Plain-English answers to common homeowner questions, taken from Salem's published bylaws, with every rule linked to the section it comes from.
Last reviewed
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Yes. Salem allows one accessory dwelling unit (attached or detached) by right on a lot in the RC, R1, R2 and R3 residential districts with just a building permit from the Building Inspector. The ADU can be no larger than 900 sq ft or half the main home's floor area, whichever is smaller, needs no parking, and neither the ADU nor the main house may be used as a short-term rental.Allowed with a permit
Backyard Chickens Yes. Salem's zoning allows domestic fowl (hens) as an urban agriculture accessory use in every district, but roosters are banned. Coops and runs can be up to 8 feet tall and must be at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines and from any house, and at least 20 feet from the front lot line. The Board of Health has separate Urban Agriculture rules that we did not review and that may limit flock size or require a permit, so check with the Health Department first.Allowed
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / VRBO) Only if it's your primary residence (or a unit on the same property where you live). You must register annually with Inspectional Services ($50) and get a certificate of fitness; new non-owner-occupied Airbnbs are not allowed, and short-term rentals are banned in any home with an ADU and in buildings with more than two units.Restricted
Fences In Salem's residential districts a fence can be up to 6 feet tall and may be built right on the property line; the zoning text we reviewed doesn't require a fence permit outside the Entrance Corridor and flood overlay districts. On corner lots, nothing over 3 feet is allowed in the 25-foot sight triangle, and in the Entrance Corridor and North River Canal Corridor districts front and side fences are limited to 4 feet.Allowed
Sheds & Accessory Buildings Sheds are allowed by right in Salem's residential districts, but not in the required front yard or the side yard of a corner lot. A detached shed must be at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines and 10 feet from other buildings, no taller than 18 feet (1.5 stories), and no larger than 120 sq ft or 1% of the lot area, whichever is greater.Allowed
Burn Permits & Backyard Fires Don't plan on it. The Salem Fire Department says there is no open burning in the City of Salem, and under state rules a brush burn needs a permit from the local fire department. Separately, Chapter 20 bans wood, charcoal and pellet fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces citywide; listed propane or natural-gas fire pits are allowed.Not allowed
Home-Based Businesses Yes, with a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals in the RC, R1, R2, R3 and B1 districts. The business must be run by residents inside the home, with no more than one outside employee, using no more than 25% of the home's floor area, and with at most one small 1.5 sq ft sign.Allowed with board review
Swimming Pools Yes. Pools are allowed in Salem but must be at least 6 feet from side and rear property lines (closer only by Zoning Board of Appeals special permit) and meet the front-yard setback for houses. Every pool must be surrounded by a permanent fence or wall at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, locking gate, and must meet the State Building Code.Allowed with a permit
Building Near the Water (Wetlands Rules) Work within 100 feet of the ocean, a coastal bank, salt marsh, wetland, stream or pond, or in a flood zone, needs a permit from the Salem Conservation Commission under the city's Wetlands Ordinance. The first 25 feet from the resource area is a No Disturbance Zone where building and vegetation clearing are essentially prohibited, and disturbance within 50 feet requires mitigation.Allowed with board review
Docks, Piers & Floats Possibly, with several approvals. Building a dock or pier in Salem means Conservation Commission review under the city Wetlands Ordinance (docks are listed as structures it regulates), plus state Chapter 91 and federal permits; any float moored in Salem Harbor also needs an annual harbormaster float permit ($100/year for a private float).Allowed with board review