Building Inspections

City of Salem Community Development has implemented an Online application, payment and scheduling system powered by Cityworks.

This system allows applicants to:

  • Apply for permits (and other items)
  • View application status
  • Print permit documents
  • Pay Fees
  • Schedule Inspections

To apply for a permit, click here 

For more information on our permit application changes and for guides, click here 

Our Mission

Our mission is to protect the life, safety, and welfare of our citizens, visitors, and businesses by contributing to the preservation of our historic resources and the present and future economic viability of the City of Salem.

To do this, we work to fairly and efficiently enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code by regulating the safety, design, use, or occupancy of all buildings and structures within the City of Salem.

Effective January 18, 2024, an applicant can choose to work in either the 2018 or 2021 building and related codes.  On January 18, 2025, only the 2021 codes will be enforced.

Commonwealth of Virginia codes

These codes may be viewed and purchased at the International Code Council website.

Note: contractors must have a valid business license in order to obtain a permit. Please visit the City of Salem Commissioner of the Revenue for business license requirements or call 540-375-3019.

  1. 1 School Field
  2. 2 Facade
  3. 3 Construction Vehicles
  4. 4 Under Construction