All properties in the Central Business District zone are allowed to have public sidewalk signs; properties where the building is built across the entire street frontage in the commercial and mixed-use zones are allowed to have public sidewalk signs. Learn more about which zones allow sidewalk signs. 

If you want to install a temporary sign, a permit may be required. Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 900

Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit

The following types of temporary signs require a temporary sign permit:

• Banners: May be composed of lightweight fabric, vinyl, plastic or similar material designed to be placed on a building or structure used to attract visual attention.
  • The display surface of each temporary banner shall not exceed 50 square feet.
  • All four corners of a temporary banner must be securely attached to a building.
  • Display period shall be limited to a 30-day continuous period. A maximum of four temporary banner permits are allowed per calendar year.
• Banner across Liberty Street SE and on Liberty Parkade
  
  • There are two banner poles installed for the purpose of displaying a banner across the street in the 300 block of Liberty Street SE. These banners are regulated by the City of Salem. Apply for a Liberty pole banner permit.
  • The Liberty Parkade is located at 199 Liberty Street SE. Apply for a Liberty Parkade banner permit.
• Pennants: May consist of flags, streamers, antenna flags, feather flags or triangular-shaped flags used to attract visual attention. 
  
  • Pennants are not allowed on residential properties.
  • The maximum height for a pennant display shall not exceed 13 feet.
  • The total display surface for a pennant display shall not exceed 50 square feet.
  • Display period shall be limited to a 60-day continuous period. A maximum of two temporary pennant permits are allowed per calendar year.
  • Only one pennant or balloon display is permitted per development site at any one time.
• Balloons: May be composed of lightweight fabric, vinyl, plastic or similar material designed to be placed on a building or structure used to attract visual attention..
  
  • Balloons are not allowed on residential properties.
  • The height of non-wind driven balloons may not exceed 35 feet above the point of attachment. Balloons shall be securely attached with non-metallic cable, so as to withstand wind pressures of 30 pounds per square foot of exposed surface.
  • Wind driven balloon displays shall not exceed 18 feet in height and must be setback a minimum of one foot for each one foot of height.
  • Display period is limited to 14 consecutive days in any six-month period, and shall not exceed two permits in any calendar year.
  • Only one pennant or balloon display is permitted per development site at any one time.
• Temporary Sign Permit for Christmas trees and fireworks stands.

Apply for a Permit

You may apply for a temporary sign permit by using the Permit Application Center portal:

• A completed temporary sign application
• The sign permit fees
• Plans for the sign in a graphic form, detailed and clear enough to show compliance with the rules as outlined in the sign permit plans and documentation checklist

Rules for Temporary Signs

The following rules apply to all temporary signs:

• Lawn and sidewalk signs over 30 inches tall are not allowed.
• No temporary sign shall interfere with the free and unobstructed use of pedestrian pathways.
• No temporary sign may be illuminated.
• No temporary sign may be placed in a vision clearance area.
• Temporary signs must be kept in a neat, clean condition.
• No temporary sign may be attached to fences, trees, shrubbery, utility poles, or like items.
• No temporary sign may obstruct a permanent sign on adjacent or abutting properties.
• No temporary sign may use propellers or similar rotating wind activated devices.

Temporary signs are not allowed in a public right-of-way which includes sidewalks, alleys, curbs, utility poles, planter strips, etc., except sidewalk signs downtown and in mixed use zones, subject to limitations. Contact a planner if you want to know where the public right-of-way ends and your property begins.

Temporary Signs Not Requiring a Permit

Temporary signs that do not require a sign permit are called exempt temporary signs. They fall into the following categories:

• Lawn signs which are commonly small political signs or real estate signs.
  
  • Lawn signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way or in a vision clearance area, and shall not block a public sidewalk.
  • They are normally made out of a corrugated plastic, gray board, or similar type material and will not withstand much of a wind load.
  • You can display lawn signs for a 60 day continuous period, twice per year.
• Rigid signs are signs that are built to withstand an 80mph wind.
  
  • You can display a rigid sign for one year.
  • Rigid signs shall not exceed a height of six feet above grade.
  • Rigid signs are designed to be moved from place to place.
  • Rigid signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way or in a vision clearance area, and shall not block a public sidewalk.

The following size restrictions apply to exempt temporary signs:

Removal of Signs

The City may remove temporary signs which are illegally placed or are otherwise prohibited by the sign code. Signs collected by the City will be held for a period of 30 days to allow the owner to reclaim it. Any signs which haven’t been reclaimed after 30 days will be discarded.

Retrieval of Removed Signs

You may call (503) 588-6213 to reclaim your sign. A sign retrieval fee will be charged for each sign, see the Fee Schedule for current fees.