Before You Build in Orem, UT: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Orem allows 6-foot fences in rear yards and side yards. Front yards are limited to 3 feet for solid fences or 4 feet for open-style fences. All fences over the de minimis size require a written permit from the City.

Orem follows Utah general property law for shared fences. Utah Code §17-15-3 provides county fence viewers for disputes. No Orem-specific cost-sharing ordinance exists. Fences must not create vision hazards near driveways.

All fences in Orem require a written permit from the City before construction, reconstruction, or alteration. Contact the Orem Building Department at (801) 229-7000 to apply online.

Orem requires pool barriers of at least 4 to 5 feet in height with self-closing, self-latching gates. Building permits are required for all pools. Utah Admin Code R392-302 and IRC barrier standards apply.

All residential pools in Orem require a building permit. Safety standards follow the IRC and Utah Admin Code R392-302. Pool drains must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. Commercial pools require Utah County Health Department approval.

Above-ground pools in Orem require a building permit and must meet the same fence/barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Associated decking may require an additional permit. Self-closing, self-latching gate access points are required.

Garage conversions to living space in Orem require a building permit and must meet residential code standards. Converting to an accessory apartment is subject to ADU rules including 3 paved parking spaces. Off-street parking minimums must still be met.

Orem calls ADUs 'accessory apartments' and permits them in single-family homes (except R-5 zone). At least 3 paved off-street parking spaces are required. Sewer connection may be required. Units must meet full building code standards.

Orem regulates carports as accessory buildings/structures under Chapter 22 of the City Code, with the core standards in Section 22-6-8(D). A detached accessory structure may not be placed in a front yard unless it is set back at least forty (40) feet from the front property line, must sit at least six (6) feet from the primary structure if it requires a building permit, and the combined footprint of all accessory buildings is capped at eight percent (8%) of the parcel for single-family lots (twelve percent for multifamily developments).

Orem does not require a building permit for sheds 200 sq ft or smaller on single/two-family lots (120 sq ft on multi-family). Site plan approval is still required. Structures with utilities always require a permit regardless of size.

Orem allows residential recreational fire pits following Utah fire code standards: maximum 3-foot diameter fuel area, 2-foot flame height, 25-foot clearance from structures, spark arrestor required. Air quality must be checked before any fire.

Open burning in Orem requires contacting the City or Fire Chief for permits, not the standard online county system. Utah DAQ burn seasons are April 1–May 31 and September 15–October 31 when the clearing index is 500+. Red/Yellow air action days prohibit all burning.

Tree trimming in Orem on private property is generally not regulated beyond standard safety requirements. Street/public right-of-way trees require city approval before trimming. Branches near power lines should be reported to the utility.

Orem follows the Utah weekly watering guide (typically 2 days/week in spring, no watering 10 AM–6 PM, off-season Oct 31–Apr 1). The 2020 xeriscape update cut required green-cover to 50%. Orem does NOT participate in Utah's grass-replacement rebate program.

Tree removal on private property in Orem is generally permitted without a city permit for most trees. Heritage trees under the Utah Heritage Tree Act require a permit. Street or right-of-way trees require city approval.