Salem Council lowers minimum lot size for detached accessory units from 2 acres to 1

Salem City Council voted 5–0 on Feb. 18 to amend the city’s detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) regulations, reducing the minimum required lot size from two acres to one.

City Planner Lisa Webster presented the ordinance amendment, saying the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the change with no issues and no public comment. Council members raised implementation questions before the vote, particularly about when impact fees apply and how the City would address utility billing and emergency access for properties with additional dwellings. Webster said impact fees would not apply if a DADU connects to existing services, but fees would be required if utilities are upsized.

“Staff noted further clarification may be needed for cleaner implementation,” Webster told the council. Councilmember Delys Snyder urged caution about enforcement, saying she was worried about “potential misuse of the ordinance where two homes could be built on one lot,” and pressed staff for clearer language on ownership and service responsibilities.

Councilmember Paul Taylor asked whether the ordinance should include a provision limiting a DADU’s size relative to the principal home; staff responded that the current amendment addresses only minimum lot size and that such limits could be considered in future revisions.

The council’s motion to amend the lot requirement was made by Snyder, seconded by Taylor, and carried unanimously. Staff requested council review of Title 14 to resolve implementation details including addressing parking, addressing, and standards for emergency access. The ordinance takes effect according to the City’s typical adoption procedures and staff said additional clarifying language will be prepared for a future meeting.

Next steps: staff will draft implementation language (including address/parking policies and any size limits) and return the item for council review and formal adoption sequencing.