Salem Parking Minimums and EV Charging Rules

Land Use and Zoning Oregon 4 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Oregon

Salem, Oregon projects must follow local off-street parking rules and any requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure when proposing new development or land use changes. This guide summarizes where parking minimums and EV charging requirements are set, how they apply to different land uses, enforcement and appeals, and practical steps developers and property owners can take to comply with Salem rules and permitting. Citations point to the municipal code and the City of Salem planning resources for official text and contact information.[1]

Overview

Off-street parking minimums typically tie the number of parking spaces required to land use and building size; EV charging requirements may mandate readiness, conduit capacity, or installed chargers for certain building types and numbers of spaces. Local planning and building rules interact with state building codes and utility requirements; check the municipal code and the City of Salem planning pages for details and forms.[1]

Applicability & Scope

Requirements apply differently by zone, use, and project type (new construction, major remodel, change of use). Some overlays or downtown districts may have reduced or waived minimums; historic properties and certain small infill projects may qualify for adjustments or exceptions under Salem procedures. For exact zone-based tables and any downtown exceptions, consult the official development code tables and maps.[1]

Off-street Parking Minimums

  • Typical structure: parking ratios expressed as spaces per dwelling unit, 1000 sq ft, or per seat for assembly uses; exact ratios are set in the development code (see code tables).
  • Reductions/adjustments: the City provides variance or adjustment paths for projects that cannot meet minimums due to site constraints; submission requirements follow planning procedures.
  • Shared parking and transit-oriented discounts: allowances may exist where shared parking studies or transit access justify reduced parking.
Check zone tables and any downtown overlays early in design to avoid costly revisions.

EV Charging Requirements

EV rules often include requirements for: installed Level 2 chargers, electrical capacity for future chargers (EV-ready parking), or conduit and panel space for easy upgrade. The specific thresholds—such as number or percent of spaces requiring chargers or readiness—are detailed in local building or development code sections and in adopted amendments that implement state or regional policies.[2]

  • New multifamily and nonresidential projects: may require a percentage of spaces to be EV-ready or to have installed chargers.
  • Electrical plan requirements: submit electrical load calculations and charger specifications with building permit applications.
  • Coordination with utilities: building applicants must coordinate with the local electric utility for service upgrades and metering.
Plan EV electrical capacity with the permitting phase to avoid retrofit costs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by City of Salem code enforcement, building, and planning staff depending on whether the issue is a permitted use, building code violation, or development code noncompliance. Inspections arise from permit processes and from complaints.

  • Enforcer: City of Salem Community Development and Code Enforcement staff (see official contact pages for reporting).
  • Fines: specific dollar amounts for parking or EV rule violations are not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code or contact enforcement for current penalties.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence schedules are not specified on the cited page and may be set in ordinance or administrative rules; contact the enforcement office for details.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, stop-work orders, permit denial or suspension, and court action are typical remedies available to the City.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: complaints may be submitted to the City of Salem Community Development or Code Enforcement portal for investigation.[2]
  • Appeals: review or appeal routes are governed by development code appeal procedures; time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with Planning staff when a decision is issued.[1]

Applications & Forms

The City publishes permit, variance, and site-plan application forms through the Planning and Building/Permits portal; specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission steps are available on the City of Salem planning and permit pages. If a specific form or fee is required but not listed, contact the Planning counter for the current application packet.[2]

If a project will add chargers, include electrical plans with the building permit submittal.

Action steps:

  • Step 1: Early code check—confirm parking ratios and EV thresholds for your zone using the development code.[1]
  • Step 2: Design to code—incorporate required EV-ready infrastructure and parking counts into site plans.
  • Step 3: Permits—submit site, building, and electrical plans; include charger specs and utility coordination notes.
  • Step 4: Inspections and compliance—schedule inspections and respond to correction notices promptly.

FAQ

Do Salem parking minimums vary by zone?
Yes. Parking minimums are set by use and zone in the development code; downtown or overlay areas may have different standards. Consult the code tables for your parcel.[1]
Are EV chargers required for new multifamily buildings?
Requirements vary; some projects must provide EV-ready spaces or installed chargers depending on building type and size—check the development and building code sections and planning guidance.[2]
What happens if I build fewer parking spaces than required?
Building without required parking may trigger stop-work orders, orders to remedy, or enforcement actions; fines and escalation details should be confirmed with enforcement staff as they are not specified on the cited page.[1]
How do I request a variance or reduction?
Apply for an adjustment or variance through the Planning Division; application packets and submittal requirements are available from the Planning counter or website.[2]

How-To

  1. Check the Salem development code for parking ratios and EV requirements for your parcel and proposed use.[1]
  2. Engage the electrical engineer and utility early to size service and plan conduit for EV readiness.
  3. Prepare and submit site, building, and electrical permit applications with EV charger specifications if required.
  4. Coordinate with Planning staff for any requested adjustments or variances and follow public notice requirements.
  5. Complete inspections and obtain final approvals before occupying spaces or activating chargers.

Key Takeaways

  • Check parking and EV rules early to avoid redesigns.
  • Coordinate permits, electrical plans, and utility work during design.
  • Enforcement can include orders and fines; confirm penalties with the City.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Salem Revised Code - municipal code and development code tables
  2. [2] City of Salem Community Development - planning, permits, and contacts

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