Parking Rules in Salem, OR: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Salem or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Salem has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Overnight Parking
Salem Revised Code Chapter 102 prohibits vehicles from remaining parked on the same public street block for more than 24 consecutive hours. Overnight parking is not banned city-wide, but continuous over-limit parking draws citations.
Key details: Continuous parking limit: 24 hours on any street block. RPP zone limit: 2 hours for non-permit vehicles. Enforcing agency: Salem Parking Services. Towing authority: Yes, after repeated violations.
Parking citations issued by Salem Parking Services; base fines for overtime/continuous parking are typically $35–$55; vehicles may be towed at owner's expense after repeated violations or as a road hazard.
EV Charging
Salem designates public parking spaces for electric vehicle charging. Those spaces are reserved exclusively for vehicles that are actively charging. Paying the charging fee does not exempt drivers from applicable parking meter or permit fees.
Key details: Governing code: SRC Ch. 102, §§102.105–102.115. Spaces reserved for: Actively charging EVs only. State EV-ready minimum: 20% of new construction spaces. Late fee: $10 after 14 days.
Unauthorized parking in an EV charging space is a parking violation subject to citation; standard Salem parking fines apply with a $10 late fee added after 14 days.
Driveway Rules
Salem requires driveways to meet city engineering standards. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Driveway construction or modifications require permits from the Public Works Department.
Key details: Permit Required: For new driveways and curb cuts. Sidewalk Blocking: Prohibited. Front Yard Parking: Only on paved driveways. Department: Public Works.
Blocking sidewalks results in citations. Unpermitted driveway work may require removal and restoration.
RV & Boat Parking
Salem restricts RV and boat parking in residential areas through its zoning code. Recreational vehicles must be stored on private property and may need screening from public view.
Key details: Street Storage: 72-hour limit applies. Private Property: Required for long-term storage. Screening: May be required in some zones. Inoperable Vehicles: Must be in enclosed structures.
Non-compliant storage results in code enforcement notices. Street-parked RVs exceeding 72 hours may be cited and towed.
Street Parking Limits
Salem regulates on-street parking through its traffic code. Vehicles may not park on public streets for more than 72 hours. Downtown and Capitol area have metered parking and time limits.
Key details: Time Limit: 72 hours on public streets. Downtown: Metered parking with time limits. Fire Hydrant: 15-foot clearance required. Permit Zones: Near Capitol area.
Parking violations result in citations with fines. Vehicles parked over 72 hours may be tagged and towed at the owner's expense.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Salem restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones through the UDC. Large commercial vehicles and heavy equipment are prohibited from storage in residential areas.
Key details: Semi-Trucks: Prohibited in residential zones. Work Vehicles: One personal vehicle generally allowed. Heavy Equipment: Not allowed in residential. Enforcement: Code Enforcement.
Violations result in code enforcement notices with compliance deadlines and potential fines.
The Bottom Line
Salem's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Salem is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Salem can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.