Downtown Vault Restoration

Nearly 50 older buildings in downtown Salem, built near the turn of the 20th century, have access to walk-in spaces or "vaults" directly underneath the sidewalk and in the City's right-of-way.  The number of vaults is unkown and conditions of the vaults have not been fully documented.  The Salem Revised Code (SRC) requires encroachment permit for structures located in the public right-of-way.  On December 12, 2005, City Council approved a resolution to waive the permit fee from January 1, 2006, to July 3, 2006.   

For further information about vaults, or to obtain an encroachment permit, contact Public Works at 503.588.6211.