Salem Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Salem Zoning Overview
Salem is Oregon's capital city and second-largest municipality, located in the Willamette Valley along the Willamette River. As the state capital, Salem is home to the Oregon State Capitol, state government offices, and Willamette University. The city's zoning code is administered by the Community Development Department and operates within Oregon's statewide land use planning framework, including compliance with the 19 statewide planning goals and the city's urban growth boundary.
Salem has experienced steady population growth and has worked to balance residential expansion with preservation of agricultural land at the city's edge. The city has updated its zoning code to comply with HB 2001's middle housing requirements, allowing duplexes and other housing types in formerly single-family-only zones.
Key Zoning Districts
Salem's zoning code includes single-family residential (RS), multi-family residential (RM-I, RM-II), commercial districts (CO, CR, CG), industrial zones, and public/semi-public designations. The downtown area has special zoning encouraging mixed-use and higher-density development consistent with the city's comprehensive plan.
ADU Regulations
Salem allows ADUs in all residential zones as required by Oregon HB 2001. Owner-occupancy requirements and off-street parking mandates for ADUs are prohibited under state law. The city has adopted local standards for ADU size, height, and design that comply with state requirements.
Development Process
The Community Development Department handles development review, including building permits, site plan review, and land use applications. Major projects go before the Planning Commission. Appeals of land use decisions may be taken to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Salem
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oregon
- Building Code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (HB 2001 / SB 458 - Cities over 2,500 must allow ADUs; no owner-occupancy or parking mandates)
County — Marion County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 70 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Salem
- Max Size
- 900 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- None required (per state law)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 4-8 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Salem are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Salem permit fees →