Short-Term Rentals in Orem, UT

If you live in Orem or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals 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 short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Orem City Code 22-6-2(F) restricts a single-family dwelling to occupancy 'by one single family,' and the 22-2-1 definition of 'family' counts only guests who stay under 30 days and pay no rent, which effectively bars paid nightly rentals rather than setting a head-count cap. Utah's STR definition (UCA 10-8-85.4(1)(e)) is any unit offered 'for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive days.'

Key details: Occupancy rule: Single-family dwelling occupied 'by one single family' only (Orem 22-6-2(F)). Guest definition: Stay under 30 days, pay no rent, not a legal address (Orem 22-2-1). State STR definition: Occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive days (UCA 10-8-85.4(1)(e)). Code Section: Orem City Code 22-2-1, 22-6-2(F).

Occupying a residential dwelling with paying nightly guests beyond the limits of the 'family' definition is a zoning violation under Orem City Code 22-6-2(F), enforced by the Neighborhood Improvement Team with penalties under Orem City Code 1-1-7.

Compared to other cities, Orem takes a harder line on occupancy limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Orem does not license short-term (under-30-day) rentals in residential zones: the zoning code limits dwellings to occupancy by a single 'family' and defines a permitted guest as someone staying fewer than 30 days who pays no rent, so a paid nightly rental is not an allowed use. Utah Code 10-8-85.4(4) lets a city require a business license before any short-term rental operates.

Key details: STR permit available?: No STR permit category as of June 2026; nightly rental not a permitted residential use. State authority: City may require a business license/permit before STR operates (UCA 10-8-85.4(4)). Long-term rentals: Rental Dwelling License $55/yr for stays of one month or longer (Orem Ch. 12; UCA 10-8-85.5). Code Section: Orem City Code 22-2-1, 22-6-2(F); Utah Code 10-8-85.4.

Operating an unpermitted nightly rental in a residential zone is a zoning violation enforced by Orem's Neighborhood Improvement Team and Justice Court; penalties are set by Orem City Code 1-1-7 (general penalty) and the city may seek abatement of the unpermitted use.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Orem actively enforces its short-term rental permits requirements.

The Bottom Line

Orem is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Orem, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Orem's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.