Residential Building Permit in Orem, Utah
Required for new single-family homes, additions, structural alterations, accessory structures, and attached garages. Valuation is calculated using current ICC Building Valuation Tables (BVT). All submittals are online only via the CityInspect portal.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Online account at utah.cityinspect.com (register once at the direct registration link)
- Completed permit application submitted electronically
- Site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, and proposed construction
- Construction documents/drawings for the proposed work
- Energy compliance documentation (IECC) for conditioned space additions
- Proof of property ownership or contractor authorization
Required documents
- Req
Permit Application
Submitted online through the CityInspect building permit portal
- Req
Site Plan
Plot plan showing setbacks, existing structures, and proposed work footprint
- Req
Construction Drawings
Architectural plans including floor plan, elevations, foundation, and framing details
- Opt
Energy Compliance
REScheck or equivalent energy code compliance documentation for additions adding conditioned space
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit — valuation $1–$1,300 | $86.00 | Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions; valuation from ICC BVT. Source: Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget (orem.gov, p. 204–206) referencing UAC Table 3A; tier amounts from Orem Consolidated Fee Schedule, Utah PMN file 1163157 (FY 2023–2024 edition). |
| Building Permit — valuation $1,301–$2,000 | $86.00 + $3.00 per each $100 or fraction thereof over $1,300 | Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions. Sources: same as above. |
| Building Permit — valuation $2,001–$40,000 | $107.00 + $11.00 per each $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000 | Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions. Sources: same as above. |
| Building Permit — valuation $40,001–$100,000 | $525.00 + $9.00 per each $1,000 or fraction thereof over $40,000 | Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions. Sources: same as above. |
| Building Permit — valuation $100,001–$500,000 | $1,065.00 + $7.00 per each $1,000 or fraction thereof over $100,000 | Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions. Sources: same as above. |
| Building Permit — valuation $500,001–$1,000,000 | $3,865.00 + $5.00 per each $1,000 or fraction thereof over $500,000 | Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions. Sources: same as above. |
| Building Permit — valuation $1,000,001–$5,000,000 | $6,354.00 + $3.00 per each $1,000 or fraction thereof over $1,000,000 | Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions. Sources: same as above. |
| Building Permit — valuation $5,000,001 and above | $20,354.00 + $2.00 per each $1,000 or fraction thereof over $5,000,000 | Table 3A, 1997 UAC w/2023 revisions. Sources: same as above. |
| Plan Review — Commercial & Residential | Lesser of 65% of the permit fee or actual cost | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Plan Review (p. 205). |
| Plan Review — Fast Track, Commercial (project value under $5M) | $811.00 minimum + $88.00/hr if over 4 hours | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Plan Review (p. 205). |
| Plan Review — Fast Track, Residential | $291.00 minimum + $88.00/hr if over 2 hours | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Plan Review (p. 205). |
| Re-inspection (Required Inspection Call-back) | $125.00 | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Special Inspections (p. 206). |
| Inspections Outside Normal Working Hours | $151.00 + $88.00/hr if over 2 hours | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Special Inspections (p. 206). |
| Building Without a Permit | Double the building permit fee (including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical) | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Miscellaneous Fees (p. 206). |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy — Residential | $250.00 ($100.00 refunded if completed within 30 days, unless illegally occupied) | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Permits (p. 205). |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy — Commercial | $390.00 (non-refundable) | Orem City FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, Building Safety Permits (p. 205). |
Review timeline
~5–15 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Orem building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing / Foundation
Before concrete pour; verify setbacks, depth, reinforcement
- 2
Framing
After rough framing is complete, before insulation or drywall
- 3
Rough-in (Electrical / Plumbing / Mechanical)
After rough-in work is complete and accessible, before covering
- 4
Insulation
After insulation installed, before drywall
- 5
Final
All work complete; issues Certificate of Occupancy upon passing
Tips
- All permit applications must be submitted online through the CityInspect portal — Orem does not accept paper applications.
- Valuation is determined by ICC Building Valuation Tables, not contractor bid; the city will verify.
- Schedule inspections through the Building Permit Portal at utah.cityinspect.com or by calling (801) 229-7198.
- Inspections must be scheduled at least one day in advance.
- Permit expires if no inspection is called for within 180 days of issuance or last inspection.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for a storage shed?
- Yes — accessory structures require a building permit. Check Orem's 'What Needs a Permit?' guide at orem.gov/buildingpermits/ for current thresholds.
- How is project valuation determined?
- Orem uses the ICC Building Valuation Tables (BVT) published by the International Code Council, not the contractor's bid amount.
- Can I do the work myself?
- Owner-builder permits are allowed for your primary residence. You must still obtain all required permits and pass inspections.
Sources & verification
Key facts 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 Permit Fees (pp. 204–206)
- Orem Consolidated Fee Schedule FY 2023-2024 — Table 3A UAC Fee Tiers
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.
Other permits in Orem
Get the AI compliance checklist
Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.