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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Orem, UT

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Orem City Code defines 'transient' as occupancy of 30 consecutive days or less and treats it as a 'public accommodation' subject to transient room tax. Short-term rentals (<30 days) are not covered by the city's Rental Dwelling license, and a municipal legal opinion states they are not a permitted use in the city.

Regulatory Updates — Orem

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2022

STR Ban in Residential Zones Enacted

Orem City Council voted to prohibit short-term rentals in residential zoning districts, citing concerns about housing availability, neighborhood character, and the city's family-community identity. The ban applies to operator-absent rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days in residential zones.

PassedJune 2023

Enforcement Program for Unlicensed STR Operations

Following the ban, Orem increased code enforcement activity to identify and cite vacation rental listings operating without authorization. Enforcement officers monitor Airbnb and Vrbo listings cross-referenced against city addresses to identify non-compliant properties.

FailedMarch 2025

Utah Legislature Considers State Preemption Bill

Utah property rights advocates have proposed state legislation that would preempt municipal STR bans like Orem's, arguing that cities should not be able to prohibit lawful property uses. The bill has not advanced, leaving Orem's ban in effect.

Official Resources

Official Orem STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Utah Short-Term Rental AssociationStatewide

Statewide advocacy group representing Utah STR operators challenging municipal bans and lobbying for state preemption legislation that would limit cities' authority to prohibit vacation rentals.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association monitoring Utah's regulatory landscape and providing resources for operators navigating local bans and hostile regulatory environments.

Utah Association of REALTORS®Statewide

Tracks property rights legislation in Utah including STR preemption proposals and local bans. Advocates for property owner rights in legislative and municipal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Orem, UT?
Orem City Code defines 'transient' as occupancy of 30 consecutive days or less and treats it as a 'public accommodation' subject to transient room tax. Short-term rentals (<30 days) are not covered by the city's Rental Dwelling license, and a municipal legal opinion states they are not a permitted use in the city.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Orem?
No permit is currently required to operate a short-term rental in Orem.
Are short-term rentals completely banned in Orem, Utah?
Short-term rentals are banned in Orem's residential zoning districts, which cover most of the city. There is no permit or license available for operator-absent rentals of fewer than 30 days in residential zones. The ban does not affect hotels or other commercially-zoned hospitality businesses. Property owners considering STR investment in the broader Provo-Orem area should look to neighboring Provo (which has its own rules) or Utah County unincorporated areas before assuming Orem is a viable STR market.
Why did Orem ban short-term rentals?
Orem's city council cited concerns about housing availability for long-term residents, neighborhood character in family-oriented communities, and the incompatibility of commercial short-term rental activity with the city's identity as a residential community rather than a tourism destination. The ban reflects a broader Utah County trend of prioritizing workforce and family housing amid rapid regional population growth.
What are the penalties for operating an illegal short-term rental in Orem?
Operating a short-term rental in violation of Orem's ban subjects the property owner to code enforcement citations, which can include daily fines for each day of non-compliant operation. Orem actively monitors listing platforms and will pursue violations through the city's administrative hearing process. Repeat violations can result in referral to the city attorney's office for civil prosecution.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction