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 Zones: Applicable
- 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 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 →Official Sources
City-specific