Occupancy Limits: Orem vs Provo

How many guests can stay overnight in an Orem short-term rental?

Orem has not codified an STR occupancy formula because the 2002 Chapter 22 zoning amendment prohibits transient lodging under 30 days in residential districts. A 2025 draft text amendment (Utah PMN 772697) contemplated a two-guest-per-bedroom formula with a maximum near eight, but no occupancy ordinance has been adopted. Confirm the property's zoning and the current code with Orem Development Services at (801) 229-7058 before relying on any number.

Are short-term rentals legal in Orem residential neighborhoods?

Historically no. Orem's 2002 zoning amendment listed transient lodging, hotels, tourist courts, and motels as prohibited uses in residential zones, so dwelling rentals of fewer than 30 days have not been a permitted residential use. The City Council was actively debating a new STR text amendment in 2025, but until that amendment is adopted and codified into Chapter 22, residential STR operation continues to risk zoning enforcement.

How many guests can stay in a Provo short-term rental?

Provo applies its standard residential occupancy rule of one family or up to three single (unrelated) individuals per dwelling unit, and that ceiling carries over to STR use. Specific properties may have lower numbers tied to bedroom count, parking, or conditions placed on the Chapter 6.33 license.

Can I run a short-term rental in a Provo residential zone?

No. Provo only permits short-term rentals in zones DT1, DT2, SC3, GW, WG, FC1, FC2, and PIC. Standard single-family residential zones such as R1 do not allow STR use, so a Chapter 6.33 license cannot be issued for those parcels.

Does Utah state law block Provo from limiting occupancy?

No. Utah Code Sec. 10-8-85.4 only prohibits a city from banning the act of listing an STR on a website. Provo retains full authority to set zoning, licensing, and per-unit occupancy limits through Chapter 6.33 and Title 14.