How to Respond to Plan Review Comments in Salem, OR

Salem takes all residential projects through the online Permit Application Center (PAC) Portal. Plan review starts only after the plan check fee is paid.

How a Salem review runs

1. Upload requested files within 48 hours; staff check them for completeness within 48 hours.

2. The review clock starts the next work day after fees are paid and plans are uploaded.

3. Residential review targets 10 work days; commercial targets 20 work days.

4. Staff across the City review the plans, and you receive all comments at one time.

5. Review repeats until every comment is accepted.

All responses, then review

The City states that all responses must be submitted before review of your responses and corrections begins. A partial upload just sits. Answer every comment, fix the sheets, and send one package.

File rules that cause rejections

• Drawings as PDFs; calculations and reports as searchable PDFs.

• PDFs should be editable.

• Seals as a computer-generated image with a handwritten signature. Salem cannot accept digitally signed files.

After issuance

You have 180 days from issuance to get the first inspection. Each inspection request extends the expiration by 180 days, and one 180-day extension is available at no cost during construction.

Common questions

How long is a Salem residential plan review?

The City targets 10 work days for residential and 20 work days for commercial, starting the next work day after fees are paid and plans are uploaded.

Can I answer Salem comments a few at a time?

No. All responses must be submitted before the City begins reviewing your corrections.

Does Salem accept digitally signed plans?

No. Use a computer-generated seal image with a handwritten signature.

How SASHKOV handles it

• Reads every correction comment and builds one item list across all review disciplines.

• Coordinates structural, civil, energy and survey items with the licensed consultants under one SASHKOV contract.

• Revises the set so every item is resolved on the drawings, with a response that names the sheet and detail for each comment.

• Resubmits one complete package through the jurisdiction's portal and tracks each review to issuance, in business days.

Where a building requires a licensed architect or engineer of record, SASHKOV brings them into the contract.

Comments back on a Salem project? See Corrections and Permit Recovery and the City of Salem permit page.

Have comments open now? Send the comments and permit number, and SASHKOV will scope the response and the timeline in business days.