Orem, UT Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Orem, UT, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Orem City Code 22-6-10(J)
- Min Side Setback (to enclose)
- 5 ft from side property line
- Min Front Setback (to enclose)
- 25 ft from front property line
- Eligible Carports
- Attached carports existing as of March 2000
- Permit Required
- Yes - building permit for conversion
- Garage-to-ADU Parking
- City may require replacement (Utah Code 10-9a-530(4)(c)(ii))
Summary
Orem City Code 22-6-10(J) allows enclosing a pre-March-2000 attached carport into a garage if it sits at least 5 feet from the side and 25 feet from the front property line, the existing footprint is not enlarged in a nonconforming way, and a building permit is issued. If you convert a garage into living space and create an internal ADU, Utah Code 10-9a-530(4)(c) lets the city require replacement of the lost parking.
J. Enclosing Existing Carports. Attached carports in existence as of March 2000 which do not meet current setbacks and are at least five (5) feet from the side property line and twenty-five (25) feet from the front property line are permitted to be enclosed provided the following requirements are met: 1. The existing footprint of the carport shall not be increased unless the portion that is increased meets current Code requirements. 2. The nonconforming setback shall not be made more nonconforming by reducing the existing setback. 3. Existing carports encroaching on easements shown on a recorded plat of the property shall not be enclosed unless the utility easement(s) is/are vacated through a plat amendment. 4. The proposed conversion from carport to garage meets all applicable building and zoning codes and a building permit is issued for the conversion.
Full Breakdown
Orem City Code Section 22-6-10(J) ('Enclosing Existing Carports') permits attached carports in existence as of March 2000 that do not meet current setbacks - but are at least five (5) feet from the side property line and twenty-five (25) feet from the front property line - to be enclosed into a garage, provided four conditions are met: (1) the existing footprint of the carport is not increased unless the increased portion meets current Code; (2) the nonconforming setback is not made more nonconforming by reducing the existing setback; (3) carports encroaching on platted easements are not enclosed unless the easement is vacated through a plat amendment; and (4) the proposed conversion meets all applicable building and zoning codes and a building permit is issued.
Separately, converting a garage's interior into habitable space to create an internal accessory dwelling unit is governed by Utah Code Section 10-9a-530: a 'primary dwelling' includes a garage if the garage is habitable space connected to the home by a common wall, and Subsection (4)(c)(ii) allows a municipality to require the owner to replace any parking spaces contained within a garage or carport when an internal ADU is created within that garage or carport. Note that Orem prohibits using a detached accessory building as a separate apartment under 22-6-8(D)(7).
Violations & Fines
Enclosing a carport or converting a garage without the required building permit, or in a way that worsens a nonconforming setback or encroaches on an easement, is a zoning and building-code violation subject to Orem code enforcement, stop-work orders, and after-the-fact permit requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enclose my carport into a garage in Orem?
If I convert my garage to a bedroom, do I have to replace the parking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orem
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Garage Conversions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Utah County handle garage conversions.