Community » Neighborhoods » Parking » Parking Permits

Do I Need a Permit to Park in Downtown Salem?

Parking in the Downtown Parking District

If you plan to visit the Downtown Parking District, you must pay for on-street parking during the following times:

  • Monday through Saturday: Between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

On-street parking is free during these times:

  • Sundays: All day
  • Legal Holidays: All day
  • Monday through Saturday: Before 8:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.

Parking in off-street facilities, such as parkades and Riverfront Park, is always free for customers.

For more details about paid parking in downtown Salem, visit the Beep Beep Salem website.

Parking Permits for Off-Street Facilities

To park in the Downtown Parking District off-street parking facilities, you must purchase a parking permit if you belong to one of the following groups:

  • Students
  • Workers engaged in business activity
  • Jurors serving in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Marion County
  • Unsalaried employees or volunteers working within the District
  • Downtown residents
  • Part-time employees

Part-Time (Employees)

Employees of downtown Salem businesses who work less than 25 hours per week are eligible for a discounted part-time parking permit. To apply, you must provide:

  1. A letter from your employer verifying your work hours.
  2. Employer contact information.

Employees Making Less Than $25/Hour

Resolution No. 2025-17 provides a discounted Parkade Parking Permit for downtown employees working in the Downtown Parking District who are earning less than $25 per hour, excluding tips. This discount applies to both part-time and full-time employees.

  • Chemeketa Parkade: $20 per month
  • Marion Parkade: $15 per month
    (Discounted rates are valid from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.)

To apply for this permit, you must submit proof of your hourly pay. This can be:

  • A letter from your employer verifying your pay rate, or
  • A paystub (optional).
Permit Type: Carpool
Permit Type: Parkade

Additional Resources

Map of Downtown Parking