Building Setbacks & Zoning in Orem, UT

If you live in Orem or are thinking about moving there, building setbacks & zoning are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Orem has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Structure Height Limits

Orem caps residential structure height at 35 feet above grade in every zone except R12 and R20, where up to 20% of the roof area may reach 45 feet if set back 50 feet from all property lines. Minimum height is 8 feet or one story. Cupolas, chimneys and screened mechanical equipment are exempt up to 45 feet.

Key details: Base max height: 35 feet above grade, all zones except R12/R20. R12/R20 exception: Up to 45 ft on 20% of roof area. Minimum height: 8 feet or one story, whichever is higher. Exempt features cap: Cupolas, chimneys, antennas limited to 45 feet. Enforcing agency: Orem Development Services, building permit review.

Building a home, addition or roof feature above the applicable height cap without qualifying for the R12/R20 exception is a zoning violation caught at the permit-review and inspection stage; construction that doesn't match approved plans can be red-tagged and must be reduced or removed. Because the limit is checked at building-permit stage, an oversized roof or unscreened rooftop equipment discovered after a certificate of occupancy is issued can still require correction at the owner's expense.

Setback Rules

Orem sets minimum yard setbacks by residential zone under Orem City Code Section 22-6-8(B). In the R8 zone, interior lots need a 25-foot front and rear setback, with combined side yards of at least 20 feet (8 feet minimum per side) when there's an attached garage. Corner and buffered-sidewalk lots follow separate, larger tables.

Key details: R8 front/rear setback: 25 feet each, interior lot. R8 side w/ garage: 20 ft combined, 8 ft min per side. R5 front/rear setback: 22.5 feet, smallest residential zone. Corner lot rear (R8): Drops to 10 feet. Projection allowance: Eaves/bay windows up to 24 inches.

Building a structure, addition, deck or accessory building that intrudes into the required front, rear or side setback without qualifying for a permitted projection is a zoning violation; Development Services can require the noncompliant portion be removed or the structure relocated before final inspection or a certificate of occupancy is issued. Requests for a reduced setback outside the ordinary standard must go through the Director of Development Services showing the required 70% neighborhood pattern; there is no self-certification exception.

The Bottom Line

Orem's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Orem is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Orem can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.