Pop. 99,487 · Utah County
Orem may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.
Utah state law prohibits breed-specific legislation. Orem cannot ban or restrict specific dog breeds. Dangerous dog rules are behavior-based and apply to any breed that bites or exhibits vicious behavior.
Orem requires all dogs to be leashed or contained at all times, including in most city parks. The only designated off-leash area is the dog park at Timpanogos Park. All dogs over 4 months must be licensed annually.
Orem City Code Chapter 22 does not establish a short-term rental insurance requirement because the 2002 zoning amendment prohibits transient lodging under 30 days in residential districts, so the city has not codified a liability minimum, certificate-of-insurance filing, or homeowner-policy endorsement rule for STR operators. Utah Code does not impose a statewide STR insurance mandate either; HB 217 (2024) limits cities' ability to ban STRs solely on advertising but leaves insurance as a local choice not yet exercised by Orem.
Orem has historically prohibited short-term rentals (transient lodging under 30 days) in residential zones under a 2002 zoning ordinance, so no occupancy formula has applied to lawful residential STRs. The Orem City Council reviewed a draft STR text amendment in 2025 (Utah PMN posting 772697) discussing tiered caps such as two guests per bedroom up to a maximum of eight, but as of the most recent verified council discussion no STR occupancy ordinance had been formally adopted.
STR operators in Orem must collect Utah state sales tax (4.85%), Utah County Transient Room Tax (6%), and applicable local taxes. Platforms like Airbnb may auto-collect, but hosts remain responsible for compliance.
STR properties in Orem must have designated off-street parking for guests. Street parking is limited to 72 hours per vehicle. HOAs often impose stricter parking rules. Planned development zones may have enclosed RV storage requirements.
Orem regulates short-term rentals but cannot ban them in residential zones per Utah state law (SB 167/HB 217). STR operators must obtain a city business license under Chapter 12. Safety requirements and neighbor complaint mechanisms are in place.
STR guests in Orem must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Quiet hours are 10:30 PM to 7 AM. Noise plainly audible at 30 feet from residences during quiet hours is prohibited. Hosts are responsible for guest compliance.
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).
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 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.
Utah Code §10-9a-530 and §17-27a-526 authorize internal ADUs statewide. Tiny homes on foundations are dwellings; tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are typically classified as RVs and cannot be permanent residences in Provo or Orem.
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.
Utah adopts IRC Appendix G requiring pool barriers at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates for all residential pools, spas, and hot tubs. Non-compliance triggers immediate correction orders in Provo and Orem.
Retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from footing bottom to top) require a building permit and engineered drawings in Provo, Orem, and unincorporated Utah County. Walls with surcharge loads need permits at any height.
Utah County and its cities regulate fence materials by zone. Provo City Code §14.34 and Orem City Code §22-14-15 specify approved materials. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron standard. Barbed wire prohibited residential.
Home occupations in Orem residential zones must not generate customer traffic or on-site visits that alter the residential character. No non-resident employees typically permitted. High-traffic businesses require a Conditional Use Permit or commercial zone.
Home businesses in Orem residential zones are generally limited to minimal or no exterior signage. A sign permit is required for any sign exceeding residential allowances. Contact Orem Planning at (801) 229-7058.
Home-based businesses in Orem require a city business license (Chapter 12) and must be a permitted use in the property's zone (Chapter 22). Some higher-activity home businesses require a Conditional Use Permit.
Utah's Home Consumption and Homemade Food Act (UT §4-5-9.5) is one of the most permissive cottage food laws in the U.S. with no revenue cap and no registration for most shelf-stable foods sold direct-to-consumer.
Utah Code §26B-2-404 licenses in-home daycare. Utah County permits residential daycare as a home occupation; larger operations (9+ kids) need a conditional use permit under Provo and Orem zoning.
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.
Utah County requires electrical permits for 240V hot tub installations. A locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 typically satisfies barrier rules under IRC Appendix G, adopted via Utah Code §15A-3-202.
Utah County requires building permits for all in-ground pools and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. Provo, Orem, and county inspections cover electrical, plumbing, and barriers. IBC 2021 adopted by Utah.
Orem City Code §19-3-5 prohibits parking trailers, unattached campers, or boats on public streets for more than 72 hours. In planned development zones, RV storage must be in a 6-foot fenced, paved enclosure. Front yard storage is restricted.
Orem City Code §19-3-5 prohibits parking any vehicle in the same location on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours. Enhanced enforcement near Utah Valley University campus. All vehicles must have current registration.
Orem restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage in residential areas is prohibited. All vehicles must comply with the 72-hour street parking limit.
Orem requires a minimum number of off-street paved parking spaces by zoning type. For accessory apartments, at least 3 paved off-street parking pads are required. Driveways may not be within 25 feet of a fence over 3 feet in the clear vision area.
Utah Code §41-6a-1405 defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public property 48+ hours or on private property without consent. Provo Code §9.45.100 and Orem Code §10-5 authorize tagging and towing after notice.
Provo bans overnight street parking from 3 AM to 5 AM year-round (Provo Code §9.45.050). Orem and unincorporated Utah County restrict overnight parking during snow season. Vehicles may be ticketed or towed.
Utah County cities follow the 2021 International Building Code with Utah amendments requiring EV-ready parking in new multifamily construction. Residential Level 2 installations need a Utah-licensed electrician and an electrical permit.
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's 2020 xeriscaping ordinance update reduced required green cover from 75% to 50% of the property. Weeds and overgrown vegetation are subject to code compliance enforcement. Artificial turf rules vary by zone.
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.
Orem enforces weed abatement. Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah Code §4-17-101) applies statewide. County weed boards enforce.
Utah County cities permit artificial turf as a water-efficient alternative. Provo and Orem require proper drainage and limit turf in front yards to a percentage of landscaped area; HOAs cannot ban it outright under UT §57-8a-231.
Rainwater harvesting in Utah County regulated by Utah Code §73-3-1.5. Residents may collect up to 2,500 gallons underground with free state registration via Division of Water Rights. Critical due to Wasatch Front drought.
Utah Code §57-8a-231 protects homeowners' right to install water-wise landscaping. Utah County encourages Localscapes and Slow the Flow native plant designs given persistent Wasatch Front drought.
Orem follows Utah state fireworks windows (July 2–5 and July 22–25). Fireworks are prohibited within 100 feet of undeveloped land, within 500 feet of National Forest/BLM lands, and in all city parks. Discharge maps available at orem.gov/fireworks.
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.
Utah County requires defensible space in WUI areas along the Wasatch foothills. Provo, Orem, and unincorporated hillside communities enforce 30-foot non-combustible zones. Utah Code §65A-8 wildland fire provisions apply.
Utah County enforces wildfire-hazard-area defensible space under Utah Code §65A-8-203 and the Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code, with mandatory 30-foot clearance, Class A/B roofing in mapped WUI zones along the Wasatch Front, and closed-fire restrictions issued annually by the state forester.
Utah Code 53-7-301 et seq. and Utah Administrative Rule R710-6 give the State Fire Marshal exclusive authority over liquefied petroleum gas, adopting NFPA 58 statewide for tank installation, storage, certification, and operator licensing.
Orem permits construction 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays. No construction within 200 feet of residential zones is allowed outside these hours. No Sunday construction.
Orem considers excessive and continuous barking a noise nuisance. Dogs must be contained on the owner's property or on a leash. Orem Animal Control responds to barking dog complaints. The North Utah Valley Animal Shelter in Lindon handles impoundment.
Orem enforces quiet hours from 10:30 PM to 7 AM under its criminal offenses code. Loud noise plainly audible at 30 feet from a residence during quiet hours is prohibited. Disturbing the peace is a Class C misdemeanor if it continues after a request to stop.
Utah County regulates amplified music under general noise ordinances. Provo City Code §9.06 and Orem City Code §9-3 govern sound. Special event permits required for amplified outdoor events. Utah Code §76-9-102 applies.
Utah County has no leaf blower-specific ban. General noise ordinance limits apply during quiet hours. Gas-powered blowers widely used across Provo, Orem, and Wasatch Front neighborhoods year-round.
Aircraft noise in Utah is regulated almost entirely by the Federal Aviation Administration under federal law. Utah Code Title 72 Chapter 10 (Aeronautics Act) recognizes federal supremacy, and municipalities cannot impose flight-path or in-air noise limits.
Orem enforces FEMA flood zone standards under City Code Chapter 10 (Flood Damage Prevention). Properties in SFHAs face elevation requirements, flood insurance mandates, and construction restrictions. 2024 FEMA map updates affected Orem boundaries.
Utah County requires a grading permit for excavation or fill over 50 cubic yards or any grading on slopes over 30 percent, per the Land Use Ordinance and IBC Appendix J. Drainage cannot be redirected onto adjacent parcels. Wasatch foothill sites face stricter geotechnical review.
Utah County requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan before any grading or construction activity, with Wasatch Front foothill sites facing stricter slope stabilization rules. Silt fence, wattles, and stabilized construction entrances are standard. County inspectors can halt work for uncontrolled sediment.
Utah County enforces stormwater management under its MS4 permit with UDEQ, requiring Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) for land disturbance over 1 acre. Provo and Orem operate separate MS4 programs. Utah Lake watershed protection is a priority given ongoing algal bloom concerns.
Utah County has no ocean coastline but regulates development near Utah Lake, the Provo and Spanish Fork Rivers, and Jordanelle Reservoir tributaries. Shoreline buffers, floodplain restrictions, and US Army Corps §404 wetland permits apply near Utah Lake, a sovereign lake managed by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands.
Orem enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Utah County parks and trails close at 10 PM and reopen at 6 AM per Utah County Code Title 8. Provo parks close at 11 PM, Orem parks at 10:30 PM. After-hours presence is a class C misdemeanor under Utah Code §76-6-206.
Utah County food trucks require reciprocal permits under Utah Code §11-56-103. Utah County Health Department food permit mandatory. Provo Mobile Vendor license required. Statewide portability recent.
Utah County cities designate food truck vending zones subject to Utah Code §11-56 state reciprocity. Provo allows mobile food with restrictions near brick-and-mortar. Orem has downtown Center Street zones.
Utah County cities maintain no-knock registries. Provo and Orem both operate opt-out lists. Posted signs carry legal weight. Utah Code §76-6-206 trespass enforcement applies to ignored signs.
Utah County cities require solicitor permits. Provo City Code §5.40 mandates permit and BCI background check. Orem City Code §5-10 similar. 9 AM to sundown hours. LDS missionaries exempt.
Provo limits residential garage sales to 3 per calendar year per property under §14.34.020. Orem caps at 4 sales per year per §14-8-5. Exceeding limits triggers home occupation zoning rules.
Provo §14.34.020 limits garage sale hours to 7 AM to 8 PM. Orem §14-8-5 allows 8 AM to 8 PM. Sunday sales are permitted countywide though LDS cultural norms mean Saturday is dominant in Utah County.
Utah County does not require garage sale permits in unincorporated areas. Provo and Orem allow sales without permits but limit frequency and signs. Most Utah County jurisdictions are permit-free for residential sales.
Utah County has no general private-property tree permit. Provo requires permits for street trees under §12.16 and trees in parks. Orem §13-14 regulates public trees. Private removal is unrestricted except for heritage trees.
Provo §12.16.070 requires 2:1 replacement for permitted street tree removals. Orem §13-14-5 requires 1:1 minimum. Replacement must use approved drought-tolerant species due to Wasatch Front drought conditions.
Provo Urban Forestry designates heritage trees under §12.16.050 based on species rarity, 24+ inch DBH, and historical significance. Removal requires City Council approval. Utah County has no unincorporated heritage program.
Utah Code §10-9a-511 and §17-27a-510 protect political sign display on private property, barring cities and counties from limiting them beyond reasonable time, place, and manner rules. Utah County, Provo, and Orem allow political signs with size limits and prohibit placement in public rights-of-way.
Utah County and Provo/Orem allow small temporary garage-sale signs (typically 4 sq ft) on private property and limited off-premises directional signs, but prohibit attachment to utility poles, traffic signs, and public property. Signs must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends.
Utah County and Provo/Orem permit residential holiday decorations without a permit. Displays must not block sidewalks or sight triangles, must use outdoor-rated electrical equipment per NEC, and inflatables must be anchored. Noise-producing displays fall under standard quiet-hour rules.
Provo §9.28.030 requires sidewalk snow removal within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Orem §13-4-5 sets 24-hour rule. Critical in Utah County given heavy Wasatch snowfall and lake-effect storms from Utah Lake.
Provo Code §9.28 and Orem Code §8-2 require trash and recycling bins to be stored out of street view except on collection day. Bins may be placed curbside after 6 PM the day before pickup and retrieved by the end of pickup day.
Utah County and cities including Provo and Orem require vacant lot owners to control weeds and refuse under Utah Code §10-11-1, with specific noxious-weed control duties under the Utah Noxious Weed Act (§4-17-101) enforced by the Utah County Weed Department.
Utah County Land Use Ordinance and municipal nuisance codes in Provo and Orem prohibit blighted property conditions including deteriorated structures, accumulated junk, and overgrown weeds, authorizing abatement under Utah Code §10-11-1 et seq. with costs liened against the property.
Provo §8.05 and Orem §12-3 property maintenance codes require neat display during sales and same-day cleanup. Items cannot be left curbside between sale days. Blight citations apply after warnings.
Utah County and Provo/Orem prohibit outdoor lighting that casts more than 0.5 foot-candles at a residential property line. Complaints are investigated by code enforcement, and security floodlights aimed at neighbors are a top complaint category around BYU and UVU student housing.
Utah County's Land Use Ordinance Chapter 10 requires fully shielded, full-cutoff outdoor fixtures in most zones with lumen caps per acre and a 3000K max color temperature for residential areas. Utah is an international dark-sky leader with several nearby IDA-certified places driving regional standards.
Utah County has 1-2 state-licensed medical cannabis pharmacies permitted under strict zoning. Provo §14.34.300 and Orem §22-14 require 600 ft buffer from schools, churches, libraries, parks. Only 15 pharmacies statewide.
Home cannabis cultivation is PROHIBITED throughout Utah County even for medical patients. Utah Code §58-37-3.7 Qualified Patient Act allows only medical use from licensed pharmacies — not home grows. Recreational is a felony.
Utah County recreational drones follow FAA 49 USC §44809. FAA registration required over 0.55 lbs. Utah Code §72-14 restricts drones near wildfires. BYU, Provo Airport, Timpanogos Cave restricted airspace.
Utah County commercial drone operators require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Real estate and construction photography common. Utah Code §63G-18 governs government drone use. Provo Airport airspace strict.
Utah County limits residential lot coverage to 40% in RA-1 zones per Title 8. Provo R1 allows 40% building coverage per §14.10.050. Orem R6.5 permits 40% per §22-5-6. Stormwater rules apply above threshold.
Utah County Land Use Ordinance Title 8 sets unincorporated setbacks at 30 ft front, 10 ft side, 30 ft rear for RA-1 zones. Provo Zoning §14.10 and Orem §22-5-3 regulate incorporated setbacks.
Utah County unincorporated residential zones cap building height at 35 ft per Title 8. Provo §14.10 and Orem §22-5-5 also set 35 ft residential limits. Foothill CE-1 zones restrict to 28 ft to protect mountain views.
Utah County cities require trash bins at curb with lids closed on pickup day. Provo City Code §8.08 and Orem City Code §8-2-8 require bins removed within 24 hours. 3 feet apart minimum.
Utah County cities offer opt-in curbside recycling. Provo biweekly pickup accepts paper, cardboard, plastics #1-#2, aluminum. Orem via Republic Services. Glass NOT accepted curbside; drop-off only.
Utah County cities offer bulk pickup via scheduling or cleanup weeks. Provo hosts spring cleanup. Orem offers on-call service. South County Landfill accepts self-haul. Hazmat excluded.
Utah County cities provide weekly curbside trash via municipal or contracted haulers. Provo Waste and Recycling runs weekly pickup. Orem uses Republic Services. Unincorporated areas contract private haulers.
Utah does not require just cause for evictions. Landlords follow Utah Code §78B-6-802 (unlawful detainer) with a 3-day notice for nonpayment or lease violation, or 15-day notice for no-cause month-to-month termination. Self-help evictions like lockouts are banned under §57-22-4.5.
Utah law preempts local rent control under Utah Code §10-8-85.4 and §17-50-335, which bar cities and counties from capping private rental rates. Utah County, Provo, and Orem therefore have no rent control, and landlords may raise rent to market rate with proper notice under Utah Code §78B-6-802.
Provo operates a mandatory Residential Rental Licensing program under PCC Chapter 6.26, with fee discounts for landlords completing Good Landlord training. Orem has a Rental Dwelling License under OCC §22-9. Utah County unincorporated areas do not have countywide rental registration but rely on state law.
Utah County requires combined building and electrical permits for rooftop PV systems, issued through expedited residential solar review. Utah Code §10-9a-305 bars unreasonable local restrictions, and Rocky Mountain Power administers net metering under Utah PSC rules. Fire setbacks follow IFC 2021 §1205.
Utah Solar Rights Act (§57-8a-801 through §57-8a-805) prohibits HOAs from banning rooftop solar panels. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot reduce system efficiency by more than 20% or raise installed cost by more than 10%. Approval must issue within 60 days.
Utah Title 34 Chapter 40 establishes the state minimum wage and preempts local governments from enacting their own minimum wage ordinances.
Utah preempts local paid leave mandates through employment regulation provisions, leaving private-sector leave benefits to employer discretion or state law.
Utah preempts local predictive scheduling and fair workweek ordinances by reserving employment scheduling regulation to the state Legislature.
Utah recognizes both a concealed firearm permit under Title 53 Chapter 5 and permitless concealed carry for qualifying adults statewide, preempting local restrictions.
Utah Code 53-5a-102 broadly preempts local firearm regulation, reserving authority to the Legislature with limited exceptions for state property and government buildings.
Utah generally allows open carry of firearms by adults who may lawfully possess them, with local regulation preempted by Utah Code 53-5a-102.
Utah Code 76-10-505 and related sections govern carrying firearms in vehicles, allowing loaded carry by qualifying adults under permitless carry while preempting local rules.
Utah Code 63G-12-301 and following sections require private employers with 15 or more employees to use a status verification system such as E-Verify for new hires.
Utah Code 17-22-9.5 requires county sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, effectively preempting sanctuary policies through HB 497 enforcement provisions.
Utah law supports agricultural zoning, greenbelt taxation, and Right to Farm protections that limit local restrictions on customary agricultural land uses.
Utah Code 78B-6-1101 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits when surrounding land uses change toward residential development.
Utah Code 11-39-110 preempts local governments from regulating auxiliary containers including plastic bags, foam containers, and similar packaging items.
Utah Code 11-39-110 prevents local bans on polystyrene foam food containers by classifying them as preempted auxiliary containers under state law.
Utah Code 11-39-110 preempts local regulation of plastic straws and similar single-use service items as auxiliary containers under state law.
Utah Code 76-10-104 prohibits sale, furnishing, or provision of tobacco and electronic cigarettes to anyone under 21 years of age statewide.
Utah restricts flavored electronic cigarette products outside specialty tobacco retailers, regulating where minors-prohibited flavored vapes may lawfully be sold.
Utah regulates vape retailers under Title 26B and Title 59, requiring licensing, age verification, and compliance with state nicotine and flavor restrictions.