Accessory Structure (Shed, detached garage, carport, shipping containers, etc.) Permitting Procedure
1. Review the City Code of Ordinances (see below or click here)
2. Determine zoning district in which the structure will be built/installed. Steps are subject to change and differ depending on which zoning district.
3. Fill out Building Permit Application
4. Submit completed application and payment at City Hall.
Permit fee is $0.10/square foot or a minimum of $25.00 and may be paid by cash, check made payable to City of Salem or debit/credit card.
5. Receive initial Certificate of Zoning Compliance, before building/installing structure
6. Receive final Certificate of Zoning Compliance, after structure is built/installed and inspected
7. IMPORTANT REMINDER:
(A) Sheds, detached garages, carports, etc. are accessory uses, therefore, will not be permitted on a vacant lot as a stand alone structure.
(B) Sheds, detached garages, etc. are strictly forbidden from being dwellings. See Chapter 23: Article III: Division 1: Sec. 23-118. - Accessory Uses (Ord. No. 82-14, § 3-13.2, 7-19-82; Ord. No. 2022-01 , § I, 1-3-2022) in the City's Code of Ordinances
(a) Definition. "Accessory use" means any structure or use which is:
(1) Subordinate in size or purpose to the principal structure or use which it serves;
(2) Necessary or contributing to the comfort and convenience of the occupants (whether individuals or a commercial enterprise) of the principal structure or use served; and
(3) Located on the same lot as the principal structure or use served. If an accessory use is attached to the principal structure, it shall be considered part of such principal structure.
(b) Permitted accessory uses. Any accessory use shall be deemed permitted in a particular zoning district if such accessory use is:
(1) Accessory to a principal structure or use that is allowed in that zoning district as of right (permitted uses) or by virtue of the fact that a special use permit has been granted, and
(2) In compliance with the restrictions set forth in subsection (c) of this section.
(c) Accessory use regulations. Accessory use restrictions are as follows:
(1) Height. No accessory use shall be higher than:
a. Fifteen (15) feet in any residential district, or
b. Twenty-five (25) feet in any other zoning district except the non-urban district where, due to the special needs of farmers, there shall be no height limit on accessory structures.
(2) Setbacks. No accessory use in any zoning district shall be located in any part of any yard (front, side, or rear) that is required because of the setback regulations of such district; provided that, in the non-urban district or in any residential district, an accessory use may be located as close as five (5) feet to the side lot line and/or as close as eight (8) feet to the rear lot line.
(3) Yard coverage. In any residential district, accessory uses shall not cover more than thirty (30) percent of a required rear yard.
(4) Use as dwelling. Use of any accessory structure as a dwelling is strictly prohibited throughout the zoning jurisdiction of this municipality.
(5) Shipping containers. Shipping containers, not to exceed eight feet by forty feet (8'x40') in size, may be used for storage of goods as permitted uses in the B-3 Highway Business, B-4 Interchange Business, B-6 General Commercial and I Industrial zoning districts. Shipping containers may be allowed with a special use permit in the B-2 Central Business and B-5 Central/Intermediate Business Districts. Shipping containers may not be used in the B-1 Neighborhood Business District, any residential district or as an accessory use to any residential use, regardless of the zoning designation.