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.
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.
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.
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure
Staff presented plans for enhancing street safety infrastructure collaboratively between Orem and Provo.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emergency Preparedness
The council discussed emergency preparedness, a crucial aspect of public safety and city resilience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Specialized Education and Early Intervention Programs
The district is establishing specialized programs at the Sharon School site for students with significant disabilities and 18-22 year olds. There's also a community request to expand early intervention programs for preschool children with autism, highlighting the need for facility space and potential partnerships.
Westerly Way Residential Expansion
This project would add 44 twin-home units to the Geneva Road area. Neighbors are concerned about how this will affect traffic and the flow of cars through existing streets.
Whitestone Estates Subdivision
A new 51-home subdivision is being proposed for the R8 zone. The project includes new roads, sidewalks, and a trail connection, along with a stormwater retention basin that will require a homeowners association for maintenance. This will add housing to the area and require new infrastructure.
Water and Sewer Line Responsibility
Residents may not be aware that private water and sewer lines are their responsibility, leading to unexpected costs during emergencies. The HomeServe USA program offers optional insurance to cover these repairs.
State Street development project
Orem's City Council just greenlit a major State Street development, sparking resident concerns about changes to their commute and the neighborhood's aesthetic. This project is set to reshape a significant portion of the city.
Home Depot Development
A plat amendment and site plan for a new Home Depot were approved, allowing for the consolidation of multiple lots. This project is expected to bring a new retail option to the city.
Waterline Relocation Project
A major waterline project is underway to ensure a reliable water supply, especially considering seismic risks. The project involves significant infrastructure work and potential disruptions for residents.
Solid Waste Management and Transfer Station Operations
The North Pointe Solid Waste Special Service District presented an update on waste management, including tons processed, fee structures, and plans for upgrading the transfer station. This impacts how residents and businesses dispose of waste and the associated costs.
Legislative Update and City Priorities
City leaders received an update on state legislative issues that could impact local control, finances, and services, particularly concerning land use and taxation.
Johnson Farms Rezone and Development Agreement
A public hearing is being held on a request to rezone 4.43 acres at 1738 S. Geneva Road from OS5 to C2. A development agreement is attached to limit potential commercial uses per City Council direction.
Oath of Office
Orem's got new leadership! The mayor and three city council members were sworn in this week, so expect some new ideas and directions for the city.
City Council Election
Orem's City Council is up for grabs! Get the lowdown on who's running in the upcoming primary election and decide who you want making the big calls for your city.
Financial Disclosures Ordinance
Orem's new ordinance means city leaders now have to spill the beans on their personal finances. The goal? To make sure everything's above board and keep corruption out of city hall.
Mayoral Election
Orem's mayor, David Young, is seeking a second term in office. He's stated this will be his final term, so get ready for a potentially competitive election season!
Short-term Rentals
Orem's city council is debating whether to ban or regulate short-term rentals, like those found on Airbnb. This decision could significantly impact homeowners who rent out their properties and travelers looking for accommodations in the city.
Planning Commission Changes
Orem's City Council is making big changes to the planning commission, swapping out three members. This could totally change how Orem grows and develops in the future.
State Street project lawsuit settlement
Orem's finally settled a big lawsuit over the State Street project! This means they can move forward with development plans instead of getting bogged down in a long court fight.
Form of Government
Orem's city leaders are thinking about a huge change to how the city is run. This could totally alter how we elect officials and make important decisions, so it's worth keeping an eye on.
City Manager Resignation
Orem's City Manager is stepping down, meaning a leadership change is coming. This could lead to shifts in how the city operates and who's making the big decisions.
Election Integrity Investigation
Orem's City Council is under the microscope! The state's AG is investigating whether they played fast and loose with election district changes. Basically, they're checking if the council did anything wrong when they redrew the lines for voting areas.
Official Misconduct Investigation
Orem's mayor and city council are under investigation by the state Attorney General's office. This probe stems from multiple complaints filed against city leadership, though the specifics of those complaints aren't detailed.
School District Bond Opposition
Orem's City Council is pushing back against the Alpine School District's large bond proposal. This move could impact your wallet and the future of local schools, so it's worth paying attention to.
Mayor Investigation
Orem's mayor is under fire for allegedly dipping into the city's retirement fund without authorization. This probe could shake up city hall and erode public confidence.
Child Labor Violations
Orem is facing a penalty from the U.S. Department of Labor due to violations of child labor laws. This means the city didn't follow the rules when it came to employing young people.