Most Requested Resources
Frequently asked questions
All properties in Orem City have a zone, which determines use and setbacks.
To look up the zone for a property, open the Orem City Zoning Map and use the magnifier button to search an address; Or call a planner for assistance at 801-229-7198, option 3.
Most zones can be separated into general use categories:
Residential:
- R5-R20, PRD
Commercial:
- C1-C3, HS, PO, BP
Manufacturing:
- CM, M1, M2
Open Space and Agriculture:
- OS5, ROS
Planned Development:
- PD
Each “PD” zone has its own unique list of uses, design requirements, and code, which can be found in Chapter 22-11.
For all other zones, a comprehensive list of uses and what zones they are allowed in can be viewed in Appendix A of the City Code.
Setback distances vary depending on the zone, lot shape, age of the subdivision, and sidewalk design. Below is a list of the most common setbacks:
R5 (Standard Interior Lot)
- Front: 22.5 feet
- Rear: 22.5 feet
- Side: 5 foot minimum on one side, 15 feet minimum total for both sides combined (Example: 6 feet on one side and 9 feet on the other)
R6, R6.5 (Standard Interior Lot)
- Front: 25 feet
- Rear: 25 feet
- Side: 6 foot minimum on one side, 16 feet minimum total for both sides combined (Example: 7 feet on one side and 9 feet on the other)
R7.5, R8, R12 (Standard Interior Lot)
Front: 25 feet
Rear: 25 feet
Side: 8 foot minimum on one side, 20 feet minimum total for both sides combined (Example: 10 feet on one side and 10 feet on the other)
The setbacks for all residential zones can be viewed in Section 22-6-8 (B).
A Public Utility Easement (PUE) is a recorded easement or right-of-way that is dedicated to the use and installation of public utility facilities.
PUEs grant the public utility the right to access the easement to install, maintain, operate, repair, remove, replace, or relocate the subject utility (Utah State Code 54-3-27).
PUEs generally contain water, sewer, gas, electric, and fiber lines.
Most residential properties have a 10 foot wide PUE located in the front yard adjacent to the public street, and a 5 foot wide PUE located along both side yard property lines and the rear lot line.
PUEs can be viewed on the Utah County Parcel Map by searching an address, clicking on the lot, and clicking on the name of the subdivision.
PUEs are generally represented by dashed lines on the subdivision map.
Development Review is required for all of the following types of projects:
- Property Subdivision or Combination
- Boundary Line Adjustment
- All New Commercial Buildings
- Commercial Site Improvements
- Temporary Site Plans
- Residential Daycare and Preschool Fence Projects
- Conditional Uses and Variances
- Rezones and Text Amendments
All commercial development projects require a Site Plan.
A Full Site Plan is required for:
- New commercial projects on undeveloped sites
- Building additions that exceed 10% of the existing building footprint (22-14-20)
- Development or redevelopment that changes 10% or more of the lot’s impervious surface footprint; OR has the potential to generate highly contaminated runoff (23-4-8(2))
- Developments or amendments in any PD zone wherein the adopted code requires a Full Site Plan
Administrative Site Plans may be considered for projects that are minor in nature. Such projects include, but are not limited to:
- Increasing the amount of parking; restriping existing stalls; or relocating covered parking
- Reducing building size
- Building additions less than 10% of the existing building footprint
- Relocating on-site utility services
- Altering exterior lighting or changing exterior finishing materials
- Increasing the amount of landscaping
Neighborhood Meetings are required for Full Site Plan Developments that are located either within a residential zone, adjacent to a residential zone, or within a PD zone wherein the adopted code requires a meeting to be held.
Any project that proposes a Rezone must also hold a Neighborhood Meeting for property owners located within a 2,000 foot radius.
Neighborhood Meetings must be held before applying for a Full Site Plan or Rezone. An individual or entity who holds a Neighborhood Meeting must:
- Provide mailed notice of the meeting, postmarked 21 calendar days before the date of the meeting;
- Notify neighbors within a 2,000 foot radius for Rezones and a 1,000 foot radius for Full Site Plans using a mailing list retrieved by an Associate Planner;
- Produce notices, meeting minutes, and meeting rosters using the City’s authorized templates;
- Hold the meeting within City boundaries on any week night after 6:00 PM or Saturday after 9:00 AM;
- Schedule the meeting on a day that is NOT in conflict with a Planning Commission or City Council meeting and;
- Schedule the meeting on a day that is NOT the day before, on, or after a holiday
Phone calls and door-to-door contacts are not considered neighborhood meetings.
To contact a planner for templates and mailing lists, call 801.229.7198, or email one of the Associate Planners listed below.
Contact Our Team
If you have questions about active planning projects, development review, or zoning, contact our Associate Planners. For questions about the active travel plan, the general plan, or other items contact our Senior Planner.
