Before You Build in Salem, OR: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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

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.