Orem · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orem City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Residential Building Height Text Amendment
The commission discussed clarifying rules on how tall primary buildings can be in single-family zones. This aims to ensure consistency and predictability in residential construction.
New Restaurant Development
The commission approved the site plan for a new Apollo Burger restaurant, paving the way for its construction.
Rolling Sand Preliminary Plat
Skyeline Homes is seeking preliminary approval to create a flag lot and adjust property lines at 1765 S. Sandhill Road. This request comes back to the commission after a tied vote last month.
Natural Resources Tree Initiative
A proposal to increase tree cover in Orem is being considered, aiming to improve the environment and community well-being. This initiative would involve community partnerships and educational efforts.
Commissary Kitchens in Commercial Zones
The city is considering allowing commissary kitchens, which are commercial kitchens used by food businesses like caterers and food trucks, in the C1 Commercial Zone. This change could support local food entrepreneurs.
PD-34 Zone Development Standards
The council is updating rules for wall heights and landscaping in certain areas of the PD-34 Zone. These changes will affect how properties in this zone are developed and look.
Commissary Kitchen Zoning
Local food truck owners and caterers need a place to prep food. This change would let them operate in C1 commercial zones.
New Housing Lot Approval
The commission decided whether to allow a new residential lot to be created behind an existing home on Sandhill Road. This involves subdividing property and ensuring it meets zoning rules for deep lots.
Utah Lake Authority Representation
The city needs to appoint a representative to the Utah Lake Authority Governing Board to participate in regional water and environmental decisions affecting the area.
Flag Lot Development Standards
The city is looking at how to handle 'flag lots'—homes built behind existing ones. It's a balance between adding housing and keeping the neighborhood feel.
Planning Commission Leadership
The commission needed to elect its leaders for the year. This sets the tone and direction for the commission's work.
Election Results
Orem's first election results are dropping, and they could seriously change how our city runs. Keep an eye on these numbers to see who's winning the races that matter most to our community.
Mayoral Candidate Platform
Orem's next mayor might be focused on making housing cheaper and fixing up old roads and pipes. Karen McCandless is putting these issues front and center in her mayoral campaign.
Mayoral endorsement
The Herald is backing Mayor David Young for re-election, saying he's the leader Orem needs to restore integrity and provide a clear path forward. They believe he's the best person to guide the city's future.
Police Shooting Investigation
A family is demanding answers and accountability after their loved one was killed by Orem police. They want more information about the shooting and are pushing for the police department to be held responsible.
Air Quality
Orem is still breathing some of the worst air in the country, ranking high for ozone pollution. It's time to figure out what we can do to clear the air.
Local Elections
Orem voters, get ready! Local elections for mayor and city council are happening in 2025. This is your chance to pick the leaders who will shape our city's future.
Healthy Orem Initiative
The city is launching a new health website and free classes to help residents with physical and mental health, including domestic violence resources.
Civic Motto
Orem's mayor is digging in his heels to keep 'In God We Trust' as the city's official motto. Some residents are pushing back, sparking a debate about what best represents the city's values.
City Motto Adoption
Orem City just officially adopted 'In God We Trust' as its motto. The city council voted unanimously to make it happen.
Recycling Program
Orem's testing a new way to recycle plastic film, hoping to keep more of that junk out of landfills. It's a pilot program with WM, and if it's a success, it could be a game-changer for reducing waste.
Public Safety at City Meetings
Things got heated after a recent Orem city council meeting, with the mayor reportedly being spit on and hit. This raises serious questions about safety and respect at public forums.
Mayor Conduct
Orem's mayor is facing scrutiny after a reporter's daughter allegedly assaulted him. This incident follows a public rant the mayor reportedly made about the reporter during a City Council meeting.
Public Safety Incident
Orem's mayor was attacked right after a city council meeting, and police quickly arrested a suspect. This shocking incident has everyone talking about security at public gatherings.
Transit-oriented Development
Orem's kicking off a massive project to build housing and shops super close to the train station. It's all about making it easier to hop on transit and ditch your car.
Library Display Policy
Orem library staff were caught discussing potentially banning Heritage Month displays, and now city officials are investigating. This has sparked a debate about inclusivity and representation within our community spaces.
Department Reorganization
Orem is mixing things up by combining its library and rec departments into one big "leisure services" team with a brand new boss at the helm. It's a major shakeup for how the city handles your downtime, aiming to streamline how programs are run.
Election Integrity Concerns
Someone's raising a stink about how Orem City Council handled ballot propositions, even taking it to the state. It's unclear exactly what the issue is, but it's causing a stir.
State Code Compliance
Orem's City Council needs to shape up and follow state laws. They've been reminded that their actions must align with state requirements, so no more bending the rules!
Library Censorship Allegations
Orem's library is facing accusations of censorship from the Utah Library Association, and the fight over what books are available is heating up. It's a clash over access to information and who gets to decide what's on the shelves.
Procurement Process
Orem's bidding process is raising eyebrows, with an expert calling it 'extremely unusual.' This could mean your tax dollars aren't being spent as effectively as they could be.
Library Display Controversy
Orem's library is in hot water over a Pride Month display that got changed. The library director is defending their choices, saying they're all about letting people access all kinds of books, not censoring anything.
City Branding Initiative
Orem is launching a new branding initiative to position itself as 'Family City USA.' This marketing push aims to attract families and highlight the city's appeal.
Animal Shelter Policy
Orem's animal shelter might stop using gas chambers for euthanasia, thanks to animal rights activists pushing the City Council. They want the city to back a ban on this practice at the county level.