Property Maintenance in Salem, OR: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Salem or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Salem has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Property Blight

Salem addresses property blight through SRC Chapter 50 (Property Maintenance) and Chapter 98 (Public Nuisance). Dilapidated structures, trash, debris, excessive weeds, and graffiti are prohibited; the City can abate violations and place liens on non-compliant properties.

Key details: Governing code: SRC Ch. 50 (Property Maintenance) & Ch. 98 (Nuisance). Enforcement authority: Salem Code Compliance Division. Penalty type: Civil penalties + abatement cost liens. Lien forgiveness: Available through June 2026.

Civil penalties accrue per day of non-compliance. Abatement costs billed to owner become liens on the property. Derelict structure fees may also apply.

Trash Bin Storage

Salem Revised Code Chapter 50 requires property owners to maintain refuse containers in a clean, sanitary condition. Containers must be stored out of public view except on scheduled collection days. Leaving bins at the curb for extended periods is a code violation enforceable by Salem Code Compliance.

Key details: Storage rule: Off-curb except collection day. Container type: Franchised hauler containers required. Enforcement: Salem Code Compliance. Nuisance chapter: SRC Chapter 98.

Violations of SRC Chapter 50 may result in a civil infraction notice, abatement at owner's expense, and fines; repeat violations can lead to liens on the property.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Salem's SRC Chapter 50 requires owners of vacant lots to keep them free of excessive weeds, debris, and conditions that create a public nuisance or fire hazard. Code Enforcement investigates complaints and can order abatement at owner expense.

Key details: Governing code: SRC Chapter 50. Enforcement agency: Salem Code Enforcement. Abatement billing: City may lien property. Lien forgiveness: Available for compliance.

Civil penalties accrue per day after the correction deadline; unresolved violations can lead to city-performed abatement billed to the owner and recorded as a property lien.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Salem Revised Code Chapter 78 requires abutting property owners to keep sidewalks free of snow, ice, and other obstructions at all times. Section 78.182 authorizes the city to remove unlawful obstructions and charge costs to the owner.

Key details: Code section: SRC § 78.182. Obligation: Abutting owner; continuous duty. City remedy: Abatement and cost recovery. State liability: Owner liable for slip-and-fall.

City may abate the obstruction and charge costs to the property owner. Owner may also face civil liability for injuries resulting from uncleared ice or snow.

Garage Sale Rules

Salem limits residential addresses to three garage or yard sales per calendar year, with each sale lasting no more than three consecutive days. The ordinance, on the books since 1984, is enforced by code compliance officers.

Key details: Max sales per address per year: 3 garage sales. Max duration per sale: 3 consecutive days. Permit required: No. Penalty: Up to $500 fine / 30 days jail.

Violation of SRC 96.165 is a criminal misdemeanor carrying a fine up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail, though enforcement is primarily educational; citations are rare.

The Bottom Line

Salem's property maintenance 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.

All of the above reflects Salem's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.