Orem council allows small tattoo services in C3 zone only with a beauty shop, 4-3, and raises PD-21 student housing parking to one stall per bed
February 8, 2022, 6:00 p.m. · Council Chambers, 56 North State Street, Orem
The council approved a PD-21 student housing parking increase to one stall per bed unanimously and, 4-3, allowed tattoo and body piercing in the C3 zone only as an accessory use to a beauty shop. It directed legislative counsel to select a firm for an Alpine School District split study, continued the Utah Lake Authority resolution, and amended the Planning Commission code unanimously.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item Work session · Presentation
Economic Development Strategic Plan (work session)
Discussed
Consultants Thomas P. Miller and Associates presented early findings: rapid population growth, median home value near $380,000, and strengths in quality of life, retail and location against weaknesses in housing, no clearly defined downtown and the need for a long-term vision. A 12-person stakeholder session named managed smart growth and a dynamic transportation system as top wants. Council Member Debby Lauret asked about a sales tax leakage report and Council Member Tom Macdonald asked how cities fund redevelopment incentives; consultants cited government funding and incremental taxing.
Item Work session · Public safety
Parking enforcement update and proposed fine increases (work session)
Discussed
The parking enforcement team reported over 500 warnings, 766 citations, 296 abandoned-vehicle cases and 90 vehicles towed. Staff said Orem's fines are among the lowest in the area and unchanged since 2002, and proposed significant increases, with late-payment penalties discussed. Staff suggested starting at the next fiscal year.
Item Work session · Other
Neighborhood Improvement Team update (work session)
Discussed
The team described its work on non-criminal nuisances such as junk, landscaping, parking on landscaping and occupancy, and said it resolved over 250 cases in six months.
Other
School district split feasibility study: direct Legislative Counsel to select a study provider
Approved · 6-0
The motion directs Legislative Counsel to review proposals, select who performs the study on splitting Orem from Alpine School District, and bring back a final agreement. Council Member Tom Macdonald asked whether existing studies could be used and worried about property taxes. Mayor Young said a smaller study first would cost more overall. Council Members Terry Peterson, David Spencer, LaNae Millet and Jeff Lambson supported the study as a way to inform residents and decide on facts; Peterson cited local control. Legislative Counsel Riddle noted an interlocal agreement with other cities was possible.
Zoning
Ordinance: PD-21 (Student Housing Village) parking raised to one stall per occupancy unit (Section 22-11-33(P)(8))
Approved · 6-0
The ordinance raises parking for new PD-21 development from 0.65 stalls per bed to one stall per bed, because fewer students walk to UVU than expected. Council Member LaNae Millet and Mayor Young said it would reduce student parking overflowing into neighborhoods. No one spoke at the public hearing.
- Parking rate: 0.65 stalls per bed to 1 stall per bed
Zoning
Ordinance: tattoos and body piercing in the C3 zone (Land Use Code 6232)
Approved with conditions · 3-3
Indie Studio Suites asked to offer small, semi-permanent tattoos; the Planning Commission recommended the change. Council Members Lauret, Peterson and Millet said Orem has enough tattoo businesses or that C3 is a buffer near neighborhoods. Macdonald supported the Planning Commission. Staff suggested limiting the use as an accessory. The motion allowed the use in C3 only when accessory to the primary use of a beauty shop. One resident at the hearing said C3 should remain a buffer.
- Condition: only when accessory to a beauty shop
Other
Resolution on the Utah Lake Authority
Continued · 6-0
The council discussed a draft resolution opposing private development on Utah Lake and limiting the Utah Lake Authority (HB 232) to projects that improve the lake. Mayor Young moved to continue it to a later date.
City code
Ordinance: Planning Commission code Article 2-15 amendments
Approved · 6-0
Legislative Counsel Riddle said the changes clarify the code, align it with state law and define the council's duties. Notably, missing 25 percent of meetings would lead to council review rather than automatic removal, and members must give notice if they move out of Orem.
What residents said
Alpine School District splitProperty taxesTattoo businesses near neighborhoodsUtah Lake development
Residents spoke on a proposed study to split from Alpine School District: Aaron Davidson, Mike Preston, Sicilia Palmer, John Barrick and Mike Carpenter supported it (several asked to include Lindon or Pleasant Grove), while Cissy Rasmussen opposed it and Quinn Mecham urged no actions that raise taxes. Quinn Mecham supported the Utah Lake resolution. Blaine Lavenstock apologized to Council Member Lauret for past behavior. John Hasan asked for an open softball team. Stephanie Visnaw spoke against tattoo businesses in C3.