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City government departments are essential for local businesses by providing vital infrastructure and services, ensuring a stable regulatory environment, facilitating growth and access to resources, and promoting a vibrant local economy through public procurement and economic development initiatives. These departments regulate business operations, provide public services that businesses rely on, offer funding and contract opportunities, and work to create an environment where businesses can thrive and create jobs.
Navigating the municipal structure can be confusing. The information on this page is focused on the departments and resources you are most likely to need as you open or expand your business. A great first place to start is with the Department of Planning and Community Development. The Department’s economic development planners can assist you in determining which departments, policies, and regulations are most applicable to you and your goals.
city departments
City Clerk
The City Clerk’s Office provides information regarding the City of Salem in general, is responsible for elections, and is also where you may obtain a Business Certificate.
Health Department
Salem Health Department delivers public health services to residents, businesses, and visitors to benefit the culturally diverse population of the City of Salem. Public health includes preventing and monitoring disease, providing health education and enforcing public health codes and regulations. Review the list of permit applications to determine what approvals your business may need.
Inspectional Services
Inspectional Services provides answers to questions regarding building and zoning issues, conducts inspections and enforcement actions so as to protect and safeguard all residents and visitors to our city, and evaluates, maintains, and repairs public properties. Inspectional Services is also home to Zoning Enforcement. The Zoning Officer is tasked with interpreting the Zoning Code and determining allowable uses for a property based on the Zoning Ordinance and Building Code.
Licensing Department
The Licensing Department manages the Licensing Board, which is tasked with processing, overseeing and renewing the licenses of over 400 establishments of different categories. Among the types of licenses are: Common Victualler (alcohol and non-alcohol), package/convenient stores (alcohol), Auto Dealers, Lodging Houses, Inn Holders, Bed and Breakfasts, Week-day and Sunday Entertainment, Automatic Amusements, Special One Day Alcohol, Street Performers, Seasonal and Halloween Vendors.
Department of Planning & Community Development
The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) is responsible for a wide range of activities and duties, including economic development, land use planning, housing policy, transportation projects, historic preservation, open space conservation programs, and neighborhood improvement efforts. DPCD oversees the operation of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Harbor Plan Implementation Committee, Artist’s Row and the Salem Redevelopment Authority.
Purchasing Department
The Purchasing Department acquires and disposes of, supplies, services and real property at the best value to the City, while ensuring compliance with all state laws, regulations and City ordinances.
To review current opportunities, please go to https://www.salem.com/bids.
Sustainability and Resiliency Department
The Department is responsible for supervising sustainability, energy, and resilience initiatives across the municipal government and the Salem community. This includes direct management of programs and projects, as well as collaboration with other Departments and local organizations. The Department’s staff engages and supports Salem residents, businesses, and non-profits to further the goals of Resilient Together and to work toward the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
ordinances and policies
Sign Ordinance
Confused as to what you are allowed for signage for your business? The sign ordinance outlines what is allowed, which is available at: https://library.municode.com/ma/salem/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOOR_CH4AD_ARTIISIBI
If you are located in the Downtown Urban Renewal Area, the SRA Sign manual also applies. The manual is available at: https://www.salemma.gov/758/SRA-Sign-Manual
Business Licenses & Fees
For additional information regarding Licensing in Salem, please visit the Licensing Department’s website at: https://www.salemma.gov/576/Licensing
Outdoor Dining Policy
In December 2023 the City established an Outdoor Dining Policy for the purpose of permitting restaurants to use public space, streets, sidewalks and parking spaces, to build outdoor dining areas. Restaurants, cafes, and the like should review the policy (here) before applying for a permit (application here).
permitting
Business Certificates
Any person conducting a business in the City of Salem, under any title other than the complete real name of the owner, whether individually or as a partnership, or any corporation doing business in a name other than the corporate name, must file a business certificate with the Salem City Clerk’s Office.
Online Permitting
The City of Salem conducts all of its permitting online through ViewPoint Cloud.
zoning
Where can I learn about Salem properties?
The City of Salem maintains an interactive map where you can search for a property and learn basic information. Please note that this is not a map of properties for lease or sale, but a map of all properties in Salem.
Where can I locate my business?
The Salem Zoning Ordinance dictates where you can locate various types of commercial uses. Review the Use Regulations in Section 3.0 of the Ordinance. If you have a question as to whether you are allowed to locate your business in a particular area of the City, please contact the Zoning Administrator at 978-619-5641.
Are there parking requirements for my business?
If you are locating your commercial business in the downtown/B5 zoning district you do not need to provide onsite parking. However, if you are located outside of the downtown, you may need to provide some parking. Please see the Parking Requirements in Section 5.0 of the Ordinance. If you have questions regarding parking requirements, please contact the Zoning Administrator at 978-619-5641.
My business needs a drive-thru, am I allowed to have one?
If your space does not have an existing drive-thru, you may apply to the Planning Board for permission to install one. Please see the regulations for drive-thru’s in Section 6.7 of the Ordinance.