Community Development

Building Salem's Future

The Department of Community Development is a multidisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to ensuring that the residents of Salem have the kind of future they deserve.

Our office houses the Building Inspections, Engineering, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Planning, and Zoning functions for Salem. It is your one-stop-shop for building permits, plan review, rezoning requests, community outreach planning activities, zoning questions, and more.

Contact Us

Charles E. Van Allman Jr. P.E., L.S.

Director of Community Development

Email Charles Van Allman
Community Development

Email Community Development

Physical Address
21 South Bruffey Street
Salem, VA 24153

21 South Bruffey Street Salem VA 24153

Directions

Phone: 540-375-3032

Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

Directory

FAQs

How do I get a building permit?

Go to the Permits page for information on obtaining a building permit.

When will my road be paved?

Access the 2022 to 2023 Paving Maintenance List on the Engineering page.

Is my property in the flood zone?

Review the Flood Zone map and other resources on the Flood Zones page to find if your property is in the flood zone.

How do I get a sign permit?

Complete a Sign Application (PDF).

Provide the following:

Site plan showing the location of the sign on the property
Building elevations if sign is located on building
Renderings showing sign(s) and dimensions of proposed sign(s)
Renderings showing sign(s) and dimensions of any existing signage located on the same parcel
We will only be accepting plans and applications in PDF format. All pdf plans and applications need to be legible for acceptance. Illegible PDFs and other electronic formats (such as jpg, tiff, etc.) will be not be accepted.
Please submit electronic copies via email.

After the review and approval, the sign permit can be issued.

Please note: Any electrical work associated with a sign will require a separate electrical permit. All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician and all signs must be listed and labeled as per the National Electric Code Article 110.3B and 600.3.

Go to the Planning and Zoning - Signs page for more information on obtaining a sign permit.

How do I apply for rezoning?

The Planning and Zoning Division manages applications for rezoning. Review the Rezoning Application and Procedures (PDF) for more information.

When do I need a land disturbing permit?

A land disturbing permit is required for any land disturbing activity equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet in the City of Salem. For land disturbing activities equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet but less than 10,000 square feet, an agreement in lieu of plan shall be required, and the cost is $50.

An erosion and sediment control (ESC) plan will be required for land disturbance equal to or greater than 10,000 square feet.The cost for a land disturbance permit with an ESC plan is $30.

Any land disturbance equal to or greater than 1 acre requires a General VPDES Permit (CGP) from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) along with obtaining a land disturbing permit with the City of Salem.The cost for a land disturbance permit from the City of Salem is $30.Additional cost for the CGP will range from $2,700 to $4,500 as determined by disturbed area and DEQ.

Erosion and Sediment Control Agreement in Lieu of Plan (PDF)

I have a question about the greenway. Who do I contact?