How Orem Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Orem maintains 49 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Orem falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Construction Hours

Orem permits construction 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays. No construction within 200 feet of residential zones is allowed outside these hours. No Sunday construction.

Key details: Weekday Hours: 7 AM–9 PM. Saturday Hours: 8 AM–6 PM. Sunday: Not permitted near residential. Buffer Zone: 200 feet from residential.

Construction outside permitted hours near residential zones is a noise ordinance violation. Fines and stop-work orders may be issued.

Barking Dogs

Orem considers excessive and continuous barking a noise nuisance. Dogs must be contained on the owner's property or on a leash. Orem Animal Control responds to barking dog complaints. The North Utah Valley Animal Shelter in Lindon handles impoundment.

Key details: Leash/Containment: Required on all property. Licensing: Required for dogs 4+ months. License Fee: $15 neutered / $35 unaltered. Shelter: North Utah Valley Animal Shelter, Lindon.

Animal control citation for excessive barking or at-large dogs. Impoundment and license fees apply.

Quiet Hours

Orem enforces quiet hours from 10:30 PM to 7 AM under its criminal offenses code. Loud noise plainly audible at 30 feet from a residence during quiet hours is prohibited. Disturbing the peace is a Class C misdemeanor if it continues after a request to stop.

Key details: Code: Orem City Code Ch. 9. Quiet Hours: 10:30 PM–7 AM. Audible Standard: Plainly audible at 30 feet. State Backup: Utah Code §76-9-102. Violation: Class C misdemeanor.

Class C misdemeanor for continuing noise after request to stop, or for noise between 10:30 PM–7 AM. Fines apply.

The Bottom Line

Orem's noise ordinances 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.

These rules come from Orem's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.