Orem, UT Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Orem City Code Section 23-4-7 targets sediment and construction pollutants leaving building sites before they reach the storm water system. A Land Disturbance Permit is required before disrupting or changing the natural landscape on any parcel, with exemptions for emergency utility or City work, disturbances under 500 square feet, residential gardening, bona fide farming that is the parcel's principal use, and sites that already hold a state Notice of Intent. Applicants file with Development Services and submit a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) describing the site, the sequence of soil-disturbing activities, and specific control measures, including Best Management Practices and, where possible, low-impact development techniques.

Disturbed portions of a site must be stabilized, through seeding, mulching, geo-textiles, or similar measures, as soon as practicable and no later than 14 days after disturbance activity stops in that portion, except when snow or frozen ground delays it or work will resume within 21 days. Applications are due on or before the applicant's preliminary subdivision plat, site plan, conditional use permit, or building permit filing, and moving dirt before the permit issues is unlawful. A bond is required: $4,000 for up to 100 feet of street frontage, $6,000 up to 200 feet, $8,000 up to 300 feet, $10,000 beyond that, or a flat $1,000 for single lots in a common plan of development, released at final site stabilization.

The Storm Water Division Manager approves, conditions, or denies the permit, and denials may be appealed to the City Manager. Covering a curb, gutter, or sidewalk with mud or debris and leaving it overnight, and washing vehicles so concrete or mud reaches a street or the storm system, are separately prohibited and treated as nuisances regardless of permit status.