Introduction

Last updated in 1983, the development code has gotten older and messier each year.  Salem’s code is in need of a cleanup.  This long-awaited deep cleaning is underway to remove the cobwebs and sweep out the code’s dusty corners.  It’s a huge project that in the end will result in reorganization of the code into a Unified Development Code. Download Fact Sheet (PDF) 

Salem’s development code has grown to 1,226 pages and needs a cleanup.

What is the Unified Development Code?

The Unified Development Code will include 85 chapters updated from the Salem Revised Code.  The new chapters cover: 

• Land Use and Development Applications: procedures for review or land use applications: land divisions, planned unit developments, conditional uses, variances, adjustments and other land use actions.
• Land Uses and Base Zones: rules that apply to development within Salem’s 26 base zones for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and mixed use.
• Overlay Zones: rules that apply within Salem’s 19 designated special purpose districts.
• Site Development Standards: requirements and guidelines for design and development including grading, streets and right-of-way, utilities, landscaping and screening, trees, wetlands and other uses/activities.
• General Administration: development code definitions and administrative procedures.

What’s Not Changing?

The update combines the Zoning Code (SRC Title X) and certain chapters from the Community Development Standards (SRC Title V), Sewer and Water (SRC Title VI), and Permits, Streets, and Public Ways (SRC Title VII). 

Other sections of the code unrelated to development will not be affected by the code update. Examples: 

• Property maintenance ordinances
• Noise, public nuisance, offenses, etc.
• Traffic; parking ordinances

Cleanup Rules

The code streamlining team includes professional planning staff from Salem’s Community Development Department, assisted by consultants and other City departments. The team is carefully reviewing each section of the development code, fixing errors and inconsistencies, and ensuring the code reflects the City’s current practices. 

The cleanup is guided by a few simple rules. Nothing changes unless it: 

• Is administratively easy / policy neutral
• Meets a legal requirement
• Clarifies or simplifies code
• Eliminates inconsistencies
• Uses fewer words
• Fills a gap

Schedule

The Unified Development Code Advisory Committee (UDCAC)  is currently in the process of reviewing individual chapters of the new Unified Development Code as they are completed by staff and made available for public review. 

The Committee meets twice a month and the meetings are open to the public.  We stongly encourage people to attend to share your throughts and comments.  Upcoming meeting dates can be found here.

After the UDCAC has completed their review of the complete  Unified Development Code, it will be scheduled for public hearings by the Planning Commission and Salem City Council. 

Benefits of the New Code

Salem’s code cleanup is worth the effort. The result will be a modern code that is: 

• Clearly written; easier to understand
• Consistent: procedures and timeframes
• Streamlined; more concise
• Easier to access
• Saves time: fewer mistakes and false starts
• A useful tool for planners trying to help applicants