Salem council advances ADU zoning changes in second‑passage vote

The Salem City Council approved amended zoning ordinance language on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) during second‑passage votes on May 22, adopting committee changes meant to implement provisions of the state Affordable Homes Act.

Councilors voted to accept an amendment requiring detached ADUs that are not owner‑occupied to provide separate water, sewer and electric services from the principal dwelling. The council also removed owner‑occupancy and special permit requirements in line with the state law and adjusted unit limits for some multi‑unit lots.

Committee reports and councilors’ remarks made clear two legal thresholds applied to the package: portions required a simple majority and other sections required a two‑thirds vote; the council split the question and approved the matters in the required sequence. The committee recommended adoption as amended and the council carried the motions during the evening session.

Proponents said the changes put local code in compliance with state requirements and streamline ADU permitting to encourage additional housing units. A council member summarized the ordinance as two “buckets”: items required by state law and local clean‑up provisions to ease permitting.

No roll‑call tally for the final ADU passage was recorded in the same way as some other items, but the council adopted the amendments and the second‑passage actions during the meeting session. Staff will incorporate the changes into the zoning code and update permitting guidance.

Ending: The amendments are intended to take effect consistent with the city’s ordinance adoption procedures; staff follow‑up was requested to finalize language and update application materials.