The City understands the importance of commemorating loved ones following an incident and has an established Policy and Procedure for allowing roadside memorials in the right-of-way. If you would like to place a roadside memorial in the right-of-way, an application will need to be made to the Public Works Department.

Temporary Roadside Memorials

Temporary memorials are intended to be in place for less than one year and do not require a Permit. If a temporary memorial is placed for more than one-year, the City may require removal or application for a long term memorial.

Long Term Roadside Memorials

Long term memorials are City-approved and intended to remain in place for at least one-year. Long term memorials require a Permit issued by the City. Long term memorials may be stone markers, roadway signs, or curbside metal buttons. Alternative memorials are reviewed upon request.

Apply for a Roadside Memorial

Step 1: Memorial Application

1. Submit a complete Roadside Memorial Application Form and all required attachments to Developmentservices@cityofsalem.net.
2. Pay the applicable fees through the Permit Application Center Portal. An application review fee is required in addition to installation fees for the roadside memorial. If the City is producing the memorial, additional fees will apply

Step 2: Installation

After approval of a long term memorial permit, the Public Works Department will install the roadside memorial:

• Stone marker memorials, metal button memorials, and Alternative Memorials are created and funded by the applicant and installed by the City.
• Roadway sign memorials are created and installed by the City and funded by the applicant.

Step 3: Maintain Memorial

The City of Salem does not maintain roadside memorials. All roadside memorials are maintained by the applicant. If the roadside memorial is not maintained in good order, it may be removed by the City.

Step 4: Permit Renewal

Long term memorial permits must be renewed five years from date of installation and every five years thereafter. To renew a long term memorial permit, submit a complete Roadside Memorial Renewal Form to developmentservices@cityofsalem.net