As a property owner, you may want to change something on the property. For example, you might want to build a home or business on your property, or you might want to update your house. The State and the City have established processes and rules to make sure these changes are safe for you and future owners. You can work through the permit process in person or online.

Work Requiring a Permit

The State of Oregon and City of Salem operate under the guidelines of the Oregon Specialty Codes.

A permit is always required for:

• New construction
• Demolition of an existing structure
• Additions to an existing structure
• Installation of a fireplace
• Structural changes to an existing structure
• Installation of in-ground swimming pools
• Mechanical system work (heating, cooling, and ventilation systems)
• Electrical work, including adding outlets
• Plumbing work
• Sewer changes
• Seismic upgrades
• Construction of private streets
• Dry rot repair
• Foundation work
• Changes to the use of commercial space
• Development in the floodplain
• Work in the public right-of-way
• Signs
• Parking lots, including restriping

Some work requires a permit under certain circumstances such as:

• Adding a deck, garden shed, shop, detached garage or carport
• Cutting down trees
• Building a residential fence
• Installing retaining walls
• Building concrete sidewalks, slabs, and driveways
• Reroofing
• Grading and clearing the property
• Installing or repairing insulation
• Replacing or repairing siding and windows
• Repairing doors and doors for apartments and commercial properties
• Installing ceiling coverings

Work Not Requiring a Permit

A permit usually is not required for interior, cosmetic changes such as:

• Installing new carpet or other flooring
• Painting
• Installing trim
• Installing counter tops
• Installing cabinets

Exterior work you can do without a permit includes:

• Putting up swings and other playground equipment
• Installing gutters and downspouts
• Replacing residential doors and windows where the structure is not changed

You can review regulations about work exempt from permit:

• Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) R105.2
• Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) R105.2
• City of Salem Guidelines Regarding Work Exempt from Permit

Historic buildings or properties may require historic design use review.