects using extremely low wattage lamps. Lighting design should consider the use of down lights or up lights to lessen the impact to the nighttime sky. Use lighting in moderation as needed to produce reasonable and safe visibility for access or accent. Fixtures, lamps, and lights must comply with the Dark Sky Initiative and the device shall not provide illumination in excess of .25 foot-candles at the property line.
  • Light bulbs selected for exterior fixtures should be warm in color, with a color temperature of 2700K or lower.
  • Spotlights and floodlights are prohibited in front yards. If spotlights and floodlights are installed in the backyard, they may not be directed at or shine on a neighbor’s home, property or on the common area and should be integrated into the architecture of the home. Light fixtures may not be replaced by motion detectors or security cameras. Floodlights and spotlights should have a color temperature of 3000K or lower.
  • The maximum height of any house mounted outdoor lighting source shall be twelve feet (12’) above the finished grade at the base of the light standard.
  • Electrical, fence post lighting, pathway or solar light fixtures are approvable based on the architectural compatibility with the home and must be submitted for approval by the Design Review Committee, prior to installation. All solar light fixtures must be low lumens and spaced a minimum of 4' apart.
  • Design light fixture enclosures to conceal the fixture and direct the light downward.
  • No lamp post lights will be permitted in front or back yards.
  • Shrubs shall be used to blend with landscape lighting fixtures. Junction boxes must be placed below grade to minimize daytime visibility of the hardware.

The Board of Directors reserves the right to require the removal of lighting and decorative items in front yards based on size, quantity, brightness, color, location and any other criteria relative to other Units in the area. The Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, shall make its determination on a case-by-case basis.

Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit Aesthetic Requirements (IADU)

An Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit is a wholly separate living area within a primary residence. Reference “Questions to ask Before Adding an IADU to your Home” for more information on Internal Accessory Dwelling Units.

Required Prior to Review or Approval of an IADU: A site plan with elevations must be submitted showing the location of the proposed parking pad location to accommodate the required off-street parking.

On the to-scale site plan, the following elements are required:

1. A minimum of (1) 10’ x 18’ concrete or paver, off-street parking pad to be in compliance with state and local requirements.

  • Proposed dimension of parking pad off street to be in compliance with state & local regulations.
  • A photo of proposed materials, ie. pavers.
  • Gravel, decomposed granite (dg) chat, soil, lawn and mulch are not approvable materials for a parking area.
  • Property lines and setbacks must be identified on the site plan. https://www.sjc.utah.gov/public- records/grama-request-form/

2. Perennial plants must be installed and maintained in a 18”- 24“ planter bed on 3 sides of parking pad (plant list required on a site plan).

  • Perennial plants must be spaced 3’-5’ apart on center with drip irrigation to each plant.
  • Bark mulch of neutral-colored mulch is to be included in planter beds and maintained.

3. An engineered site plan for an exterior entrance must be included.

4. Any grade or slope impact must be identified on site plan.

5. Stair railing material, design and location is also required to be submitted. This must match existing railing elements and architectural details of the home, if present.

6. Additional landscape material may be required by the DRC to screen exterior stair entrance.

7. Exterior entrance may not be located in the front of home or be visible front the street.

8. Proposed door design must be submitted.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf must be applied for and approved by the DRC prior to installation.

All rear-yard fencing and landscape requirements shall apply.

Application must include specifications of product, installation process, irrigation plans and drainage plans.

May not be visible from public view.

Must be behind a 6’ enclosed, privacy fence.

A shade tree is required 6’ from the fence line*.

Prohibited in the following locations:

  • Front yards
  • Street-facing side yards
  • Behind picket fences
  • Behind 5’ fences

May be installed only on owner's property.

The turf must be maintained, irrigated and sanitized to not create an unhealthy, untidy or nuisance condition.

Pet waste may not be allowed to accumulate; any odor must be immediately addressed and eliminated.

No stains, tears, ripples or visible seams are allowed to be present.

Proper drainage must be included in turf system to not impact surrounding community or neighboring properties.

Quality, green (only), multi-layered product designed to create the best aesthetic and environmental outcome is required.

Single-layer or roll-type artificial turf is not allowed.

Basketball Goals, Standards, Backboards

Basketball courts are considered a modification and installation are subject to the Design Review Committee’s approval.

  • Basketball goals and basketball standards are considered an exterior modification and require DRC approval prior to instillation.
  • Permanent basketball goals are permissible only in the side or rear yard but must be a minimum of 30 feet from the curb at the front of the home.
  • All basketball goals are required to be properly maintained. Damage to backboards, deformed or twisted rims, torn nets and chipped or damaged poles or backboard are not permitted. Clear or transparent, plexi-glass and transparent acrylic are acceptable. as well as neutral shades. Only nylon or similar cord nets are permitted, while metal or chain nets are not allowed.
  • Lighting for sports courts or nighttime play is not permitted.
  • We request that basketball goals are installed in a manner that does not pose a safety hazard. Basketball goals and standards may not cause damage to nearby homes or common areas, or obstruct traffic around the property. The board of directors reserves the right to require removal if deemed a nuisance.

Boulders

  • Boulders are permitted for retaining walls in rear or side yards only.
  • Boulders are not permitted for retaining walls in front yards or street side yards.
  • If used, boulders must be incorporated into a planter bed with plantings.
  • Boulders are permitted. However, when they are used, they must complement the architecture and landscape in size, color, number and placement.
  • Boulders must be installed 1/3 below ground for a natural effect.

Cameras

  • Doorbell cameras are permitted.
  • Camera/light combinations must not violate Utah privacy laws.
  • Cameras may not replace light fixtures.
  • Cameras must go through the Design Review Committee process for approval, prior to installation.

Decking

  • Decking is permissible.
  • Must coordinate with the architectural style, materials and details of home.
  • Must be submitted to the Design Review Committee for review, prior to installation.
  • Deck may be required to have a railing that matches porch railing if present.
  • Horizontal deck skirting may be required if a gap is present.
  • Deck trim must match home trim.
  • Wood, Trex products are approvable material.
  • Planting material may be required depending on site location.
  • Location may not hinder drainage or property setbacks.

Dog Runs

Edging

  • Edging is not intended to be the focal point when landscaping is viewed.
  • Preferred edging is shovel-cut but edging material may consist of steel or composite.
  • Concrete curbing is allowed in Village 1 only (Founders Park).

Flag Poles

Garden Structures (Fountains, Statues, Benches, Birdbaths, Bird Houses, Bird Feeders, etc.)

  • All garden structures must be consistent with the house’s architectural and landscape character and located in a manner which complements both.
  • Number of items may be limited by the Design Review Committee and Board of Directors.
  • Number of items should be limited so as to not cause a visual or wildlife nuisance to neighboring or community properties.
  • Whether or not a nuisance exists shall be determined by the DRC, Compliance Committee and or the Board of Directors.
  • Garden structures should not detract from the home’s architecture and aesthetic and be used minimally.
  • If item becomes a nuisance in number or function, create an unhealthy or untidy condition, the board of directors reserve the right to require removal or modification.

Garden Structures (Trellises, Pergolas, Arbors (Updated 2/2023)

Architectural style of structures must be consistent with the architectural style/details of home.

Post size shall be no smaller than 6” x 6”.

Purlin spacing at least 8 inches of clear space.

Beam dimensions – at least 6 inches.

  • Rafter Spacing - at least 12 inches on center.
  • Color of finish – Daybreak approved gray stain, the home’s trim paint color may be submitted to the Design Review Committee as an alternative, approvable finish.

Materials -- wood or composite with approval from the Design Review Committee – no vinyl.

  • Metal - Durable, rust-resistant metal is required and must match the architectural style of the home. Must be approved by the DRC prior to installation.

Size, scale and proportion must be consistent with the home.

No solid roofs are allowed on pergola structures.

Gazebos

Custom gazebos must coordinate with the architectural style, materials and details of home may be submitted to the Design Review Committee for review.

Generators

Generators are viewed as a utility and are permissible but must be screened from public view behind a 6’ privacy fence. An application must be submitted through the Design Review Committee, prior to installation.

House Numbers

Whitehall Hartford 16” x 7.25 plaques are the standard for traditional architecture in Daybreak. Residences with contemporary/modern architecture may be allowed to use a different typeface approved by the Design Review Committee.

  • House numbers must be placed parallel to the primary street or open space which the home faces.
  • House numbers must be visible from the primary street or open space which the home faces.
  • Changing the design/format of the original house numbers may be considered subject to the compatibility of design to the home’s architecture, village character and size of numbers to be seen from the primary street or open space which the home faces.
  • Size of numbers is 8” maximum and 4” minimum.

Landscape Walls - Garden Walls and Retaining Walls (Updated 9/2024)

Retaining walls, by their nature, are meant to hold or retain soil behind them, especially behind a steep slope. The slope must be a pre-existing condition, as it was originally at the time of closing, not from soil being added to modify the landscape.

  • Retaining walls must not be built on top of Public Utility Easements, placed in setbacks, or impede drainage swales.
  • When a retaining wall is needed because of an original terrain situation, it must be congruent with the architectural style of the home, and materials must reflect this. Materials and design must be approved by the Design Review Committee.
  • Retaining walls must begin and end at logical points at or near the property line depending on the situation, with an eye to the visual impact of horizontal points on stairs, the width and position of the house, other structures, and other architectural features. The termination must be tied into neighboring retaining walls or curved back into the hillside in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
  • Retaining walls must blend in, rather than be accents or focal points.
  • Retaining walls must be installed in a way that provides balance to the landscape.
  • Retaining walls must be level on top, with variations in slope adjusted for at the base.
  • Retaining walls must have a finishing capstone.
  • Retaining walls cannot be built within 2’ of a sidewalk, street, lane, or driveway.
  • Retaining walls must be at least 18” in height, but no more than 3’ in height. If more height is required, terracing must be utilized, with planter beds at each level.
  • Cascading plants are recommended at the top, and layered plantings are required at the base.
  • Please refer to the Resident Design Guidelines for plant spacing requirements
  • Subject to approval by all utility companies.
  • Boulders are not allowed in front yards unless part of a planter bed (see Boulders under Additional Guidelines). If wall is greater than 30 inches in height, it must terrace and include a 2 foot to 3-foot-wide planter bed in front.
  • For some areas such as the lake front and Watercourse, yards fronting the public realm are considered front yards.
  • Retaining walls may not be placed in setbacks, easements or impede drainage swales.

Mulch (Updated 11/2024)

View Information Sheet

Mulched areas must be planted 3 feet to 5 feet apart on center. Unplanted rock/bark mulch areas are not permitted. Park strips are to be more heavily planted 80-100% at maturity.

Minimum 3 inches depth is required in all planter beds and tree rings.

Rock/bark mulch is not to draw attention or be the main focal point. (no red, white or black rock).

  • Bark or wood mulch must be shredded, natural, neutral in material and dark brown or black in color and must blend with surrounding landscaping.
  • Rock mulch must be natural, neutral, and beige/brown/gray in color and blend with surrounding landscaping. Rock mulch must be no more than 1” to 2” in size. (No red, black or white rock permitted).

Rubber Mulch

  • Rubber mulch is allowed but must be shredded dark brown with no chunks.
  • Must be approved by the DRC prior to installation.

Rock Mulch (Updated 11/2024)

  • Rock mulch is NOT allowed in the front or side yards.
  • Rock mulch is ONLY permitted in the park strip area.
  • Rock mulch must be 1 – 2” maximum in size and must be natural colored (no red, black, white or pea gravel.
  • Decomposed granite (dg) chat, crusher fines are allowed for paths only.
  • Rock mulch must be planted with perennial plants, shrubs, ground cover 80 100% plant coverage at maturity.
  • Rock mulch is approved only for plant beds in park strips, 2’ alley plant beds and plant beds behind a privacy fence.
  • 80 – 100% plant coverage at maturity in the park strip is required.

Outdoor Patio Furniture

  • Outdoor furniture such as chairs, tables, settees, or loungers that are designed for outdoor use are permitted (Cloth furniture designed for indoor use is not permitted for outdoor use).
  • Weather-resistant materials that will not be damaged by exposure to rain, sun, snow or other outdoor elements are acceptable.

Park Strip Pathways

  • Park strips are part of the street right-of-way which is owned and managed by the City of South Jordan. If a pathway or steps are desired within a park strip, the City of South Jordan must give required permission before the Design Review Committee reviews application. A copy of this correspondence must accompany the application.
  • Stepping stones or pavers are allowed pathway treatments.
  • Proposed concrete addition would require a city encroachment permit.

Parking Pad

  • Parking pads are allowable and may be considered, subject to Design Review Committee approval, when/if it can be demonstrated there is available space and access on the applicant’s property without also impeding or placing a burden on neighboring properties.
  • The minimum dimension for a parking pad is 10’ x 18’ with a 2’ planter bed and must include perennial plants spaced 3’-5’ apart on center on 3 sides of the parking pad
  • Parking pad may not be installed to the property/ fence line.
  • May not impede positive draining from property or impede drainage swale on property or neighboring properties.
  • Parking pads are a requirement of South Jordan City for an Internal Accessory Dwelling Unit (IADU) to be permitted.

Paving

  • Pervious paving is required in medium-to-low traffic areas such as garden walks and secondary pathways through the yard.
  • Permitted materials for the center of a Hollywood drive include lawn, brick, pavers, and groundcover.
  • Paved patios and decks must reflect the architecture of the home).
  • Stained color paving is acceptable (natural, neutral); however, painted paving is not allowed (colored red, white or black).

Play Elements (Swings, Slides, Trampolines, etc.)

  • Play elements are allowed in rear yards. They must be hidden or screened from public view.
  • Play elements behind picket fences must be screened from public view.
  • Trampolines behind picket fences must be in-ground and screened from public view.
  • Additional screening may be required as determined by the Design Review Committee.

Radon Mitigation Systems

  • Radon mitigation systems are approvable.
  • Pipe may need to be painted the house color as to reduce visibility and match the home's aesthetic.
  • An application must be submitted for approval.

Shade Coverings/Shade Sails/Screens

  • This is considered a seasonal item and must be removed during the winter months. If it falls into disrepair or fading it must be removed.
  • Retractable awnings must stay retracted during the winter months.

Sheds

  • Storage sheds are allowed in rear and side yards only and may not be built within or encroach in the property setbacks of the recorded plat.
  • Storage sheds that are located in view of the street, open space or adjoining property must be constructed from similar materials and colors as the exterior of the house and match the architectural style of the residence.
  • A non-matching shed must be enclosed within a fenced rear or side yard and may not exceed in total the height of the fence. If the location and placement of the shed is viewable from properties, then evergreen shrubs must be located on the sides of the shed that are viewable from the adjoining property.
  • A site plan showing the location of the proposed shed, along with an architectural plan set, including elevation details must be submitted. Information that includes materials, dimensions and demonstrating compliance with these guidelines must be submitted prior to the construction or placement of the storage shed. All sheds are subject to review and approval by the Design Review Committee.
  • Sheds may not be constructed using T1-11 siding.
Storage Shed Design & Placement Addendum
Storage Shed Design & Placement Example

Shutters

  • Shutters must complement style and architecture of the home.
  • Appropriate sizes are as follows: each shutter must be equal to one half the size of the adjacent window. Single attic windows shutters may be equal to the size of the window.
  • The color of proposed shutters must be approved by the Design Review Committee.
  • If removal of shutters is proposed, window trim must be installed, if not present.
  • If window trim is present, it must be removed before the installation of shutters may occur so as not to create a gap between shutter and window.

Sport Courts

  • Sport Courts including but not limited to basketball must be approved by the Design Review Committee. Sport courts are considered a major modification and are subject to the Design Review process. Please refer to the process as outlined on page 6 of this document.

Trash Enclosures

  • Trash enclosures must be of similar form, material and color as the privacy fence on the property if present.
  • Screening must exceed the height of the receptacle by 1’ and must not exceed a height of 6’.
  • Side drive and front recessed lots should have enclosures between the driveway and the side property line, located as far back as practical.
  • Alley Lots must screen trash by placing receptacles behind the privacy fence, within an enclosed trash storage area.

Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, etc. (Updated 6/2023)

  • Vegetables and the like may only be planted in raised planter boxes, etc., and must be behind an approved 6’ privacy fence or approved “living” fence/screening hedge.
  • Vegetable boxes and vegetables, etc. may not be visible above the fence or screening hedge.
  • Vegetables, etc., may not be used in place of required plant material, such as but not limited to foundation plants.
  • Fruit trees may only be planted in rear yards and do not require approval as long as they are planted at least 6’ from the property line and the fruit is harvested and not on the ground.
  • Raised planter boxes do not require pre-approval as long as they meet the criteria outlined in this section. Compliance with this section is to be determined by the DRC, Board of Directors or Compliance Committee.
  • Note: fencing and any “living” fence/screening hedge are still required to be approved prior to installation.

Water Features (Pool, Hot Tub/Spa, Pond, etc.)

  • Water features are allowed.
  • Pools, hot tubs, spas, etc. must be screened from public view and are not allowed in front yards or street side yards unless screened by a solid fence and placed in a location so as to minimize impacts on neighbors.
  • Adhere to required setback requirements according to the city of South Jordan (The side yard setback is 5’ from property line to water’s edge).
  • A 2’ planter bed with screening is required.
  • A signed agreement from neighbor(s) regarding pool installations is strongly recommended to be included with required design review application.
  • Approval is required by Design Review Committee.

Window Boxes

  • Are subject to DRC approval and must complement the architectural style, color, proportion of windows and character of home.
  • No plastic or vinyl allowed.