Current Planning staff within the Permit Application Center are responsible for review of all building permit, site plan review, and sign permit applications for compliance with the Salem Revised Code (SRC). The site plan review staff also conduct zoning and landscaping inspections for all development within the City of Salem.
If you'd like to check the status of a site plan review, click here.
If you'd like to check the status of a building permit or sign permit application, click here.
IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION THAT MAY IMPACT YOU EFFECTIVE JAN. 1, 2009:
On January 1, 2009 the City of Salem will require Site Plan Review for most new development. This process may affect the timeline for some building permit approvals. Site Plan review is a land use application to review and approve site plans associated with new building permits. Site Plan Review applications may be submitted prior to or concurrent with a building permit application.
Site Plan Review Information:
Site Plan Review Type I Packet 
Site Plan Review Type I Limited Packet
Site Plan Review Type II Packet
Site Plan Review will ensure that development review occurs in a manner consistent with state statutes regarding land use actions, with a public comment and notice period in some cases. This new process does not apply to single family dwellings or duplex development.
Examples of issues reviewed as part of Site Plan Review include:
Zoning Information
Planners are available to answer questions about land use activities and property zoning within the City of Salem.
Planners are available from 8 to 5, Monday through Friday at 555 Liberty Street SE, RM 320, or at (503) 588-6173 ext.7427.
Questions about status of pending land use applications may also be directed to the above number.
We always strive to serve you in a timely fashion. When you call us, we may be helping another customer at the front counter. If we are not able to answer right away please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Our goal is to respond to all messages within 24 hours.
Sign Program
The purpose of the sign code is to approve the installation, construction, alteration and repair of business signage to protect the safety, property, and welfare of the public; to improve the neat, clean, orderly, and attractive appearance of the community; to improve the effectiveness of signs to identify and advertise businesses; and to eliminate signs that demand, rather than invite, public attention.
The above is accomplished by reviewing, approving and issuing permits for permanent and temporary signage, educating the public on sign code requirements, and investigating specific violations where illegal signs are erected with or without permit.
Our Sign Compliance Program carries these initiatives out by way of sign plan review, coordinating safe sign installation, and regular monitoring of compliance with sign code.
For more information about the Site Plan Review and Sign Program, or zoning review for building permits, please contact:
Aaron Panko at 503-588-6173, ext. 7556 or Amy Dixon at 503-588-6173, ext. 7404.