Salem Planning Commission

2021 Unified Development Code (UDC) update

The City is proposing changes to Salem's zoning and development code, known as the Unified Development Code (UDC). The proposed changes address a variety of issues that have arisen since the last update to the UDC in 2019. They include policy-related changes that respond to concerns from the community, minor housekeeping amendments, and updates to implement changes in State law.

In addition to the proposed amendments to the UDC, the zoning of specific identified properties in the downtown currently zoned RH, CO, and CR are proposed to be changed to CB to consistent with the CB zoning of other surrounding downtown properties. 

Planning Commission public hearing 

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes on Tuesday, October 5, at 5:30 p.m.

The full package of proposed code amendments can be read here: Proposed UDC Amendments

For additional information contact

Bryce Bishop, Planner III

[email protected] / 503-540-2399

Prior work sessions

The Salem Planning Commission held a series of work sessions on the proposed changes from June to August 2021. You can read overviews of the proposed changes and the draft code language that was presented to the Planning Commission below. You can also watch recordings of work session.  Please note the documents below contain previous versions of the amendments, as some language has been updated after the work sessions. The full code amendment package included above contains the most recent proposal, which will be presented to the Planning Commission on October 5.

• HB 2001: Proposed code amendment

• June 1, 2021 work session recording

• Nonconforming situations and similar use determination: Proposed code amendment

• June 15, 2021 work session recording

• Tree preservation, pedestrian access, and other topics: Proposed code amendment

• July 20, 2021 work session recording

• Central Business District zone, annexation procedures, middle housing land divisions, and other topics: Proposed code amendment

• August 16, 2021 work session recording

Overview

​The Salem Planning Commission acts as an advisory commission to the City Council and has a broad scope of concern in promoting the growth and orderly development of the City of Salem. The Commission has adopted a work plan to outline its goals for the next year.

Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. 

The Planning Commission is currently meeting virtually. You can watch the meeting LIVE on YouTube if you do not plan to provide testimony: https://bit.ly/planningpublicmeetings

You may testify at the virtual hearing by signing up in advance, no later than 3:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. To sign up to please email [email protected] or call 503-540-2315.

You can provide written testimony for any agenda item by emailing written testimony to the Case Manager listed for the case, the Planning Administrator ([email protected]) or the Commission's administrative staff ([email protected]). You can also mail testimony to: City of Salem Planning Division, 555 Liberty Street SE, Room 305, Salem, Oregon 97301. We recommend you email comments to ensure receipt before the public hearing.

Special membership requirements:

• No more than one voting member may be a non-resident of the city
• No more than two voting members shall be engaged principally in the buying, selling, or developing of real estate for profit
• No more than two voting members shall be engaged in the same kind of business, trade, or profession

Authority: SRC Chapter 6

Number of members: 9

Type of appointment: City Council interview and election

Length of term: 3 years