Summary
Salem requires 10% of units in new multi-family projects to be affordable, but for a four-unit building that means 25% of the project. The board split on whether the new Master Plan's guidance (zero units required for 0-7 unit projects) should apply, and the waiver was denied. This is the first application under 8 units to hit the requirement.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 7, 2026.
Impact analysis
Requiring one affordable unit in a four-unit building could raise rents on the other units, according to staff, while the applicant says compliance paperwork could take 10-20 hours a month.
If enforced, moderate-income households gain an affordable rental option in town.
Small project owners face disproportionate compliance burdens; denied relief may leave underutilized space vacant.
Mentions & discussions (1)
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