Orem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orem City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Commercial Signage Regulations
Local businesses along the west side of I-15 got a break, allowing them to modernize aging, non-conforming signs to help customers find them without triggering expensive, full-scale rebuilds.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations
The city is updating definitions across multiple municipal code chapters to consistently refer to accessory apartments as Accessory Dwelling Units, matching upcoming state rules.
Industrial Zone Map Amendment at 1075 South 1675 West
A public hearing addressed rezoning 9.29 acres from Controlled Manufacturing to Light Manufacturing with a restrictive development agreement.
Short-term Rental Regulations
The city council continues to hammer out strict new rules for short-term rentals, debating how to handle owner-occupancy requirements, grace periods for existing non-owner-occupied rentals, enforcement strikes, and density caps across neighborhoods.
Site Plan Review for Center for Women and Children in Crisis
A new multi-building campus will provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services for those in crisis. The project aims to address a severe shortage that forced existing facilities to turn away over 700 people last year.
University Place Redevelopment & CDA Performance
The University Place CDA in Orem has seen massive increases in property value and successful retail and multi-family integration, though COVID-19 and office market shifts slowed original projections.
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure
Staff presented plans for enhancing street safety infrastructure collaboratively between Orem and Provo.
Lakeview Parkway Expansion
The multi-year Lakeview Parkway project is moving forward in segments, but remaining property and easement negotiations with landowners are delaying final completion.
Central Utah 911 Dispatch Transition
Orem and Linden are transitioning their emergency dispatch services to Central Utah 911, aiming for a seamless switchover by March 2027.
Short-Term Rental Regulation
The council continued debating a draft ordinance to regulate short-term rentals under an owner-occupied framework, focusing on parking plans, density buffers, and qualitative nuisance restrictions.
Water Connection and Utility Account Code Amendments
The city updated its municipal code to require property owners to hold commercial utility accounts, aligning commercial rules with residential landlord policies to improve billing and collections.
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADU) Regulations
Orem adopted a new ordinance to permit detached accessory dwelling units on single-family lots of 11,000 square feet or larger, complying with state mandates while setting local standards for size, height, setbacks, and parking.
Regional Transportation Planning
The Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) plays a key role in planning transportation infrastructure for Utah County. Understanding their plans and funding processes is crucial for Orem's future development and connectivity.
Wolverine Rezone
A developer requested a rezone of roughly 9.29 acres at 1075 South 1675 West to Light Manufacturing to improve site management and address nearby security issues. Commissioners backed the change after agreeing to restrict extra industrial uses through a development agreement.
Hale Center Zone Text Amendment and Concept Plan
A proposal to amend the PD-13 zone at 225 West 400 North for a multi-story residential project triggered heavy pushback from neighbors over parking shortages and overcrowding. Commissioners pressed pause on the vote, asking the developer to come back with a better plan.
Neighborhood Code Enforcement
Orem updated its neighborhood improvement rules to give residents more flexibility with vehicle repairs in driveways, clarify RV and trailer habitation rules, and set a 15-day limit for moving containers. Commissioners debated whether allowing engine work while restricting body damage was fair, but ultimately advanced the proposal to the City Council.
Vesper Amphitheater Opposition
Orem's city council just officially voted down the proposed Vesper Amphitheater, meaning your neighborhood peace and quiet is safe for now. If you've been stressing about massive concert crowds and gridlock on your street, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Commercial Development Growth
The city is reviewing several new commercial projects, including a Home Depot and an Apollo Burger, which will change the look and traffic patterns of their respective neighborhoods.
Funez Subdivision Powerline Obstruction
A proposed residential lot split was put on hold because a major powerline runs right across the property, creating safety and easement concerns for any new building.
Property Tax Revenue and State Legislation
Orem's property tax revenue is not keeping pace with inflation due to state rules, and new legislation makes it harder to raise taxes. The council discussed the implications for city finances.
Timpanogos School District Formation and Operations
The new Timpanogos School District is actively working on establishing its operational framework, including hiring staff, defining boundaries, and managing finances. Residents are concerned about the financial health of the new district and how decisions about school boundaries will impact their neighborhoods.
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure
Orem's City Council just gave the green light to a new transportation master plan. This means big changes could be coming to how we all navigate the city, from roads to public transit.
School Funding and Legislative Issues
Discussions touched on legislative issues affecting school funding, including property tax exemptions for primary residences and the impact of TIF/HTRZ on school revenue. The district is seeking ways to ensure equitable funding and explore partnerships to capture more revenue for students.
School Boundary Study Process
The district is initiating a comprehensive boundary study to redraw school zones. The process aims to be inclusive, involving focus groups and public hearings to gather input from all stakeholders, including residents without children in school who are concerned about their property taxes and representation.
Union Bench Canal Corridor Study
The city is studying what to do with the abandoned Union Bench and Provo Bench canals that run through neighborhoods. Residents adjacent to the corridor are concerned about property rights, privacy, liability, and whether a public trail makes sense.
Residential Rental Dwelling License Exemption
The commission discussed treating long-term and short-term rental units more like businesses, requiring regular inspections and safety standards to prevent blighted conditions.
City Governance
Orem's city leaders are getting called out for causing confusion and not getting stuff done. The author thinks it's time for them to shape up and focus on delivering real results for the city.
myOrem Digital Portal
The city is launching a new website to make it easier for you to pay utility bills and handle business licenses in one place. It's designed to be more secure and save you from having to remember multiple passwords.
Emergency Preparedness
The council discussed emergency preparedness, a crucial aspect of public safety and city resilience.
Fireworks Restrictions
Orem is cracking down on fireworks this year because of the high fire risk, but they might carve out a few 'safe zones' where you can still light them. Before you spend money on sparklers, make sure to check the city's official map to see if your neighborhood is actually allowed to participate.
Kneaders North Orem Concept Plan Amendment
A proposed text amendment would change the concept plan for the PD-53 zone at 1890 North State Street, replacing 3-story office buildings with a home-improvement retail store and adjusting parking layouts.
Old Orchard Plat L Subdivision Consolidation
A property owner requested to combine two adjacent lots into a single parcel in the PD-14 zone.
Fireworks Regulation
Before you start your backyard show for the 250th, double-check Orem's specific firework zones. The city has strict rules on where and when you can light them off to keep things safe and legal.
Neighborhood Meeting Policy
The city is looking at how they require developers to talk to neighbors. This could change how much input you have on projects near your home.
Home Again Lane Flag Lot Subdivision
A proposal to create a 3-lot residential subdivision using deep lot standards near 600 South and 900 East. The project preserves space for a potential future public right-of-way connection.
Costco Fuel Center Relocation and Expansion
A proposal to relocate and double the size of the Costco Fuel Center to the southern portion of its existing parking lot to improve customer fueling capacity.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
The city is updating Chapter 10 of the Orem City Code to incorporate new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps and maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Residential Development at 360 W 1500 South
A request to rezone approximately 5.45 acres from Public Facilities (PF) to Residential (R8) to facilitate a new residential subdivision.
FY 2025-2026 Municipal Budget
Orem's mayor is touting the city's ability to boost services and projects without raising taxes. It's a balancing act that has residents wondering how they're making it work.
CDBG Budget Reprogramming
The city has $350,000 that wasn't being used in an old loan program. They want to move this money into a new 'capital improvements' fund to help with city projects.
Budget Amendments
The city is adjusting its budget for the current fiscal year to account for changes in expected revenues and expenses. This ensures funds are available for ongoing city services and projects.
City Council Meeting
Orem's city council met for the first time since a tragic incident involving Charlie Kirk. It's still up in the air if they actually talked about it, but it's the first official meeting since the event.
Open Meeting Act and Ethics Training
City officials received training on the Open Meeting Act and ethics to ensure compliance and maintain public trust.
HeArt of Downtown Development
Get ready for a whole new downtown vibe! Orem's brand new city center is officially under construction, promising a modern hub for all your city needs.
General Plan Redevelopment Strategy
Commissioners debated how future land use designations and transit plans impact private property rights, specifically highlighting past conflicts over the State Street Master Plan.
Southwest Orem Development and Infrastructure
Orem's dealing with Wilkerson Farm shows how tough it is to decide what to do with open land in Utah Valley. Cities are constantly wrestling with these land use puzzles.
CARE Tax Fund Allocation
The council reviewed requests and discussed how to award funds from the CARE tax, which supports local arts, culture, and community programs.
Sunflower Dunes Subdivision Access
That old Wilkerson Farm in Orem? It might be getting turned into houses soon because everyone wants a place to live in Utah County. Get ready for some major changes in that part of town!
Zoning for Personal Services
The city is looking at allowing barber shops and tattoo parlors in manufacturing zones. This could open up new business opportunities in industrial areas.
Commercial Rezone at 355 West University Parkway
The developer wants to turn residential land into commercial space. They've offered to ban certain noisy or high-traffic businesses to keep the neighbors happy.