Moving to Salem, OR?

Salem prohibits operating domestic power equipment — including gas and electric leaf blowers — between 10 PM and 7 AM under SRC Chapter 93. Oregon state law blocks cities from banning gas-powered equipment outright, so Salem regulates leaf blowers through time and nuisance noise limits only.

Salem Revised Code Chapter 93 prohibits operating sound-amplifying devices — including musical instruments, radios, and speakers — when plainly audible inside another dwelling unit between 10 PM and 7 AM. Outdoor events with amplified sound may require an Event Sound Permit under SRC Chapter 51.

Salem regulates construction noise through SRC Chapter 93 and building permit conditions. Government construction activities are exempt from the noise ordinance. Private construction near residential areas should follow reasonable hours.

Salem addresses barking dogs through its noise ordinance and animal control regulations. Persistent barking that creates a noise disturbance is a violation. Salem Animal Control handles complaints.

Salem Revised Code Chapter 93 regulates noise and prohibits noise disturbances. The ordinance restricts unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace, with stricter standards during nighttime hours.

Salem limits short-term rental occupancy to two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests. A three-bedroom home may host up to eight guests. Accessory STRs (owner-occupied) are capped at two guests per rented guest room.

Salem requires all short-term rental (STR) operators to hold and maintain a current liability insurance policy covering use of the property as an STR as a condition of licensure under SRC Chapter 30.

Salem regulates short-term rentals through SRC Chapter 59 (Housing Code). Hosts must comply with city regulations including registration and safety standards. Oregon's statewide approach limits local restrictions on STRs.

Salem does not have STR-specific parking requirements. Guests must follow general city parking regulations and any applicable neighborhood restrictions.

STR guests in Salem must comply with SRC Chapter 93 noise standards. Creating noise disturbances is prohibited. Hosts are responsible for informing guests of rules.

Salem imposes a Transient Room Tax on short-term lodging. STR hosts must collect and remit this tax. Major platforms may collect on behalf of hosts.

Salem adopts the Oregon Fire Code (OFC) in SRC Chapter 58, which incorporates OFC Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 standards governing LP-gas and propane storage, handling, and installation for residential and commercial properties.

Salem has no city ordinance setting a specific defensible-space distance (e.g., 30 or 100 feet). Tall grass, brush, and dead vegetation can be abated as a public nuisance under Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 98. Properties mapped in Oregon's Wildland-Urban Interface high-hazard zones may be subject to state defensible space rules under ORS 477.

Salem allows recreational fire pits with conditions. Fires must be in approved containers, maintain adequate clearance from structures, use only clean fuels, and be attended at all times.

Salem regulates outdoor burning through fire code and Oregon DEQ air quality rules. Backyard burning of yard debris is restricted. Recreational fires in approved containers are allowed with conditions.

Oregon permits certain consumer fireworks but bans aerial fireworks. Salem follows state law under ORS 480.110-480.165. Legal items include fountains, sparklers, and ground-level devices.

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.

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.

Salem requires driveways to meet city engineering standards. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Driveway construction or modifications require permits from the Public Works Department.

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.

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.

Salem restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones through the UDC. Large commercial vehicles and heavy equipment are prohibited from storage in residential areas.

Salem requires a building permit for any retaining wall taller than 4 feet (measured footing-to-top). Walls 4 feet or under are generally exempt from permits. Walls over 4 feet must include engineer-stamped drawings from an Oregon-licensed structural engineer under SRC Chapter 56.

Salem's Unified Development Code Chapter 800 restricts fence materials in residential zones. Barbed wire, electric wire, broken glass, spikes, and other bodily-harm materials are banned. Commercial and industrial zones may use barbed wire only on the topmost section.

Salem exempts most residential fences from building permits. Wood, wire mesh, and chain link fences under 7 feet do not require permits. Swimming pool barriers always require permits.

Oregon does not have a statutory requirement for neighbors to share fence costs. In Salem, the fence builder pays unless neighbors agree otherwise. Oregon has spite fence provisions.

Salem limits fences to 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards per the UDC. Chain link fences may go up to 8 feet without slats. Sight triangles required at intersections.

Salem allows up to 12 domesticated birds (chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, quail, doves, pigeons, pheasants) per property for personal use. No permit required, but roosters are prohibited and facilities must not create noise or odor nuisances.

Salem requires dogs to be on leash or under owner control when off private property. Dogs must be licensed with Marion County and vaccinated against rabies.

Salem does not impose breed-specific legislation. Oregon's potentially dangerous dog statutes (ORS 609) address dogs based on behavior, not breed.

Salem allows beekeeping in residential areas. Oregon's apiary laws require registration with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Hive placement should minimize impacts on neighbors.

Oregon regulates exotic pet ownership through ORS 609.305-609.355 and ODFW rules. Exotic animals including primates, large cats, bears, and venomous reptiles are prohibited without permits.

Salem Revised Code Chapter 807 establishes landscaping and screening standards for all non-single-family development. The city actively encourages use of native, drought-tolerant species but does not mandate them for existing residential yards. Native plants satisfy code requirements and reduce irrigation needs.

Salem's UDC Chapter 807 establishes landscaping standards for new development but does not explicitly ban artificial turf. Synthetic ground cover may substitute for live plants in some contexts; landscaping plans must be submitted with development applications.

Salem declares overgrown weeds and tall grass a public nuisance under SRC Chapter 98. Property owners must maintain vegetation to prevent it from becoming a hazard or eyesore; the city may abate and bill owners for costs.

Salem encourages home composting and offers curbside yard-debris collection. SRC Chapter 47 governs solid waste and yard debris. No permit is required for backyard compost bins; residents must not allow composting to create odor or pest nuisances.

Salem implements water conservation through its public water system. Summer watering restrictions may apply during drought conditions. The city encourages water-wise landscaping.

Salem requires property owners to maintain vegetation and prevent overgrown conditions. Grass and weeds must be kept at a reasonable height to prevent nuisance and fire hazard conditions.

Salem has strong tree protection under its UDC. Tree removal may require permits, especially for significant trees and trees within development areas. Oregon prioritizes tree preservation.

Salem requires property owners to maintain trees that overhang public rights-of-way. Minimum clearance of 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets is required.

Salem permits home occupations in residential zones under UDC Chapter 700. The business must be secondary to residential use with limited employees, no external evidence, and minimal impact.

Salem prohibits business signs at home occupations. No external evidence of a home-based business may be visible from outside the property.

Salem limits customer traffic to home businesses. Only minimal client visits are permitted, and no retail sales to on-premises customers are allowed.

Salem requires building permits for swimming pool barriers and follows Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G for pool, spa, and hot tub construction. Portable hot tubs with an approved safety cover are exempt from barrier requirements.

Salem requires pool barriers for in-ground pools per Oregon Building Code. Pool barriers are not exempt from building permits. Barriers must meet height and safety gate requirements.

A City of Salem building permit is required for any in-ground swimming pool, and a separate permit is required for the pool barrier (pool barriers are NOT exempt from permit). Construction must comply with Chapter 42 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), which adopts pool, spa, and hot tub barrier rules including a minimum 48-inch barrier height.

Above-ground pools in Salem must meet barrier requirements. Pools with 18+ inches of water need barriers. Pool walls may serve as barriers if adequately tall with lockable access.

Salem enforces Oregon Building Code pool safety requirements including barriers, anti-entrapment drains, and required inspections. Building permits are required for all pool construction.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 regulates smokers and other solid-fuel cooking devices through the Oregon Fire Code (IFC Section 308) and the Salem Fire Department's open-burning ordinance. Solid-fuel cooking on non-sprinklered multi-family balconies is prohibited under IFC 308.1.4. Single-family use is unrestricted; the city's open-burn rules exempt 'barbecue equipment,' which includes wood and pellet smokers used for cooking. Oregon DEQ may issue wood-burning curtailment days for residential heating but cooking smokers are typically exempt. Excessive smoke crossing property lines may trigger nuisance enforcement under SRC Chapter 98.

Salem enforces the Oregon Fire Code (OAR 837-040), which adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) with Oregon amendments. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits the use of open-flame cooking devices (propane and charcoal grills) on combustible balconies and within 10 feet of combustible construction in non-sprinklered multi-family buildings. Single-family residential grilling is unrestricted under SRC; propane grilling is also expressly allowed during Salem's open-burning bans because the open-burn rules exempt 'barbecue equipment.' Salem Fire Department enforces the fire code.

Permanent outdoor kitchens in Salem require Salem Community Development permits whenever they include gas piping, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Natural gas line extensions need a plumbing permit (gas piping is regulated as plumbing in Oregon) and an Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licensed installer. Outlets and lighting require an electrical permit under ORS 479. Structures over 200 sq ft, attached to the home, or with permanent foundations need a building permit and must meet SRC accessory-structure setbacks. Salem has historic districts (Court-Chemeketa, Gaiety Hill/Bush's Pasture Park, Grant) where prominent exterior modifications may need Historic Landmarks Commission review.

Salem has no city ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay within the property line and may not encroach on the public sidewalk or right-of-way (SRC Title IX governs streets and public ways). Inflatables blocking sight lines at intersections or fire hydrants may be ordered removed. Salem's Historic Landmarks Commission generally does not review temporary inflatables. HOAs and condo associations may restrict inflatables through CC&Rs under ORS Chapter 94.

Salem has no ordinance regulating the timing, brightness, or quantity of residential holiday lighting. Lights must be installed safely under the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (ORS 479) - outdoor-rated fixtures, GFCI-protected outlets, no permanent exterior wiring without an electrical permit from Salem Community Development. Salem's Historic Landmarks Commission generally does not review temporary seasonal lights under SRC Chapter 230. Excessive flashing or glare creating a nuisance may be cited under SRC Chapter 98. HOAs and condo associations may impose display rules through CC&Rs under ORS Chapter 94.

Salem does not have a general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, religious displays, or seasonal yard decorations on private residential property. Items must stay within the property line and may not encroach on the public sidewalk or right-of-way (SRC Title IX). Salem's Historic Landmarks Commission may review prominent permanent installations in designated districts under SRC Chapter 230. HOAs and condo associations may restrict ornaments through CC&Rs under ORS Chapter 94. Political and religious displays receive heightened protection under Oregon Constitution Article I, Section 8 and the federal First Amendment.

Salem SRC Chapter 82 requires permits for clearing and grading activities to protect life, property, and water quality from erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and slope instability on disturbed land.

Salem operates under an Oregon DEQ NPDES MS4 permit (effective October 1, 2021) and requires green stormwater infrastructure on all land divisions and new development under Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 71. Site plans must include a stormwater management system designed to the city's Public Works Design Standards.

Salem has flood-prone areas along the Willamette River and Mill Creek. The city participates in FEMA's NFIP and regulates development in Special Flood Hazard Areas through its flood damage prevention ordinance.

Salem Revised Code Chapter 31 requires all marijuana businesses, including retail dispensaries, to obtain a city registration and comply with location restrictions. Dispensaries must stay 1,000 feet from schools and operate only in permitted commercial zones.

Salem's Sign Code (SRC Chapter 900) does not regulate traditional residential holiday decorations such as lights, wreaths, and lawn figures. These are not classified as 'signs' and require no permit. Temporary sign permits are available but not needed for seasonal home décor.

Salem's sign code (UDC Chapter 900) exempts small residential temporary signs — including garage sale signs — from permit requirements. Signs must be on private property, comply with size limits, and be removed promptly after the sale ends.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Salem's Unified Development Code Section 800.060 requires exterior lighting for new development to be shielded and directed downward to minimize light trespass and sky glow, consistent with Oregon's statewide shielded-fixture standards.

Salem UDC Section 800.060 requires that exterior lighting on development sites be fully shielded, directed downward, and designed to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties and the night sky.

Salem mandates a Multifamily Housing License for residential rental properties with three or more dwelling units under SRC Chapter 59. Licensed properties must pass safety inspections every five years and comply with Salem's Housing Code standards.

Salem's Solid Waste Management code (SRC Chapter 47) requires residents to place garbage, recycling, and organics carts at the curb by 6:00 AM on their scheduled collection day. Carts must have lids opening toward the street with 4 feet of clearance between containers.

Salem Revised Code Chapter 47 governs solid waste collection through six franchised haulers serving exclusive service areas. Oversized or bulk items — such as furniture, appliances, and mattresses — cannot be placed in regular curbside containers and must be scheduled as a special collection, typically for an additional fee.

Salem Revised Code Chapter 47 requires all city residents to use franchised haulers for solid waste collection. Residential accounts receive a grey garbage cart, blue recycling cart, green organics cart, and a red bin for special materials, with weekly garbage and biweekly recycling pickup.

Salem requires a city business license for mobile food units (food trucks) under SRC Chapter 30. Units may only operate in zones where mobile food units are a permitted use — generally commercial and industrial zones — and cannot vend from public streets or rights-of-way.

Salem requires peddlers, solicitors, and transient merchants operating within city limits to obtain a license under SRC Chapter 30. Applicants must submit a fee, photo ID, and pass a background check; licensees must display credentials on request.

Salem enforces Oregon's statewide juvenile curfew under ORS 419C.680 via SRC Chapter 95. Minors are prohibited from unsupervised presence in public places between midnight and 4 AM unless accompanied by a parent or engaged in a lawful activity.

Salem's parks are governed by SRC Chapter 94 (Offenses in Parks). Parks close at posted hours; restrooms close before dusk. Remaining in a city park after posted closing hours is a violation enforceable by police or parks staff.

Salem's single-family residential (RS) zone establishes minimum setbacks and maximum lot coverage standards in UDC Chapter 511. Front yards are 12 ft, rear yards 14 ft, and side yards 5 ft, with garages set back 20 ft from the street.

Salem UDC Chapter 808 protects Oregon white oaks 20 inches DBH or larger and any tree 30 inches DBH or larger on private property. Removal requires a city permit; unpermitted removal can result in fines exceeding $1,000 per tree and mandatory replacement planting.

Salem's Unified Development Code Chapter 808 protects significant trees on private property—including Oregon white oaks 20″ DBH and all species 30″ DBH—requiring a land-use permit before removal and mandatory two-for-one replanting when a healthy tree is removed.

Salem limits each residence to three garage sales per calendar year, with each sale lasting no more than three consecutive days, under SRC § 96.165. No permit is required to hold a garage sale, but exceeding the frequency limit is a criminal misdemeanor.

Salem Revised Code §96.165 allows residents to hold garage or yard sales without a permit, but limits each household to no more than three sales per calendar year. Each sale may last no longer than three consecutive days. There is no specific hour restriction beyond general noise and nuisance rules.

Salem requires no permit to hold a garage or yard sale, but SRC Section 96.165 limits each residential address to three sales per calendar year, with each sale lasting no longer than three consecutive days. Exceeding these limits is a criminal misdemeanor.