Land-use decisions reflect doctrine in the Colorado City/Hildale FLDS community. The group believes that gaming the US government for resources is a noble act in retribution for oppression. A loophole in Utah and Arizona law means that if your house is a certain percentage unfinished, you do not have to pay property taxes. The FLDS sect practices the United order, a form of nineteenth-century Christian communalism. All property in the community is owned by the FLDS church trust. In over 200 images of currently inhabited homes, fewer than ten are fully finished. Though many members own successful construction businesses, the images of this town could be perceived as a statement on the US housing crisis.

Talena Sanders