A Resident's Guide to Orem's Local Ordinances

Orem, Utah may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 41 tracked ordinances across 12 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Orem requires all dogs to be leashed or contained at all times, including in most city parks. The only designated off-leash area is the dog park at Timpanogos Park.

Also covered: Chickens & Livestock (moderate), Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for Orem for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Insurance Requirements: Orem City Code Chapter 22 does not establish a short-term rental insurance requirement because the 2002 zoning amendment prohibits transient lodging under 30 days in residential districts, so the city has not codified a liability minimum, certificate-of-insurance filing, or homeowner-policy endorsement rule for STR operators. Utah Code does not impose a statewide STR insurance mandate either; HB 217 (2024) limits cities' ability to ban STRs solely on advertising but leaves insurance as a local choice not yet exercised by Orem..

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (strict), Taxes & Fees (moderate), Parking Rules (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for Orem for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Orem regulates carports as accessory buildings/structures under Chapter 22 of the City Code, with the core standards in Section 22-6-8(D). A detached accessory structure may not be placed in a front yard unless it is set back at least forty (40) feet from the front property line, must sit at least six (6) feet from the primary structure if it requires a building permit, and the combined footprint of all accessory buildings is capped at eight percent (8%) of the parcel for single-family lots (twelve percent for multifamily developments)..

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Orem for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Orem allows 6-foot fences in rear yards and side yards. Front yards are limited to 3 feet for solid fences or 4 feet for open-style fences.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Permit Requirements (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Orem for details.

Home Business

Customer Traffic Restrictions: Home occupations in Orem residential zones must not generate customer traffic or on-site visits that alter the residential character. No non-resident employees typically permitted.

Also covered: Signage Rules (permissive), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Orem for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Orem requires pool barriers of at least 4 to 5 feet in height with self-closing, self-latching gates. Building permits are required for all pools.

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Orem for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Orem City Code §19-3-5 prohibits parking trailers, unattached campers, or boats on public streets for more than 72 hours. In planned development zones, RV storage must be in a 6-foot fenced, paved enclosure.

Also covered: Street Parking Limits (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (permissive), Driveway Rules (permissive). See the full parking rules guide for Orem for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Trimming: Tree trimming in Orem on private property is generally not regulated beyond standard safety requirements. Street/public right-of-way trees require city approval before trimming.

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (permissive), Water Restrictions (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Orem for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Orem follows Utah state fireworks windows (July 2–5 and July 22–25). Fireworks are prohibited within 100 feet of undeveloped land, within 500 feet of National Forest/BLM lands, and in all city parks.

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (permissive), Outdoor Burning (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Orem for details.

Noise Ordinances

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.

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Orem for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Orem enforces FEMA flood zone standards under City Code Chapter 10 (Flood Damage Prevention). Properties in SFHAs face elevation requirements, flood insurance mandates, and construction restrictions.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Orem enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours..

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Orem, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.