Multiple residents in a D.R. Horton townhome development are speaking out against the national homebuilder, claiming that it failed to deliver on key landscaping promises and deviated from city-approved plans, leaving homeowners with gravel yards instead of the grassy areas they were sold.
The development in question, located in the Eagle Point neighborhood, includes rows of newly constructed townhomes. According to residents, marketing materials and verbal assurances from D.R. Horton sales representatives promised grassy areas in front of each unit, an important factor in their homebuying decisions. The landscaping plan is included at the end of the article; you can see that grass was to be included in the landscaping.
“When we purchased our homes, we were promised a few simple things: patches of grass for our children to play on, maintained landscaping, and multiple parks within walking distance,” wrote one homeowner in a letter submitted to the Cedar Valley Sentinel. “Instead, we’ve been given rocks.”
Stubbed Sprinklers, But No Sod
Homeowners have provided photographic evidence of sprinkler systems stubbed beneath gravel-covered yards, suggesting grass was originally planned. Several residents assumed the rocks were a temporary solution due to winter conditions, only to learn later that this was the final installation.
“I specifically chose my house… because it would have grass in front and I have four little kids at home with me,” said a resident, who moved into the community in January 2025. “A while later they installed rocks and I was honestly really bummed.”
Apple, like others, discovered the city-approved landscaping plans, obtained from the recorder’s office, showed grass throughout the project, along with additional park space that was never built. He expressed concern that D.R. Horton was “taking advantage of the trust granted that they’ll follow through on the plan that was approved.”
City Acknowledges the Problem
Eagle Mountain officials have confirmed that the landscaping installed by D.R. Horton does not match the approved site plans.
Jason Owens, a homeowner who has been advocating on behalf of the affected residents, contacted both Mayor Tom Westmoreland and Planning Director Brandon Larsen on June 4, 2025. In his email, Owens wrote:
“It appears the builder may have knowingly ignored what was approved and attempted to move forward with a different, cheaper solution… Homeowners made decisions based on those expectations, and we should not be left to deal with the consequences of the builder’s shortcuts.”
On July 8, 2025, Planning Director Brandon Larsen responded to homeowner concerns via email:
“The City Attorney’s Office has reached out to DR Horton to get a response on the issue. We are still waiting for that response.”
Larsen added that the city would no longer provide individual responses to concerned residents. Instead, communication will be centralized through Owens.
Inconsistent Landscaping Raises Further Questions
Residents have also reported that some of the newest townhome units are receiving grass, while earlier homes were given gravel, raising concerns about inconsistency and preferential treatment.
“At first, we thought it might be temporary,” said one resident. “Now that the complex is nearly finished, it’s clear that this was the final plan. And that plan was not the one we were sold.”
One homeowner stated that the landscaping company acknowledged seeing discrepancies between the plans they received from D.R. Horton and those approved by the city, and attempts to contact D.R. Horton directly have been largely unsuccessful.
“When I contacted D.R. Horton, I couldn’t reach anyone beyond a secretary who asked if I just wanted ‘special treatment,’” the resident wrote. “No—I want the plans that were approved.”
What Comes Next?
As construction nears completion, residents worry that D.R. Horton will exit the development before resolving the issue, leaving them with no recourse. Some fear this may reflect a broader pattern of builder noncompliance that could affect future Eagle Mountain developments if left unchecked.
“This is a message to future homebuyers,” wrote one resident. “Get everything in writing and don’t assume anyone will be held accountable unless you hold their feet to the fire yourself.”
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.