Salem To Resume Safety-Focused Enforcement Of Sidewalk Signs And Other Temporary Signs Oct. 19 (Photo) - 10/16/26
Outreach, Education Regarding Sign Regulations Continues
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Temporary signs like sidewalk signs, feather flags, or lawn signs can cause safety issues that distract drivers and impede vision.
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Temporary signs are not allowed in a public right-of-way, which includes places like sidewalks, alleys, curbs, utility poles and planter strips.
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Enforcement of non-compliant temporary signs resumes in Salem on Mon., Oct. 19, 2026.
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In January, Salem paused enforcement to address business and community concerns.
Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem will restart safety-focused enforcement of temporary signs on Mon., Oct. 19. Temporary signs include signs in the public right-of-way and on private property such as sidewalk signs, rigid signs, feather flags, lawn signs, pennants and banners.
Resuming enforcement of temporary signs will allow the City to better address potential safety issues with non-compliant signs that distract drivers and impede vision, while allowing the City to make process improvements before resuming all aspects of sign code enforcement and education.
The pause on temporary sign enforcement began in January 2026 in response to business and community concerns. During the pause, Salem initiated an assessment of its sign code, looking at process improvements and customer service metrics. During this time, staff shifted focus to education and outreach about sign codes in the city.
Sign Code Assessment, Recommendations
Salem engaged a performance consulting firm, Baker Tilly, to conduct a Sign Code Process and Customer Service Assessment.
The assessment noted that Salem has an efficient and well-functioning permitting process; a commitment to helping customers achieve code compliance; high levels of resolution of code compliance cases through communication and corrective action; and provides multiple avenues for customer support, including phone, email, in-person assistance, on-site assistance and online resources. Baker Tilly also observed that the City can improve by engaging customers and businesses earlier in the process and providing better guides and website tools to help customers understand sign requirements, permitting expectations and available options before making signage decisions.
The completed assessment recommends actions to improve the permit and enforcement process including updated webpages and resources, consistent customer service standards, strengthening relationships with partner organizations, implementing routine customer feedback and exploring options to engage with businesses earlier in the process.
Work on many of the recommendations has already begun, while implementation of others requires additional time and resources.
Learn More About Temporary Signs
Temporary signs are not allowed in a public right-of-way in Salem. Public right-of-way includes sidewalks, alleys, curbs, utility poles, planter strips, etc. Signs placed in the right-of-way may be removed by City staff and a retrieval fee may be required prior to the owner claiming the sign.
There is an exception, subject to permits and limitations, for sidewalk signs downtown and in mixed-use zones. Learn more about the type of temporary signs that require permits in Salem.
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