No, any type of framing/adding walls requires a permit.
Are building permits required for a kitchen remodel? I’ll be relocating power outlets and some plumbing as part of it.
If you plan on moving power, plumbing, walls, or heating/air conditioning (HVAC) then a permit is required. It wouldn’t be required if you are just painting, replacing cabinets, countertops, etc.
What restrictions apply to pre-built buildings like sheds or garages?
Pre-built buildings whether from a kit that you obtain from a manufacturer/supplier or that you buy from your neighbor that you want to move onto your lot in Orem will need to have a permit and be inspected if they are more than 200 square feet.
Is there a map that shows in what areas of the city what can be built?
What can you build without a permit?
There are many cosmetic changes to your home that can be done without a permit. For a fairly extensive list of those, you can click here.
The largest stand-alone structure that can be built on your residential lot without a permit must be detached (at least six feet) from your home and less than 200 square feet, one-story high. It cannot include electrical, plumbing, or heating. If it does include electrical, plumbing, or heating, then it will require a permit.
On your commercial lot, the maximum size is less than 120 square feet but there may be additional steps required from Planning/Zoning.
Adopted Codes & Design Info
Current Adopted Codes – as of July 1, 2023:
2021 IRC, 2021 IBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IPC, 2021 IFC, 2020 NEC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC commercial provisions and 2015 IECC residential provisions, 2017 ANSI and current Utah State amendments
Climatic And Geographic Design Criteria, Orem, Utah, Table R301.2(1)
Ground and Roof Snow Load: To calculate, click here.
Wind Speed 115
Seismic Design Category D1-E
Weathering Severe
Frost Line Depth 30”
Termite None – Slight
Decay None – Slight
Winter Design Temp 8
Flood Hazards See Flood Map
Ice Shield Under-Layment Required Yes
Air Freezing Index 1000
Mean Annual Temp 45
Building Inspection Results
Building inspection results can be viewed online once you have registered for an account.
What needs a building permit?
Any person who remodels, repairs (with some exceptions), constructs, moves, demolishes, enlarges or changes the use of a building or causes electrical, plumbing, heating or air conditioning work to be done, or plans to apply stucco, siding or to re-roof, needs to apply for a building permit with the City of Orem Building Safety Division.
For examples of which types of work need and do not need permits, click here
Where can I get a building permit?
We accept online submittal for building permits. Information about registering to do that can be found by clicking here.
Please review the building information that can be found on our Building Safety website by clicking here.
You also can come into the Development Services office at 56 North State Street. We would be happy to answer any additional questions and get you taken care of as it relates to permits.
Reporting Fraudulent Businesses
For complaints including misrepresentation of a product or service, email/mail/telephone soliciations, advertising, price discrimination, unfair business practices, pyramid schemes, and other shady business practices, contact:
Utah Department of Commerce Division of Consumer Protection
160 E 300 S
P.O. Box 146704 | Salt Lake City, UT | 84114-6704
801-530-6601 | www.dcp.utah.gov
You can also contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Better Business Bureau
5673 S. Redwood Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84123 | 801-892-6009 | 800-456-3907
www.utah.bbb.org