Orem, UT Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Orem City Code Section 22-1-4 (Building Permits Required) provides that it is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct or alter any building, structure, fence or any part thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the City. The City's official Development Services handout, 'When Do I Need a Building Permit?' (Building Safety Division, 56 North State Street, 801-229-7060), clarifies how this applies to fences: masonry or concrete fences, swimming pools, and retaining walls four feet or more high (measured from the bottom of the footing) require a building permit, while fences other than masonry or concrete 'STILL NEED FENCE PERMIT but not building permit.' Fence repairs and retaining walls smaller than four feet do not require a permit. Fence permits are obtained through Orem's online portal; the City notes that fence permits should not be applied for through the building-permit portal unless the fence is masonry or concrete or includes a retaining wall, which then routes through Planning/Zoning and Building Safety. Drive approaches need an engineering permit but not a building permit. Applicants can reach Development Services at 801-229-7058 (Planning) or 801-229-7060 (Building Safety).