Salem, OR Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Chapter 102 of the Salem Revised Code defines a loading zone in SRC 102.005 as a designated parking area reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or cargo for a period of time not to exceed 30 minutes, and the same 30-minute cap applies to loading in a public alley under SRC 102.040(e), which otherwise bars parking in alleys altogether. The Director designates where loading zones sit under SRC 102.020(a)(2), which lets the City mark on-street loading zones, motorcycle zones, and metered zones by administrative order rather than by full Council action, and any order must be filed with the City Recorder and the Chief of Police before it takes effect under SRC 102.020(b).

Because a loading zone is treated as a time limited parking zone, overstaying it is charged under the SRC 102.055 overtime schedule: SRC 102.135(a)(2)(E) sets the fine specifically as Loading Zone Over-Time, $30.00, distinct from the $25.00 general time-limited overtime rate and the $30.00 residential permit overtime rate. A vehicle parked in a loading zone that also violates a posted parking control device, such as a sign restricting the zone to commercial deliveries only, can additionally be cited under SRC 102.040(d), which separately bars parking contrary to any parking control device, carrying its own $50.00 fine.

Citations must be paid within 14 days under SRC 102.140(a) or they add a $10.00 late charge, and a driver may contest a citation before the Salem Municipal Court under SRC 102.145.