You must have a license to operate a multifamily dwelling in Salem.

A license is valid for one calendar year. All licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed to continue business (SRC 59.420).

Multifamily dwellings are residential structures that have three or more dwelling units, guest rooms, or any group of three or more dwelling units on one lot or contiguous lots where rooms or beds are offered for rent (SRC 59.010).

Exempt Properties

The following types of properties are exempt from licensing:  

• Hospitals and clinics
• Nursing homes
• Adult foster homes
• Residential care facilities
• Residential homes occupied by the owner(s)
• Homes owned or operated by religious, fraternal, charitable or other nonprofit organization, in which all units are inspected by the Federal Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD).

Inspections

Multifamily dwelling units are inspected at least once every five years. A second party such as an owner, agent, or manager must be present when inspections are conducted. It is the owner's responsibility to have keys to each unit so it can be inspected. A “Certificate of Inspection” will be issued to the owner when the units are found to comply with the Salem Housing Code (SRC Chapter 59).

Application Process

Step 1: Read the Salem Revised Code (SRC)

SRC Chapter 59 outlines the requirements for housing in the City of Salem. Your application requires you to agree to operate according to these requirements.

Step 2: Apply for a License

You must apply for a license. Licenses cannot be transferred (SRC 30.035).

You need to apply in person at the Permit Application Center by bringing the following:

• A completed application form
• Payment for the license fee

Step 3: Application Review

Each application will be reviewed to determine if it meets the license requirements and to verify the application information.

Approval: You will be notified in writing and the actual license can be picked up from the Permit Application Center.

Denial: You will be notified in writing and given a reason for the denial. You can appeal the decision as outlined in SRC Chapter 20J.

Application Renewals

Renewals for a license must be completed within 30 days of the expiration date on the existing license. A renewed license is effective as of the expiration date of the prior license. If an application to renew an existing license is not turned in before the current license expires, a new license is required.

Renewal forms and invoices are mailed in November to the address on record.; You are responsible for renewing your license by December 31 whether or not you receive the actual invoice.

Your renewal form and payment for the license fee can be submitted in person or by mail to the Code Compliance office.