Orem Zoning Overview

Orem is a city in Utah County with approximately 97,499 residents. The city manages land use and development through its local zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

Orem follows the Utah State Construction Code, which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).

Primary Zoning Districts

Orem's zoning code includes a range of residential districts. The R-1-8 district requires a minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet with a 35-foot height limit and setbacks of 25 feet (front), 8 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear). The R-1-6 district requires 6,000 square foot minimum lots with setbacks of 25 feet (front), 6 feet (side), and 20 feet (rear). The R-2 (Two-Family Residential) district allows single-family and duplex development.

The RM (Multi-Family Residential) district accommodates higher-density housing including apartments, townhouses, and condominiums. Commercial activity is served by the C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial) districts. The M-1 (Light Manufacturing) district provides for industrial and warehousing uses.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Orem allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in certain residential zones. Utah does not currently have a statewide ADU mandate. Contact the Orem Planning Department for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, owner-occupancy rules, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Orem generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning through the local board of zoning appeals or planning commission.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Orem, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
• Contact the Planning Department at (801) 229-7180 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Orem and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Orem or the municipal code before making development decisions.