Salem, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SRC 76.010, Obstructions
- Approval required
- Written permission from the Director
- No-permit exception limit
- Material within 8 feet of curbline, parking lanes only
- Penalty class
- Infraction under SRC 76.990
- Covers
- Arterial/collector streets, travel lanes, sidewalks
Summary
Salem bars placing structures, barricades, building material, or merchandise on arterial and collector streets, travel lanes, or sidewalks without first notifying the Director and getting written permission, and a violation is an infraction.
Sec. 76.010. - Obstructions. (a)Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, park, leave, deposit, or maintain any structure, barricade or other obstruction such as building material or merchandise, other than lawfully parking vehicles, on any arterial or collector street, or in the travel lanes of local streets, or on sidewalks, without first notifying the Director and obtaining written permission.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
010 makes it unlawful for any person to place, park, leave, deposit, or maintain any structure, barricade, or other obstruction, such as building material or merchandise, other than lawfully parked vehicles, on any arterial or collector street, in the travel lanes of local streets, or on sidewalks, without first notifying the Director and obtaining written permission. Once permission is sought, the Director may impose reasonable conditions on the obstruction, including hours of use, duration, barricading, provision of temporary sidewalks and bike lanes, and lighting or marking needed to protect public safety and keep vehicular and pedestrian traffic moving around the obstruction.
090, the street is cleaned after removal, and the material never extends more than eight feet from the curbline; the Director may grant extensions of time on request. 020 bars vending stands or mobile sales devices on public streets and sidewalks unless the vendor holds the required peddler or street vendor license. Together these sections keep both fixed obstructions and general debris off the public right-of-way absent City authorization.
Violations & Fines
Violation of SRC 76.010 through 76.160, including the obstruction rule, is an infraction under SRC 76.990. Placing material in violation of the eight-foot curbline limit or without required Director notification and permission triggers that infraction exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a dumpster on the street in front of my Salem house without a permit?
What conditions can Salem attach to a street obstruction permit?
Is dumping debris on a Salem sidewalk a separate violation from obstruction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salem
Compare Salem to another location·View the Oregon sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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