Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Orem, UT

If you live in Orem or are thinking about moving there, sidewalk & pedestrian rules 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 sidewalk & pedestrian rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Obstruction Rules

Orem City Code 16-1-3 makes it unlawful to obstruct any street or sidewalk, or any portion of one, in a way that stops vehicles or pedestrians from passing or forces them to detour around the blockage. The ban does not apply to work being done under a lawful street or sidewalk permit.

Key details: Governing section: Orem City Code 16-1-3. Test: Traffic can't pass or must detour. Permit exception: Lawful street/sidewalk work permits exempt. Related duty: Trim sightline-blocking vegetation, 16-1-4. Penalty: Up to $1,000 fine, 1-1-7.

Blocking a street or sidewalk without a lawful work permit violates Section 16-1-3 and, absent a Chapter 16 penalty section of its own, is punished under the City's general penalty, Section 1-1-7: a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months imprisonment, or both, with every day the obstruction continues counted as a separate offense.

Encroachment Permits

Digging into, building on, or blocking an Orem street, curb, gutter, or sidewalk requires a City permit first. Orem City Code Section 16-2-1 makes unpermitted construction or excavation on these public ways unlawful, and Section 16-1-3 separately bars obstructions that stop vehicle or pedestrian traffic unless the work already carries a lawful permit. A signed contract with the City to perform the work satisfies the permit requirement.

Key details: Permit required: Before any street, curb, gutter or sidewalk work. Governing section: Orem City Code § 16-2-1. Fees: Permit fee plus inspection fee, set by Council. Contractor requirement: Current Utah contractor license and liability insurance. Emergency work: Apply for permit next working day after starting.

Section 16-2-10 makes any violation of Chapter 16's street and sidewalk rules a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Section 16-2-8 separately makes it unlawful to remove barricades or warning devices placed under Section 16-2-7 without authorization from the contractor or the City, and obstructing a street or sidewalk without a permit under Section 16-1-3 is a separate unlawful act.

The Bottom Line

Orem's sidewalk & pedestrian rules 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.