Salem, Oregon Offers Pre-Approved ADU Plans

The city hopes the free plans will streamline the permitting process for homeowners and help spur more housing construction.

1 minute read

October 25, 2023, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Rendering of cabin-style accessory dwelling unit with green trees in background.

One of Salem's ready-build ADU options. | City of Salem / Ready Build ADU

Joining cities as diverse as Raleigh, Los Angeles, and South Bend, Salem, Oregon is launching its own pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) program, which will provide residents with ‘ready build’ plans that meet code requirements.

As John Ross Ferrara reports for KOIN, the plans will be freely accessible, but homeowners must still apply and pay fees for the appropriate permits. According to a city statement, “The ready-build ADU plans lower barriers to building ADUs by providing architectural plans at no additional charge and expediting the building permit process.” 

The city added, “The city conducted a Housing Needs Analysis in 2014 and has been working since then to promote housing affordability, availability, and choice.” Salem adapted its plans from the city of Eugene, which shared its own pre-approved designs.

Monday, October 23, 2023 in KOIN6

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 21, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Red SF Muni ticketing machine.

San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time

A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.

May 21 - San Francisco Examiner

Electric car charging station with several Chevy Bolts charging in parking lot of store in Bellingham, Washington

Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth

Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.

May 21 - GovTech

Top view new development riverside residential and commercial neighborhood with vacant land in Texas, USA.

Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas

Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.

May 21 - The Texas Tribune