Orem, UT Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Section 22-14-15 states the City's public policy that commercial and industrial activities should be conducted in zones where such activities are specifically permitted, and that it is unlawful to conduct a business or occupation in a residential dwelling unless a home occupation permit has been issued. The Director of Finance may issue a permit to allow limited business activities within a residential dwelling in any zone if the listed requirements are met. The home occupation must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use and may not occupy more than one thousand (1,000) square feet or forty percent (40%) of the total floor area of the dwelling unit, whichever is less; enclosed garages and accessory buildings used for the business count toward that maximum.

The occupation must be carried on solely by members of the immediate family who reside in the dwelling, except that where the business generates little or no extra vehicular traffic and no customers travel to the home, the City may allow a maximum of one (1) non-resident employee if one off-street parking stall of at least 8 by 18 feet is provided on the lot. m. No vehicle exceeding twenty thousand (20,000) pounds gross weight may travel to the residence to service the business. The business may not emit noise, odor, dust, fumes, vibration, smoke, or electrical interference, and storage or use of flammable, explosive, or dangerous materials is prohibited.

The business must comply with all City building and fire codes. A home occupation in a dwelling with an accessory apartment is allowed only if there are no customers coming to the home, no deliveries, and no employee living outside the home. Any repair business with a Standard Land Use Code 64XX (Appendix A) is not permitted as a home occupation. Home Day Care Services are exempt and are governed by Section 22-6-9.