Orem Sign and Misleading Advertising Ordinances

Signs and Advertising Utah 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Utah

This guide explains how Orem, Utah regulates signs and prohibits misleading advertising for businesses, landlords, and property owners. It summarizes where to find the controlling ordinances, how historic-district sign rules differ from general sign standards, and practical steps to get a sign permit, appeal a denial, or report misleading or illegal advertising.

Scope and key definitions

Municipal sign rules and advertising prohibitions in Orem cover permanent and temporary signs, like wall signs, freestanding signs, banners, and window advertising. "Misleading advertising" generally means statements or displays that are false, deceptive, or likely to mislead a reasonable consumer; specific statutory language and examples are in the city code and administrative rules where published.[1]

Confirm whether your sign sits inside a local historic district before applying.

Historic sign rules

Signs in designated historic districts or on landmark properties may face different design, material, size, and illumination limits to preserve historic character. The Historic Preservation Commission or staff review may be required before a sign permit is issued for properties in historic zones.[3]

Permits, setbacks and content restrictions

  • Most permanent signs require a sign permit from the Planning Department.
  • Setbacks, height, and structural requirements follow the sign chapter and building code; structural permits may be separate.
  • Content rules prohibit false or misleading statements and any advertising that violates zoning or licensure conditions.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes sign permit applications and instructions through the Planning Department; the specific form name or number and fee schedule are published on the city's permit pages and the municipal code where available.[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Orem code enforcement and Community Development/Planning staff, with administrative remedies and potential civil penalties available under the municipal code. Where the municipal code lists a fine amount or penalty process, that text controls; if a numeric fine is not printed on the cited page, it is noted below as not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work orders, permit suspension or revocation, and civil court actions are possible under city authority.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: Orem Code Enforcement and Community Development accept complaints and perform inspections; contact and complaint forms are published on the city's enforcement pages.
  • Appeals: administrative appeal routes exist through the city review or appeal board; specific time limits for filing an appeal are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, variances, or documented factual accuracy may operate as defenses where the ordinance allows discretion.
If you receive a removal order, follow the notice instructions and document compliance steps.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Unpermitted permanent sign installations — subject to removal orders or permit requirements.
  • Temporary banners left beyond allowable duration — subject to citation and removal.
  • False or misleading claims on advertising — subject to enforcement action and possible civil remedies.

How-To

  1. Check the municipal sign chapter and historic district rules to confirm restrictions and required approvals.
  2. Obtain and complete the sign permit application from the Planning Department and include design drawings and site measurements.
  3. Submit structural or electrical permit applications if the sign requires mounting, wiring, or foundations.
  4. If you suspect misleading advertising, file a complaint with Code Enforcement and provide photographs and dates.
  5. If you receive a notice or fine, follow the appeal instructions and meet any filing deadlines listed on the notice.

FAQ

Can a business display a claim that later proves false?
False or deceptive claims can be subject to enforcement under the city advertising and sign rules; consult the municipal code and file a complaint with Code Enforcement to initiate review.[1]
Do historic properties need a separate review for signs?
Yes. Signs in historic districts or on landmark properties typically need review by the Historic Preservation Commission or staff before permit issuance.[3]
Where do I get the sign permit form and fee schedule?
Sign permit applications and fee information are available from Orem's Planning Department permit pages; contact Planning for the current form and any applicable fees.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Always check both the general sign chapter and any historic-district rules before designing a sign.
  • Obtain required permits and keep copies of approvals to avoid removal orders or citations.
  • Report misleading advertising to Code Enforcement with photos and dates for faster action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Orem Code of Ordinances (Signs and Advertising)
  2. [2] Orem Planning Department - Sign permits and application materials
  3. [3] Historic Preservation Commission - Orem

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