The Salem City Council Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, sparking a heated debate over housing affordability and developer regulations.

The committee focused on a controversial amendment that would exclude owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs, allowing developers to rent out these units without restrictions. Councilor Cohen raised concerns about the potential for developers to charge high rents, questioning how this change would promote affordability in the city. "You're actually giving developers a huge opportunity to buy these properties and charge exorbitant rents," he stated, emphasizing the need for protections to ensure affordable housing.

In response, city officials highlighted the necessity for diverse housing options, arguing that ADUs could provide lower rents compared to larger apartment complexes. They noted that while some units might not be the cheapest on the market, the smaller size of ADUs generally leads to lower rental prices. Councilor Zola shared a real-world example of a developer who faced challenges due to previous owner-occupancy restrictions, illustrating the practical implications of the ordinance changes.

The committee ultimately voted to accept the amendment, with members acknowledging the need for various housing types in Salem. The discussion underscored the ongoing struggle to balance development interests with the community's need for affordable housing, leaving residents and stakeholders eager to see how these changes will impact the local housing landscape.