Orem, UT Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

' The rule is written broadly around effect rather than any specific object list: a parked trailer, stored materials, a dumpster, landscaping debris or any other blockage that stops or reroutes traffic can violate the section regardless of what it is made of. The only built-in exception covers 'work being done in a street or sidewalk with a lawful permit,' meaning a contractor or utility crew working under a Section 16-2-1 street-cut or construction permit is not in violation of Section 16-1-3 for the duration of that authorized work.

The section sits alongside related Chapter 16 duties: Section 16-1-4 requires owners and occupants of property abutting a public street, curb, gutter or sidewalk to trim back vegetation that impedes traffic or blocks driver sightlines, with three days to comply after written notice before the City does the trimming and bills the owner. Section 16-1-5 separately bars placing or spilling material or debris on a public street without immediate cleanup, giving a violator twelve hours after notification to clean up before the City does it and charges the cost back. Because Chapter 16 has no dedicated penalty section of its own, an obstruction violation falls back on Orem's general penalty at Section 1-1-7.