• Plans are designed to meet City of Salem Building Codes.
• Building plans are a free download at www.cityofsalem.net/ADUplans.
• More accessory dwelling units can help meet Salem’s housing needs.

The City of Salem is offering ready-build plans that residents can use to develop an accessory dwelling unit on their property.

The downloadable building plans are for a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) less than 600 square feet in size. The new Ready-Build ADU program promotes housing development by lowering potential financial barriers and expediting the review process for ADUs.  

The ADU plans are designed to meet building code and permit process requirements in Salem. They are adapted from ready-build plans developed by the City of Eugene and graciously shared with the City of Salem.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The Ready-Build ADU Plans web page, https://www.cityofsalem.net/ADUplans, also includes step-by-step instructions on how to use the plans with the City’s residential building permit application process.

While the plans can be downloaded for free, applicants must go through the building permit application process and pay associated fees. The Create an Accessory Dwelling Unit on Your Property web page lists the many land use zones where accessory dwelling units are allowed as a special use.

Ready-Build Plans Can Save Time

As Salem grows, the need for more housing continues. Ready-build ADU plans are part of Salem’s proactive effort to encourage more housing development by providing tools to make the permitting process easier and less expensive.