Salem's Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Receives First Passage

Last night, Salem’s Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance passed the City Council with an 8 to 3 vote.

First passage is an important step as the ordinance proceeds forward but does not mark the end of the road. The ordinance is being sent back to the Ordinance, Licenses, and Legal Affairs (OLLA) sub-committee for a meeting on October 23^rd. If referred back to the City Council from OLLA it would most likely be heard on the City Council’s regular meeting on October 24^th.

The ADU ordinance requires a two-thirds supermajority to receive passage, so 8 favorable votes is actually the minimum number of votes needed. In The Salem News, City Council President Steve Dibble is quoted as saying “I simply voted in favor of this to continue the discussion so the ordinance can be strengthened and the residents can be protected.” The ordinance has until November 13^th to receive second passage

NSAR will continue to keep track of how the ordinance progresses. Accessory Dwelling Units are a commonsense approach to create housing within existing neighborhoods while also providing low priced housing alternatives that have little or no negative impact on the character of a community.