Orem, UT Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Carports in Orem are not separately defined as their own use type; they are governed by the accessory buildings/structures provisions in Chapter 22 of the Orem City Code, with the core standards collected in Section 22-6-8(D). The code states that 'no accessory building/structure may be constructed in a front yard unless the accessory building/structure is set back at least forty (40) feet from the front property line' and that 'no accessory building/structure requiring a building permit shall be located closer than six feet (6') to the primary structure on the lot.' Height in the rear yard is generally limited to eighteen (18) feet when the structure is in a required setback, and structures placed in a side yard adjacent to vacant or residential use within a required setback are limited to eight (8) feet. The total footprint of all accessory buildings/structures may not exceed eight percent (8%) of the parcel area for single-family lots and twelve percent (12%) for multifamily developments. A carport that exceeds 500 square feet or 50% of the primary structure's footprint must use residential styling with matching roof pitch and exterior materials. Attached carports are treated as part of the principal structure and must meet the underlying zone's front, side, and rear setbacks (Section 22-6-8 and the dimensional tables in the residential chapters). Building, electrical, and structural permits are required and are administered by the Orem Building Division under the Utah State Construction Code (which adopts the International Residential Code). Orem also has design overlay provisions in Chapter 22 affecting historic and Geneva Road redevelopment areas where accessory structure approvals may receive added review. Consistent with Utah Code § 10-9a-530, the city's accessory structure provisions cannot be applied to prohibit ADUs in single-family zones for cities over 5,000 in population, but a carport remains an accessory structure separate from any habitable ADU.