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.
SRC Chapter 50 requires property owners to maintain structures and premises in a safe, clean condition. SRC Chapter 98 defines public nuisances including derelict structures, accumulation of junk or debris, graffiti, and overgrown vegetation, and authorizes the City to issue notices of violation. If an owner fails to abate, Salem may perform abatement and recover costs via a lien. Salem's Code Compliance office (555 Liberty St. SE, Room 305) enforces both chapters. A temporary Lien Forgiveness Program (through June 2026) allows owners to clear violations and have accrued penalties waived. Violations can also be found and reported through the City's online property lookup tool.
Civil penalties accrue per day of non-compliance. Abatement costs billed to owner become liens on the property. Derelict structure fees may also apply.
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
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Salem, OR
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 ...
Salem, OR
Salem encourages home composting and offers curbside yard-debris collection. SRC Chapter 47 governs solid waste and yard debris. No permit is required for ba...
See how Salem's property blight rules stack up against other locations.
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