101 local rules on file · Pop. 1,250 · Utah County
Showing ordinances that apply to West Mountain, UT
West Mountain is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 1,250 in Utah County, Utah. Because West Mountain is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Utah County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Utah County may have different rules.
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.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Utah County ordinances.
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.
Utah Admin. Code R657-3 and Utah County nuisance ordinances prohibit intentional feeding of big game (deer, elk, moose) and predators (bears, cougars). Violations are Class B misdemeanors under Utah Code §23-13-14.
Utah County Code Chapter 5 defines and regulates livestock in unincorporated areas. Livestock — including cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, and poultry — are permitted with no maximum restrictions in agricultural zones. Exotic animals may require state permits.
Utah County has no breed-specific legislation. Utah Code §18-2-101 prohibits all local governments in Utah from enacting breed-specific laws. Dangerous animal designations are behavior-based.
Utah County Code Chapter 5 prohibits animals from running at large in unincorporated areas. Dogs must be under control by a leash or voice command when off the owner's property.
Beekeeping is generally permitted in unincorporated Utah County, consistent with the county's agricultural character. All beehives must be registered with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food under Utah Code §4-2-103.
Utah County may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning.
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.
Consumer fireworks are heavily restricted in unincorporated Utah County. In recent years, Stage 1 fire restrictions have banned fireworks on all unincorporated private land during the summer fireworks season.
Open burning in unincorporated Utah County requires a permit during the burn season (April 1–May 31 and September 15–October 31). Clearing index of 500+ required on each burn day. No burning June 1–September 15.
Recreational fires in unincorporated Utah County are allowed for private property events under 50 persons without a permit, subject to IFC standards. Bonfire fuel may not exceed 5 feet in height; no pallets or old lumber.
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.
Home occupations in unincorporated Utah County require compliance with the Land Use Ordinance. Home-based businesses are permitted in residential zones if they remain clearly secondary to residential use.
Home-based business signage in unincorporated Utah County is limited by the Land Use Ordinance. Small nameplate signs are typically permitted; commercial signage in residential zones is restricted.
Home occupations in unincorporated Utah County must not generate customer traffic or activity inconsistent with the residential or rural character of the neighborhood.
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.
Unincorporated Utah County applies a nuisance-based noise standard under Utah County Code. There are no fixed codified quiet hours for the county; enforcement relies on disturbance and public nuisance determinations. Utah Code §76-9-102 (Disorderly Conduct) provides state-level backup.
Unincorporated Utah County follows Utah construction noise norms. Construction that creates unreasonable disturbance outside standard hours may be a nuisance. Practical guideline is 7 AM–9 PM weekdays and 8 AM–6 PM Saturdays.
Persistent barking that constitutes a public nuisance is enforceable under Utah County animal control ordinances and Utah state nuisance law. The Utah County Animal Control Division handles complaints.
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.
Utah County Land Use Ordinance restricts fence heights in residential zones. Front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet; rear and side yard fences up to 6 feet are typically permitted.
Fences in unincorporated Utah County may require building permits depending on height and zone. Contact Utah County Community Development to confirm permit requirements for your property.
Utah partition fence law (Utah Code §72-5-103) governs cost-sharing for boundary fences in unincorporated areas. Agricultural property owners may have specific rights regarding fence maintenance.
Provo caps short-term rental occupancy at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2, with hard max 10. Orem's STR ordinance limits occupancy to bedroom count plus 2. Utah County Land Use Ordinance for unincorporated areas applies IBC occupancy (70 sq ft per occupant) and the county's SFR occupancy limits tied to BYU/UVU housing rules.
Utah County and its cities (Provo, Orem, Lehi, American Fork) commonly require short-term rental hosts to carry commercial liability insurance of $500,000 to $1 million before a business license or conditional use permit is issued.
STR operators in unincorporated Utah County must collect and remit Utah's 4.7% transient room tax and applicable county-level taxes on all stays under 30 days.
STR guests in unincorporated Utah County must comply with county noise and nuisance standards. Hosts are responsible for guest conduct.
STR operators in unincorporated Utah County must ensure adequate off-street parking for guests. Residential roads in unincorporated areas must remain passable.
Unincorporated Utah County regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 19.89 of the county land use code. STR operators must obtain a county business license and comply with zoning, safety, and tax requirements.
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.
Swimming pools in unincorporated Utah County must comply with IBC pool barrier requirements, including a fence of at least 5–6 feet surrounding the pool with self-latching gates.
Swimming pool construction in unincorporated Utah County requires a building permit and compliance with IBC/IRC safety standards including GFCI electrical protection and anti-entrapment drain covers.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Utah County follow IBC/IRC pool barrier requirements. Pools over 24 inches deep require a building permit.
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.
Carports in Utah County require a building permit. Provo and Orem treat them as accessory structures with 3-5 ft side setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage maximums under local zoning.
Utah County must allow accessory dwelling units in unincorporated residential zones under state law (Utah Code §17-80-303). County regulations may impose owner-occupancy, parking, and minimum lot size requirements.
Sheds and accessory structures in unincorporated Utah County require building permits above certain size thresholds. Agricultural structures may have greater latitude under state agricultural exemptions.
Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated Utah County requires a building permit. Conversions to ADUs must comply with Utah County's ADU ordinance and may require owner-occupancy.
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.
Commercial vehicle storage is generally more permissive in unincorporated Utah County than in incorporated cities, particularly in agricultural and rural residential zones.
Driveways in unincorporated Utah County must meet setback and visibility standards per the Land Use Ordinance. Gravel or unpaved driveways are common and generally permitted in rural zones.
Rural unincorporated Utah County roads are typically maintained by the county with limited parking regulation compared to incorporated cities. Utah state traffic code governs parking on county roads.
Unincorporated Utah County applies relatively permissive RV and recreational vehicle parking rules compared to incorporated cities. Private property storage of RVs is generally allowed subject to setback and nuisance provisions.
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.
Unincorporated Utah County participates in FEMA's NFIP and regulates development in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Major flood risks include the Spanish Fork River, Provo River tributaries, and Utah Lake shoreline areas.
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 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 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 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.