Accessory Dwelling Unit (Accessory Apartment) Permit in Orem, Utah
Orem calls these 'Accessory Apartments.' They must be registered and licensed annually ($55 one-time fee for ADU landlord license). A building permit is required for construction or conversion, including all associated trades. Rescinding an existing approval costs $50. Consultations available at $151 (eligible to apply to permit fee if application received within 6 months).
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Zoning eligibility — verify your property is in an eligible zone (contact Planning Division or review the Orem City Code)
- Accessory Apartment consultation with Building Safety Division recommended (eligible for credit toward permit fee)
- Building permit application submitted online through CityInspect portal
- Plans showing ADU unit layout, egress, kitchen, and bathroom facilities
- Landlord license application through Finance Department ($55 one-time for ADUs)
Required documents
- Req
Building Permit Application
Submitted online through the CityInspect portal
- Req
ADU Floor Plans
Plans showing the complete accessory unit including egress, kitchen facilities, and bathrooms
- Req
Landlord License Application
Filed with the Orem Finance Department; one-time $55 fee for ADUs
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit (valuation-based, Table 3A) | Based on ICC BVT valuation — see building permit fee table (Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions; minimum $86.00) | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Permits (p. 204–206). |
| Accessory Apartment Consultation | $151.00 (eligible to apply toward building permit fee if application received within 6 months) | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Special Inspections (p. 206). |
| ADU Landlord License Fee (one-time) | $55.00 | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Finance — Landlord License Fees (p. 210). |
| Rescind Accessory Apartment Approval | $50.00 | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Miscellaneous Fees (p. 206). |
| Plan Review | Lesser of 65% of permit fee or actual cost | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Plan Review (p. 205). |
Review timeline
~10–20 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Orem building department
Inspection process
- 1
Framing / Rough-in
Framing and all trade rough-in work inspected before walls are closed
- 2
Final
All work complete; unit ready for occupancy
Tips
- Contact the Orem Planning Division before starting to verify zoning eligibility for an ADU on your property.
- The $151 consultation fee can be applied to your building permit fee if you submit an application within 6 months.
- ADUs require a one-time landlord license ($55) through the Finance Department — this is separate from the building permit.
- ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary residence in most cases — confirm current zoning rules with Planning.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I rent out my accessory apartment as a short-term rental?
- Short-term rental regulations may differ from accessory apartment requirements. Contact Orem's Planning Division or Finance Department to verify current rules.
- Is there a limit on the number of ADUs per property?
- Contact the Orem Planning Division at orem.gov or (801) 229-7000 for current ADU density and eligibility rules.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- Building Safety Division — official building department
- Orem City Building Permits
- Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget — Building Safety & Finance Fees (pp. 204–210)
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Orem building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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