Utah County · Service area
Orem did not allow detached ADUs at all. On October 1, it must.
Not allowed today This is the biggest change of any city we serve.
Takes about 3 minutes. No email required to see your result.
This is the largest single change of any city Arena serves. Orem's policy did not permit detached accessory dwelling units. Section 10-21-304 makes them a permitted use on qualifying lots, and Orem worked through a draft in summer 2026 — no front-yard units, no short-term rentals — described by staff as regulation that protects existing neighbourhoods while meeting the state requirement.
“A specified municipality shall adopt a land use regulation that permits a detached accessory dwelling unit on any lot or parcel that is 11,000 square feet or larger…” — S.B. 284, Enrolled Copy, Utah Code § 10-21-304, effective October 1, 2026.
The numbers that decide your project
| Rule | Orem — Orem City Code — new ordinance in progress |
|---|---|
| Detached ADUs today | Not permitted. confirm with city |
| Detached ADUs from Oct 1 | Permitted use on any lot ≥ 11,000 sq ft with a single-family home, where that home is a permitted use. state law |
| Front yard | Draft prohibits detached units in the front yard — which state law expressly allows a city to do. moving now |
| Short-term rental | Draft prohibits it; state law permits a 90-day minimum tenancy. moving now |
| Conditional use permit | May not be required for a qualifying detached unit in a primarily residential zone. state law |
state law Quoted from the enrolled copy of S.B. 284 — primary source, verified.
confirm with city From the city's published ADU material or council reporting — Arena confirms at the planning counter before design.
moving now The city is actively amending this ahead of October 1, 2026. Treat as a moving target.
We would rather show you the gap than guess. Arena is a builder, not a law firm — confirm your parcel with Orem before you sign anything.
What that means on your lot
That single number decides whether the new state law applies to you. Enter your address above — we'll tell you which rule you fall under and which plans fit, in about three minutes.
Arena publishes every price — seven plans from The Lookout at 735 sq ft to The Launchpad at 2,541 sq ft. One team owns design, engineering, permitting and construction.
From $128,625 · see every price →
Plans that fit a Orem backyard
Permitting queues in Orem will not get shorter after October 1.