Accessory Structures in Salem, OR (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Salem, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Salem permits ADUs per Oregon state law and UDC regulations. Detached ADUs up to 800 sq ft and attached ADUs up to 50% of primary dwelling or 800 sq ft are allowed. Detached ADUs may be up to 20 feet tall.
Salem ADU / Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Salem permits accessory dwelling units as a 'special use' under Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 700, Section 700.007, accessory to a detached single-family dwelling. No discretionary land use application is required where the special-use standards are met, but a building permit from Salem Community Development is required. One ADU is permitted per lot, with detached units up to 800 square feet and attached units capped at 800 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling's living area, whichever is less. Oregon HB 2001 (2019) and ORS 197.312 require cities of 2,500 or more to allow ADUs on single-family lots, which Salem (population over 175,000) implements through Chapter 700.
Salem ADU Permits (SRC 700.007 + Oregon HB 2001)
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Salem City Council has waived System Development Charges (SDCs) on accessory dwelling units, eliminating the largest single up-front fee for ADU construction. ADU applicants still pay Salem building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (adopted under ORS 455), Marion County or Polk County recording fees if any easements are recorded, and the Oregon statewide Construction Excise Tax on residential construction. The SDC waiver pairs with free city-published Ready-Build plans to make Salem one of the more affordable Oregon jurisdictions for ADU production.
Salem ADU System Development Charges (Waived by City Council)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Salem does not require owner-occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the ADU. Oregon House Bill 2001 (2019), codified at ORS 197.312, preempts local owner-occupancy mandates on ADUs in cities of 2,500 or more population. Salem Revised Code 700.007 contains no owner-occupancy condition, so investor-owners can build an ADU and rent both the main house and the ADU to separate long-term tenants. The only exception is short-term rental use, which Salem prohibits for ADUs entirely under SRC 700.007.
Salem ADU Owner-Occupancy (Not Required - Preempted by ORS 197.312)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Salem ADUs may be rented as long-term housing with no owner-occupancy requirement, but Salem Revised Code 700.007 requires tenancies of at least 30 consecutive days, prohibiting Airbnb-style short-term rental of the ADU itself. Short-term rental of the primary dwelling on the same lot is separately permitted under SRC Chapter 30 with a city Short-Term Rental License (approximately $161 annual renewal). Long-term tenancies are governed by Oregon's statewide Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90), including rent-stabilization caps under SB 608 (ORS 90.323) and just-cause eviction protections under ORS 90.427.
Salem ADU Rental Rules (30-Day Minimum; STRs Prohibited for ADUs)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Salem allows sheds and accessory structures. Small sheds under 200 sq ft and single-story are typically exempt from building permits per Oregon building code. Zoning setbacks still apply.
Salem Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Salem require building permits. Under Oregon ADU law, garage conversions to ADUs are encouraged and parking replacement requirements are limited by state law.
Salem Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Salem regulates carports and accessory structures through UDC Chapter 800. Structures must meet setback, height, and lot coverage limits. Pre-approved carport plans are available from the city to streamline permitting.
Salem Carport and Accessory Structure Development Standards
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
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.