Salem city public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Salem City Council will take a second reading of an ordinance to increase the annual salaries of the Mayor and Council members, effective July 1, 2027. It will also review second‑reading amendments to the zoning code for storage containers, to historic building regulations, and a rezoning request for property on Red Lane and Mount Vernon Lane. Several appropriations of grant and local funds for marketing, victim‑witness services, capital projects, downtown improvement, and opioid abatement will be considered, along with a presentation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

• Second reading of Council Salary Ordinance to raise Mayor and Council salaries effective July 1, 2027
• Second reading amendment to Chapter 106 Zoning (Article IV, section 106-406) concerning storage containers
• Second reading amendment to Chapter 18 Buildings adding sections 18-701 through 18-805 for historic structures, spot blight abatement, and vacant building registration
• Second reading rezoning of 1000 block Red Lane and part of 860 Mount Vernon Lane from RSF Residential Single Family to PUD Planned Unit District for Hopetree Family Services
• Appropriation requests for Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program grant, Victim Witness grant, capital project funding, Downtown Improvement Reserve, and Opioid Abatement Authority grant

The Salem City Council approved the HopeTree Family Services rezoning on second reading, converting properties on Red Lane and Mount Vernon Lane from RSF to PUD with proffered conditions, despite public opposition and a 3-2 vote. The council also adopted ordinances on council salaries, storage container regulations, and building maintenance, and approved multiple fund appropriations including a $712,500 capital projects package and a $45,000 opioid abatement planning grant.

• Approved HopeTree rezoning to PUD (3-2)
• Adopted council salary ordinance effective July 1, 2027 (3-2)
• Adopted storage container zoning amendment (5-0)
• Adopted building maintenance and vacant building registration ordinance (5-0)
• Appropriated $712,500 for storm water projects (5-0)
• Appropriated $250,000 for Downtown Improvement Reserve (5-0)
• Appropriated $45,000 opioid abatement planning grant with $5,000 match (5-0)
• Appointed members to boards and commissions (5-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two property disputes. The board will consider a request for a side-yard pool and an appeal of a zoning violation citation.

• Variance request for an inground pool in the side yard at 621 North Broad Street
• Appeal of a Zoning Administrator decision regarding construction standards at 1374 Texas Street

City Council

The Salem City Council will hold a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance to raise and set the annual salaries of the Mayor and Council effective July 1, 2027. It will also consider several code amendments, including changes to storage container regulations and historic building maintenance provisions. Additional items include a rezoning request for properties on Red Lane and Mount Vernon Lane, a special exception permit for an accessory apartment at 621 North Broad Street, and a resolution adopting the 2025 legislative package.

• Council Salary Ordinance – first reading to increase mayor and council salaries (effective July 1, 2027)
• Amendment to City Code Chapter 106 – revise storage container provisions
• Amendment to City Code Chapter 18 – add sections on historic structures, blight abatement, vacant building registration
• Rezoning request for 1000 block Red Lane and portion of 860 Mount Vernon Lane from RSF to PUD
• Special Exception Permit for accessory apartment at 621 North Broad Street

City Council

The City Council and Planning Commission are holding joint public hearings to consider two land-use requests. The body will review a special exception permit for an accessory apartment and a rezoning request for a Planned Unit District.

• Special Exception Permit for an accessory apartment at 621 North Broad Street
• Rezoning request for 1000 block Red Lane and portion of 860 Mount Vernon Lane from RSF to PUD

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold joint public hearings with City Council regarding a rezoning request and a special exception permit. The body will also consider a subdivision plat for Simms Farm Section 3 and an amendment to the city code regarding storage containers.

• Rezoning request for 1000 block Red Lane and 860 Mount Vernon Lane from RSF to PUD
• Special Exception Permit for an accessory apartment at 621 North Broad Street
• Preliminary and final approval of subdivision plat for 8.4 acre Simms Farm Section 3
• Amendment to City Code Chapter 106 regarding storage containers
• Proposed cancelation of the December 11, 2024, meeting

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the issuance of general obligation public improvement bonds. The body will also consider resolutions for energy contracts, battery storage services, and school fund budget amendments.

• Public hearing on general obligation public improvement bonds series 2024 not to exceed $3,700,000
• Resolution 1486 for fixed load shape energy product contracts (June 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028)
• Resolution 1487 for Battery Energy Storage Services (BESS) agreement with Delorean Power, LLC dba Lightshift Energy
• Budget amendments for School Operating, Cafeteria, Grants, Capital Projects, and Reserve Funds
• Erosion and sediment control bond for new metal building at 744 Electric Road

City Council

The Salem City Council will meet in a special session on November 6, 2024 at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The council will hold a closed session, per Virginia Code §2.2‑3711 A(1), to discuss a personnel matter concerning School Board appointments and to interview candidates.

• Closed session to discuss personnel matter regarding School Board appointment interviews

Board of Building Appeals

The Board of Building Appeals will hold a public hearing to assess whether the accessory structure at 311 7th Street (Tax Map #185-2-4.1) is dangerous to city inhabitants. The board will consider ordering the structure to be brought into compliance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code or ordering its demolition. The meeting also includes routine items such as officer elections and approval of minutes.

• Public hearing to determine safety of accessory structure at 311 7th Street and possible compliance order or demolition