Orem Rules: Floodplain, Wetland, Historic, Tree & Sign

Land Use and Zoning Utah 5 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Utah

Orem, Utah regulates development and property work in floodplains, wetlands, historic districts, public trees, and signs through land-use and building controls administered by city departments and codified ordinances. This guide summarizes what property owners, contractors, and community groups should know about permits, common prohibitions, enforcement routes, and practical steps to comply. Where official ordinance text or forms are not explicit on the city pages, this article notes that the detail is not specified on the cited page and shows how to contact the relevant city office for authoritative answers.[1]

Floodplain & Wetland Requirements

Work in designated floodplain or wetland areas is restricted to reduce flood risk and protect water resources. Orem enforces site-specific restrictions, elevation or floodproofing standards, and limitations on fill and grading where FEMA flood maps or local studies apply. If a property is in a mapped floodplain or has regulated wetland features, a permit or special review is usually required before grading, drainage changes, or building foundations are altered.

  • Apply for land-use or grading permits where proposed work affects base flood elevations or wetland buffers.
  • Comply with required elevation, anchoring, or floodproofing for new structures in flood hazard areas.
  • Provide engineered plans and drainage reports when required by the development services or engineering review.
Work in flood-prone areas often requires both a city permit and compliance with FEMA-adopted standards.

Historic Districts

Orem designates certain areas as historic districts or landmark properties where exterior changes, demolition, and new construction are reviewed to preserve historical character. Alterations affecting facades, materials, or streetscape elements commonly require design review or a certificate of appropriateness from the planning or historic preservation advisor.

  • Submit design review or certificate applications for exterior alterations in historic districts.
  • Expect review timelines; some applications require public notice and scheduled review by a board or commission.
  • Contact the planning division for guidance on materials, setbacks, and permitted work.

Tree Regulations

Public and regulated private trees within certain zones or right-of-way areas are protected to maintain canopy and street character. The city restricts removal, pruning, and topping of significant trees; permits or mitigation (replacement planting or fees) may be required for removals.

  • Obtain a tree removal permit where required by the municipal code or by chapter-specific rules.
  • Follow approved pruning methods; indiscriminate topping or damage may be prohibited.
  • Replacement planting or fees can apply if protected trees are removed.
Always check whether a tree sits in the public right-of-way before pruning or removing it.

Sign Regulations

Signs are regulated for size, location, illumination, and duration to protect traffic safety and neighborhood character. Temporary banners, commercial roadside signs, and electronic message centers have specific limits on size, height, and permitted zones. Sign permits are typically required for new signs and some replacement signs.

  • Apply for a sign permit for new, replacement, or substantially altered signage.
  • Prohibited signs (e.g., certain off-premise signs or unsafe placements) must be removed or face enforcement action.
  • Temporary sign rules set display periods and placement restrictions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by city enforcement staff, planning and building officials, and code compliance officers. Monetary fines, administrative orders, stop-work orders, permit revocations, or court action may be imposed for violations of floodplain, wetland, historic district, tree, or sign regulations. Where the ordinance or department page does not list exact penalty amounts or escalation, the detail is not specified on the cited page and you should contact the department for current penalties and procedures.[2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; contact enforcement for current fine schedules.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences may be addressed by progressive fines or court referral; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, abatement orders, permit suspensions, or civil court actions are available remedies.
  • Enforcer and complaints: report suspected violations to the City of Orem Code Compliance or Building/Planning divisions via the official contact page.
  • Appeals and review: appeal procedures and time limits are governed by ordinance or administrative rules; time limits are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the city.
  • Defences and discretion: permits, variances, or reasonable-excuse defenses (e.g., emergency work) may be available subject to review.

Applications & Forms

Many permits and applications are processed through the city development or building permit portal; specific form names, numbers, fees, and online submission steps are provided by development services and the planning division. Where a form name or fee is not published on the department page, that detail is not specified on the cited page—contact Development Services to obtain the current application packet or fee schedule.[3]

  • Sign permit application: see Development Services for current form and fee information.
  • Tree removal or historic district alteration applications: obtain forms and submittal requirements from Planning.
  • Fee payment: most permit fees are payable at application; specific amounts are listed on departmental fee schedules when published.
If a regulation page lacks a fee or fine schedule, request the current schedule in writing from the department for an official record.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
It depends on the tree location and species; removals in public right-of-way or protected tree zones typically require a permit—check with Planning or Development Services.
What should I do if my property is in a floodplain?
Consult the development services or engineering staff before construction; you may need elevation certificates, floodproofing, or special permits to comply with floodplain requirements.
Can I put up a temporary banner for a business event?
Temporary signs are often allowed with limits on size and duration; obtain a temporary sign permit or confirm placement rules with the planning division.

How-To

  1. Identify whether your property is in a regulated zone by contacting Planning or checking the municipal code/maps.
  2. Download or request the relevant permit application and checklist from Development Services or Planning.
  3. Prepare drawings, reports, and mitigation plans (arborist, floodproofing, drainage) as required by the application checklist.
  4. Submit the application, pay fees, and respond to review comments until approval is issued.
  5. Obtain inspections and final approvals before starting or completing work.

Key Takeaways

  • Check zoning and overlays early—permits and reviews add time to projects.
  • Contact Planning or Development Services for authoritative guidance on permits and applications.
  • Enforcement can include orders and fines; obtain permits or variances rather than risk violations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Orem Municipal Code - Ordinances and zoning regulations
  2. [2] City of Orem Planning Division - planning, historic, and sign guidance
  3. [3] City of Orem Building/Development Services - permits and inspections

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