Salem's Municipal and Religious Building Re-use Zoning Ordinance Passes

With a vote from the City Council of 9-2 the Municipal and Religious Building Re-Use Zoning Ordinance received final passage at the City Council meeting on September 12th.

This ends the long journey for the ordinance that started in 2018 with the identification of municipal and religious buildings that were no longer serving their prior use. Without the overlay the identified buildings in current city zoning could only be redeveloped into single family or two-family housing.

The approved ordinance increases the number of approvable units through special permit and also contains an affordable housing requirement. These developments as they now move forward will bring much needed housing the to the city.