New Lien Forgiveness Program Available November 10, 2025 – June 30, 2026

The City of Salem Lien Forgiveness Program is a temporary program designed to encourage property owners to voluntarily correct public nuisances such as trash and debris, derelict structures and other Property Maintenance Code violations on their properties, in exchange for the forgiving of City liens.

Participants in the new lien forgiveness program will repair or restore their properties, correcting any code violations before June 30, 2026, and the City will forgive unpaid penalties and derelict structure fees.

Apply now to participate in the Lien Forgiveness Program

Reporting Neighborhood Complaints

Salem works to create safe and desirable neighborhoods for everyone in our community by investigating reports of specific code violations. Staff prioritize reports where public safety and health are at risk.

Submitting a Neighborhood Complaint

The City does not accept anonymous complaints. You must complete a one-time registration to submit a complaint. This registration also gives you access to a dashboard where you can track the progress of your case. You can check the status of your complaint here.

Reporting a Neighborhood or Abandoned Vehicle Problem

Complaints submitted using the online system will be assigned to an officer the next business day. Other forms of case submission will take 3 to 5 business days to be assigned to an officer for processing.

Report an Abandoned Vehicle

Reporting a Parking Problem

If you have a problem related to downtown parking, including disabled parking, broken meters, or residential parking, you can submit a request using the link below.

Report a Parking Problem

Common Neighborhood Concerns

Here are some common concerns you can report:

Building Issues

• Derelict and boarded buildings
• Dangerous buildings
• Housing code violations
• Multifamily housing safety
• Property maintenance issues, including:
  • Grass and weed removal
  • Noxious vegetation
  • Poorly maintained property
  • Health hazards
  • Garbage and junk removal
  • Tree preservation

View Current Building Violation Reports

Vehicle Issues

• Abandoned vehicles

Zoning Issues

• Zoning code violations

Other Concerns

• Abandoned shopping carts
• Event noise permits
• Excessive garage sales
• Illegal sign violations
• Disposal of garbage in ditches or waterways
• Help with garbage piles or camping
• Retail distribution of plastic carryout bags

Complaint Confidentiality Policy

The City’s confidentiality policy for enforcement is based on Oregon state public records laws. Enforcement records are public, but the name of the complainant is exempt from disclosure. This exemption is called “information submitted to a public body in confidence.” Therefore, any record that identifies a complainant cannot be disclosed. However, notes or letters that do not specifically identify the complainant may be shared.

The City will disclose the complainant’s name if required by a valid court order or if that person will be a witness in an enforcement case. This is to ensure the “right of cross-examination.”