Orem, UT Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Orem City Code Article 23-3 governs the municipal storm water system (the MS4). Section 23-3-2 bars obstructing the flow of water in the system or covering a drain inlet, with narrow exceptions for City-authorized street or flood-control work. Section 23-3-4 requires a Storm Water Connection Permit before any direct or indirect connection, separate from the shorter-term Land Disturbance Permit used during construction under Section 23-4-7. Detached single-family homes are exempt only if runoff is handled per an approved plat or site plan; adding a basement pump or foundation drain not shown on that plan still triggers the permit requirement.

Applicants file with the Development Services Department and must submit a Best Management Practices (BMP) plan, a maintenance plan, engineer-stamped drawings of permanent storm water improvements, and a fee set by City Council resolution. The BMP plan must provide for pretreatment unless the Development Review Committee (DRC) agrees it is unnecessary, and only preferred BMPs listed on the City's website may be used unless the Storm Water Division Manager approves an alternate. The DRC approves, conditions, or denies the permit; either the applicant or the City may appeal that decision to the City Manager.

Once connected, the permit holder must supply as-built plans, and failing to build or maintain the approved improvements is itself a violation enforceable under Article 23-5. Article 23-3 also gives the Director authority to inspect via easements, require monitoring and analysis if a site is causing storm water pollution, and bars removing or altering system components, or opening a storm water manhole, without written permission.