• Authority and Purpose: The Planning Commission By-laws for Orem, Utah, establish the Commission's advisory role to the City Council on planning and zoning matters, governed by state statutes, city ordinances, and the by-laws.

• Membership and Operations: The by-laws detail membership terms, meeting protocols, ethical standards, and procedures for public hearings and decision-making.

• Key Provisions: They include rules for conflicts of interest, training requirements, and public engagement to promote fairness and accountability.

• Transparency and Compliance: These by-laws ensure the Commission operates transparently and efficiently, fostering informed urban planning and adherence to legal standards.

• Primary Responsibilities: Planning commissions, under Utah State Code 10-9a-302, review and recommend general plans, land use regulations, and application processes to the legislative body.

• Oversight and Fairness: They ensure fair and transparent processes by overseeing land use applications, appeals, and public hearings, while delegating powers to appropriate authorities.

• Public Engagement and Training: Commissions conduct mandatory public hearings and provide annual training on municipal land use to support informed decision-making.

• Legislative Body Authority: Legislative bodies can adopt, modify, or reject commission recommendations, with untimely responses treated as negative recommendations, promoting structured and equitable urban development.

• Established Authority: The Orem City Planning Commission was established and authorized under Orem City Ordinance 2-15 by the City Council to serve as an advisory body for planning and zoning matters in Orem, Utah.

• Membership and Appointment: The commission consists of seven resident members appointed by the mayor with City Council consent, serving three-year terms while adhering to ethical standards and rules of conduct.

• Operations and Transparency: Regular meetings are held with public records maintained, ensuring transparency as the commission collaborates with city staff and the City Council to shape policies and strategies for community growth.

• Service and Compensation: Members serve on a voluntary basis but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during their official responsibilities.

• Purpose and Role: Planning Commissions are tasked with shaping and advising on land use policies, including creating general plans, reviewing zoning ordinances, and making recommendations to city councils to support orderly and sustainable development.

• Legal Foundation: Established under Utah’s Land Use Development Management Act (LUDMA), commissions ensure compliance with state laws, local ordinances, and ethical standards while balancing public welfare with private property rights.

• Public Engagement and Decision-Making: They conduct public hearings, consider input from residents, and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations while maintaining transparency and procedural fairness.

• Additional Responsibilities: Members undergo annual training, adhere to conflict-of-interest policies, and may act as land use or appeal authorities as designated by local ordinances.

• Purpose: The Development Review Committee (DRC) of Orem ensures all proposed developments comply with the City Master Plan, ordinances, and resolutions before being reviewed by the Planning Commission or City Council.

• Composition: The DRC consists of seven members, including representatives from Development Services, Public Works, Public Safety, and Legal Services, appointed by department directors and approved by the City Manager, who also designates the Chairperson.

• Responsibilities: The DRC reviews subdivision plats, site plans, PRDs, condominiums, and other developments requiring Planning Commission review. It also provides recommendations on rezones, annexations, conditional use permits, and other discretionary development matters.

• Operations: Under the City Manager's direction, the DRC sets procedures for agendas, meeting schedules, and field trip conduct to facilitate its review and advisory processes.

• Concise Zoning Overview: Provides a clear summary of zoning standards, including land use designations, density limits, setbacks, and height restrictions.

• Designed for Decision Makers: Tailored for developers, planners, and city officials to quickly understand key zoning requirements.

• Streamlined Decision-Making: Serves as a practical tool to facilitate compliance and support informed planning decisions.

• Accessible and Practical: Emphasizes clarity and ease of use for diverse development projects across various zones.

• Purpose and Scope: The Utah Code requires municipalities to adopt a long-term general plan addressing current and future needs, including land use, transportation, moderate income housing, water use, and other vital elements.

• Key Requirements: General plans must integrate water preservation, promote housing affordability, and align with transportation and land use goals. Specified municipalities must address moderate income housing with actionable strategies.

• Planning and Implementation: Municipalities are encouraged to involve stakeholders, coordinate with regional plans, and develop five-year implementation timelines for housing and infrastructure projects.

• Compliance and Reporting: Municipalities must submit regular progress reports on implementing moderate income housing strategies. Noncompliance can result in ineligibility for state funds and other penalties.

The Orem City General Plan webpage provides comprehensive information about the city's long-term development strategy. Appendices to the General Plan include:

• Orem Land Use Map

• Orem Zoning Map

• Orem Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2010)

• State Street Corridor Master Plan (2016)

• Orem Economic Development Strategic Plan (2022)

• Orem Transportation Master Plan (2022)

• Orem Parks, Recreation Trails, and Open Space Master Plan (2021)

• Orem Street Connection Plan

• Orem Moderate-Income Housing Study

• Neighborhood Plans

A planning guide helps individuals and groups make informed decisions about community development. 

• Simplifying Complex Topics: Breaks down technical jargon and processes into easy-to-understand information for nonprofessionals.

• Facilitating Public Engagement: Encourages collaboration by explaining policies and plans in ways that include and empower the community.

• Ensuring Consistency: Provides clear criteria and processes to guide decision-making, reducing conflicts and delays.

• Educating Leaders and Stakeholders: Offers foundational knowledge to support new officials, volunteers, and community members in their roles.

A quick reference for assisting the Chair of the Planning Commission to conduct meetings efficiently:

• Work Meeting: Confirm quorum, call to order, acknowledge members, and review procedural issues before reading the first agenda item.

• Action Meeting: Begin with a quorum check, call to order, address conflicts of interest, and proceed with the agenda, starting with administrative or legislative items.

• Administrative Items: Hear staff reports, engage with applicants, and hold discussions before motions and voting. Public input is not required.

• Legislative Items: Include a public hearing process, with clear guidelines for public input, followed by discussion, motions, and voting.