Orem ADU playbook

Orem is a specified municipality under S.B. 284. Use this playbook to prepare for Development Services with parcel ID, zone, and a clear internal vs detached goal.

Planning desk

Orem City Development Services

www.orem.gov/departments/development-services

Try a sample property: 217 S 1000 E, Orem

Local themes

Orem is a specified municipality under S.B. 284, so qualifying properties of 11,000+ sq ft get a statewide detached-ADU floor on Oct 1, 2026.
Confirm current ADU, setback, parking, and owner-occupancy rules with Development Services before you design.
Assessor “Residential” is not the same as the city’s zoning district — ask planning which zone your parcel sits in.

Setbacks: Expect standard residential setbacks and property-coverage limits for detached units; confirm the exact zone sheet before you draw plans.

Parking: Plan for at least one additional space for many internal ADUs; detached parking is capped by state law in specified cities but still needs a workable site plan.

Ordinance: Confirm Orem’s current ADU ordinance and any updates tied to S.B. 284 (detached operative Oct 1, 2026).

Common rejection reasons

Assumed assessor “Residential” equals the zoning district
Detached footprint that ignores rear/side setbacks
No owner-occupancy plan
HOA prohibition discovered after design fees

Permit tips

Bring parcel ID and a printed Utah ADU Builder summary
Ask which zoning district applies and whether ADUs are permitted there today
Ask for the current ADU handout / checklist before hiring a designer