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.
SRC Chapter 807 (Landscaping and Screening) applies to all development except single-family homes and requires a landscaping plan showing plant types, sizes, and projected five-year coverage. SRC §807.035 offers incentives — such as reduced irrigation requirements — when a project uses approved native or drought-tolerant species. The City of Salem publishes a recommended native-plant list aligned with the Willamette Valley's climate. Single-family homeowners face no native-plant mandate but are encouraged to replace turf with native species. Enforced through development permit review by Salem Planning Division.
Non-compliance with approved landscaping plans can result in withholding of certificates of occupancy or civil enforcement action under SRC Chapter 50.
Salem, OR
Salem designates public parking spaces for electric vehicle charging. Those spaces are reserved exclusively for vehicles that are actively charging. Paying t...
Salem, OR
Salem Revised Code Chapter 102 prohibits vehicles from remaining parked on the same public street block for more than 24 consecutive hours. Overnight parking...
Salem, OR
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 pu...
Salem, OR
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, hand...
Salem, OR
Salem does not have a general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, religious displays, or seasonal yard decorations on private residential p...
Salem, OR
Salem has no city ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay within the property line and may no...
See how Salem's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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