Tiny home rules in Salem, OR — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Salem permits tiny homes on foundations as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) subject to SRC 700.007 standards. Detached ADUs may not exceed 800 sq ft and must meet setback, height, and building-code requirements applicable to the zone.
Under Salem Revised Code 700.007 (UDC Chapter 700), one ADU per lot is allowed in residential zones. Detached ADUs are limited to 800 square feet; attached ADUs are capped at the lesser of 800 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. Detached ADUs must be set back at least 4 feet from side and rear property lines. Maximum height is 25 feet. Tiny homes on permanent foundations are treated as ADUs if they meet code. ADUs cannot be used for short-term rentals; minimum tenancy is 30 days. Off-street parking is not required for ADUs.
Unpermitted ADUs or violations of size/setback standards are subject to code enforcement, stop-work orders, and fines under SRC general penalty provisions.
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See how Salem's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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