Ordinances You Need to Know in Salem, OR

Local rules that could affect everyday life, property use or a decision to move to Salem, OR.

Local jurisdiction: City of Salem, Oregon.

Standard Home Occupation Needs No Special Approval or City Business License

Salem states that a qualifying home occupation does not require special approval or a City business license, but it must meet the standards in Salem Revised Code Chapter 700.

Source: City of Salem Start a Home Business
Code section: Salem Revised Code Chapter 700
Official source status: Current city page
NTL verified: September 3, 2026

View official/local ordinance source →

One Nonresident Employee or Volunteer Maximum

Salem allows only one nonresident employee or volunteer to work at the property for a standard home occupation.

Source: City of Salem Start a Home Business
Code section: Salem Revised Code Chapter 700
Official source status: Current city page
NTL verified: September 3, 2026

View official/local ordinance source →

Home Business Limited to 25 Percent of Habitable Space

Salem limits the total floor area of buildings and accessory structures used for a home occupation to 25 percent of the home's habitable space.

Source: City of Salem Start a Home Business
Code section: Salem Revised Code Chapter 700
Official source status: Current city page
NTL verified: September 3, 2026

View official/local ordinance source →

Disclaimer & Due Diligence

NarrowTheList includes only location-specific rules we could tie to the local jurisdiction and source shown with each item. State rules are not included on this page.

Ordinances can be amended, repealed, renumbered or interpreted differently depending on the property, zoning district, permit status or activity involved. These summaries are provided as a starting point for relocation research and may not reflect every exception, permit requirement or later amendment.

Before relying on an ordinance for a home purchase, rental, home business, vehicle, pet, property improvement or other important decision, review the linked source and do your own due diligence. Contact the applicable city clerk, municipal office, town or village hall, county office or other local government department to verify the current ordinance and how it applies to the specific property or activity you are considering.