Salem Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Salem
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Salem — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Salem Unified Development Code (UDC) — Title X SRC
Salem's zoning and development rules are codified in Title X of the Salem Revised Code (the Unified Development Code). Chapter 110 contains general zoning provisions; Chapter 511 (RS — Single-Family Residential) and Chapters 512–520 cover residential zones; Chapters 521–530 cover commercial zones; Chapter 800 contains general development standards.
Source · library.municode.comSalem Ordinance No. 8-24 (CA 24-01) — UDC Middle Housing Update(2024)
In September 2024 the Salem City Council adopted Ordinance No. 8-24 (effective October 23, 2024), updating the Unified Development Code to encourage small mixed-use projects, allow middle housing on smaller lots in multifamily zones, and streamline residential approvals (including in historic districts). The package implements Oregon HB 2001 (2019) middle-housing requirements.
Source · cityofsalem.netSalem Parking Minimums Eliminated (2023) — UDC Chapter 806(2023)
On April 24, 2023 the Salem City Council adopted a UDC amendment eliminating minimum off-street parking requirements citywide for all types of development (effective May 24, 2023). The change responds to Oregon's Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) rules administered by DLCD; in late 2023 Salem also adopted climate-mitigation development standards for new surface parking lots >0.5 acre.
Source · cityofsalem.netOregon HB 2001 (2019) — Middle Housing Mandate(2019)
Salem (population ~175,000, Marion/Polk Counties) is a 'Large City' under HB 2001 (population >25,000) and must permit duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and cottage clusters in all areas zoned for residential use within its Urban Growth Boundary. The 2024 UDC amendment (Ord. 8-24) implements these requirements for smaller lots.
Source · olis.oregonlegislature.govOregon HB 2003 (2019) — Housing Production Strategy(2019)
Salem, as an Oregon city >10,000 population, must adopt and update a Housing Capacity Analysis and Housing Production Strategy under HB 2003. The HPS is required to identify specific tools and actions Salem will take to meet 20-year housing needs identified in the HCA.
Source · olis.oregonlegislature.gov
Key Zoning Facts
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 mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oregon
- Building Code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Oregon SB 1051 (2017) — cities over 2,500 must allow at least one ADU on lots with a single-family dwelling; HB 2001 (2019) middle-housing requirements also apply to Salem)
County — Marion County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- 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
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Salem permit information →Official Sources
City-specific