Population (2018 American Community Survey)

Salem - 6,181 

Labor Employment (Indiana Workforce Dev. Statistic - 2011)

 Manufacturing Employment in Washington County - 2,852

Major Employers

Transportation

  • State Highways - 56, 60, 135 and 160
  • Truck Carriers - Four truck lines serving Salem Area
  • Airports - Salem Municipal Airport (3300ft runway) , Commercial Air Services at Louisville International Airport
  • Barge - The Port of Indiana at Jeffersonville provides Barge Service on the Ohio River. (25 Miles Away)  

Utilities & Services

Vocational Colleges/Schools

Colleges/Universities

Educational Facilities

Medical Facilities

Housing

  • Aspen Meadows Apartments
  • Sycamore Hills Apartments
  • Maple Leaf Apartments

Taxes

Payable in 2010, subject to a Property Tax Replacement Credit
$3.33 per $100 in Salem
$1.94 per $100 in County

Local property taxes are assessed on market value
State uses 7% tax rate on all retail sale items (food items are exempt)
Washington County has three dedicated TIF districts
Washington County has no inventory taxes
Washington County has an EDIT rate of .50% and a CAGIT rate of 1.00%

WCEGP

Washington County Economic Growth Partnership

http://www.wcegp.org

Washington County Economic Growth Partnership works to retain, attract, and foster new business growth in Washington County, Indiana. It is targeting manufacturing, defense, and distribution businesses, building from its existing base and proximity to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.

 

ChamberofCommerce

Washington County Chamber of Commerce

http://www.washingtoncountychamber.org

The Washington County Chamber of Commerce promotes and assists businesses/organizations doing business with one another in our community. 

 

Radius 

Radius | Indiana

http://www.radiusindiana.com/

Radius | Indiana is a regional partnership representing 8 counties in South Central Indiana: Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington Counties.

 


Salem Indiana's Quality of Life offerings include:

  • Small Town lifestyle within proximity to larger population centers.
  • Independent Community Spirit and Sense of Community Pride
  • Recreational Opportunities including Public Parks, Fishing Lakes and Hiking Trails.
  • Historic Downtown Square for Shopping and Special Events.
  • Quality Public Schools and Higher Education Resources.
  • Established Church Communities and Places of Worship
  • Cost of Living and Home Prices well below the national average.

Salem Indiana's Business Advantages Include:

  • Midwestern Values and Traditional Work Ethic of Residents
  • Experienced Manufacturing and Production workforce in place.
  • Established Small Businesses and Pro-Business Government
  • Active Chamber of Commerce Community with 250+ Members
  • Cost of Living / Average Salaries well below the national average.
  • Convenient Transportation to Interstates I-65, I-64 and new I-69 route.
  • City of Salem Municipal Airport with Project underway to extend runway to 4,000ft. 
  • Shovel Ready Business Park with tax abatements and special incentives in place. 
  • Access to raw materials including wood, limestone and agricultural grains.  

State of Indiana Economic Advantages Include:

  • Indiana’s infrastructure ranks best in the nation according to CNBC’s Ranking of America’s Top States for Business 2016
  • Indiana’s Bond Rating has been ranked at AAA according to Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s Credit Rating.
  • Indiana’s regulatory structures rank best and least burdensome in a recent study done by the Pacific Research Institute. (2015)

Salem’s Mayor, City Police Department, and Parks and Recreation Department, with help from the Washington County Prevent Child Abuse Council, and the Hoosier Hills PACT Domestic Violence Shelter have created the “Salem’s Safety Zone” program to encourage awareness that the Salem City Police Department doors are open 24 hours a day in case of emergencies of any kind.

Emphasis is placed on children and family safety, and designating a central location where citizens who have been battered or felt threatened can go for immediate protection. 

The Salem City Police Department is located within the City’s Southeast Corner of the Public Square, and easily accessible to Salem residents.

If you feel threatened and need immediate protection the City of Salem Police Department is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The Salem City Police Department is located within the City’s Southeast Corner of the Public Square.

The City of Salem Street & Sanitation department provides curbside recycling for the City of Salem. Recycling pickup is scheduled for every other week. If you have questions about recycling please contact the City of Salem Streets & Sanitation department at Ph#812-883-2401.

Items to be recycled include:

  • tin
  • aluminum
  • glass
  • cardboard
  • newspaper
  • batteries
  • motor oil (in proper containers)
  • antifreeze (in proper containers)

Brush/Leaf collection will occur during the months of October/November. Bagged leaves will be collected with regular garbage pickup. Raked leaves should be raked to the curb for collection.

Contact Streets and Sanitation Department

Office Contacts:

Tom Voyles - Superintendent

Phone: 

812-883-2401

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

Office Location:

City of Salem Streets & Sanitation
121 Tarr Avenue
Salem, IN 47167

Marriage licenses for Salem residents and all residents of Washington County are issued by the Washington County Clerk's Office.

Please contact them for additional information on obtaining a marriage license.

City of Salem Boat Permit:

A City of Salem boat permit is required to launch a boat at John Hay Lake or Lake Salinda. You may purchase your Boat Permit in person at the Clerk-Treasurer's office Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 4:00pm. Boat permits may also be purchased online (see link below), mail in the pdf form (see PDF document link below), or visit the City of Salem Police Dispatch Office. The Salem Police Dispatch office is located on the southeast corner of the Salem Public Square and is open 7:00am - 5:00pm 7 days a week.

Any questions pertaining to the boat permit should be directed to the Clerk-Treasurer’s office at Ph#812-883-4264. A valid Indiana fishing license is also required.

Please Note: The Clerk-Treasurer's Office only accepts cash or check (No Credit Cards) for boat launch permit payments.

John Hay Lake & Lake Salinda
Click here for an online permit

John Hay Lake & Lake Salinda
Boat Launch Permit Application (pdf)

John Hay Lake & Lake Salinda
Rules & Regulations (pdf)

State of Indiana:

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources provides a wide range of services pertaining to land & forestry management, fish & wildlife management outdoor recreaton and state museums and historic parks.

Hunting & Fishing Licenses Online
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/9339.htm

Reserve a Campsite at an Indiana State Park
https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/

Indiana DNR Website
http://www.in.gov/dnr/

 

HumaneSociety
The mission of the Humane Society of Washington County is to protect animals from abuse and neglect; to reduce pet overpopulation through education; responsible pet ownership and active spay/neuter programs; to advocate for their welfare through community relations programs and services, to encourage and respect the animal/human bond; and to promote compassion for all living things.

The Humane Society of Washington County is a 501c3 Not For Profit Organization.

For information on the Humane Society please visit their website at the following web address:

http://www.hswcin.org

 


The John Hay Center includes the following:

The Stevens Memorial Museum

The Stevens Memorial Museum is the centerpiece of the John Hay Center, founded by the Washington County Historical Society.  The museum was designed to preserve the heritage of Washington County, Indiana and contains dozens of exhibits representing thousands of artifacts from generous donors.

The Stevens Memorial Museum was built in 1970 to preserve community history and heritage. A major expansion was completed in 1995. The beautiful two-and-one-half story brick building is built of native brick from local old historic buildings. The museum features old-time law and dentist offices.

There are hundreds of native historic relics. Many Civil War mementos are included along with tools, agriculture tools and items, beautiful furniture, clothing and other displays. Visitors will find it historically educational and fulfilling in developing an association with the lifes of our ancestors.

Genealogy and Historical Library

The Stevens Memorial Museum also houses the Washington County Historical Society Genealogy and Historical Library. Many researchers from all over the United States come here to work on special projects. A small library staff is available to work with researchers. The library not only contains Indiana and local records but also maintains data and records from other states. Types of data included are: family histories, church records, cemetery records, obituaries, census records, marriage records, newspapers, state and county histories and antique photographs.

The Pioneer Village

The Pioneer Village is an extension of the Stevens Memorial Museum and has been reconstructed as a "living village" during the 1840's era. Visitors find a visit to the village a challenge to their imagination of the way of life for early settlers. Thomas Hopper is credited with being the first settler to what is now Washington County. George Brock was the first man to settle in the immediate vicinity of Salem. From early settlements came men and women who prominently figured in the development of Washington County.

The John Hay House

The John Hay House was built in 1824 and was the birthplace of John Hay, private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln ,1861-1865, Writer/Author, 1870-1890, Life of Lincoln and many poems. Mr. Hay was also Ambassador to England; and Secretary of State under President McKinley, 1898, and President Roosevelt, 1902.

Click here to visit the John Hay Center Website

Looking for Washington County Burial Information?

Crown Hill Cemetery Burial Database

For additional information:   

John Hay Center
307 East Market Street
Salem, Indiana 47167
Ph#812-883-6495
http://johnhaycenter.org/


In Case of an Emergency call 911 or 812-883-5999

City of Salem Police Department
City of Salem Police Dept.
38 Public Square
Salem, IN 47167
Ph# 812-883-5100
Police Chief Joey Wheeler
Open 24 Hours a day 7 days a week.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

City of Salem Fire Department
City of Salem Fire Department
38 Public Square
Salem, IN 47167
Ph#812-883-4970
Fire Chief Tom Day
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Washington County Sheriff's Department
Washington County Sheriff's Office
801 S Jackson St.
Salem, IN 47167
Ph#812-883-5999
Open 24 Hours a day 7 days a week. (Administration office 8am-4pm)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

American Red Cross Shelter Emergency Shelter
(In case of a community or natural disaster Southern Hills Church is designated as an American Red Cross Emergency Shelter)

Southern Hills Church
1645 S. State Road 135
Salem, IN 47167
Ph#812.883.1637

 

Additional Resources:

Nationwide Runaway Hotline
800-621-4000

National Child Abuse Hotline
800-422-4453

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233

Center for Missing & Exploited Children
800-843-5678

National Poison Control Center
1-800-222-1222


 

The office of the Mayor and the Clerk-Treasurer's office are the two full-time elected officials in the City of Salem. 

In addition, the City of Salem has a five-member City Council that is elected. Voting for the two elected officials and the five-member City Council occurs every four years.

For information on the City Council please visit the Community Boards and Councils page on this website.

For Voter Registration and Polling Site information please contact the Washington County Clerk's Office.

SalemSchools 
Salem Community Schools

Salem Community Schools employs 277 full-time personnel, which include 127 highly-qualified teachers and administrators, who are committed to meeting the needs of all children within the SCS school community. Staff members keep up-to-date with best practice research and emerging national trends in curriculum, teaching strategies and assessment. A central focus for all SCS classrooms is an emphasis on class work designed to better connect student interests to the lesson.

Salem Community Schools
500 North Harrison Street,
Salem, Indiana 47167
Ph#812-883-4437
http://www.salemschools.com/

 

Salem Public Library

The Salem Public Library has been serving the citizens of Salem and Washington County, Indiana since 1905.

Salem Public Library
212 N. Main St.
Salem, IN   47167
Ph#812-883-5600
http://www.salemlib.lib.in.us


The City of Salem Office of Building & Safety is responsible for issuing City of Salem Building Permits as well as building inspections. Please review the information provided below and if you have questions please contact our office.

When do I need a Building Permit?

  • New Residential Structures (single or multi family)
  • Residential Additions and Remodels
  • Porches, Sunrooms, Patios and Decks
  • Garages and Carports
  • Storage/Utility Buildings (any size or portability)
  • Roofing (if any structural changes are made)
  • Electric Service Changes
  • Window or Door Replacement (if door or window size is changed)
  • Mobile Home, Modular Home or Manufactured Home Placement
  • Swimming Pools
  • Tents and Awnings (commercial)
  • New Commercial and/or Industrial Structures
  • Commercial and/or Industrial Structure Remodels
  • Demolition of Structures
  • Commercial Parking Garages
  • Commercial Communication Towers
  • Temporary Permit for Construction Site Trailer, Produce Stands, Tropical Ice Stands, etc
  • Educational, Medical, Institutional and Church Structures
  • Civic Organization Structures
  • Signs (other than, name/identification of two square feet or less, temporary business sign not maintained more than 10 days, real estate for sale signs not to exceed six square feet in area, signs directing or guiding traffic and parking on private property but bearing no advertising matter, directional or information signs of a public or quasi-public nature erected and maintained by an official or civic body.
  • Hotels and Motels

The above list is not inclusive as other permits may be required. This can only be determined by contacting the Building, Planning & Zoning Department.

Why do I need a building permit?

The purpose of a building permit is to allow the Building Inspector to oversee construction to make sure that the minimum construction standards are provided. These standards safeguard life and property. The City’s building and zoning codes have been carefully enacted to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of you and your property. The City of Salem, Indiana has adopted and enforces the following building codes and ordinances:

        City of Salem Land Usage Code
        Indiana Building Codes
        International Building Codes
        International Residential Codes
        International Mechanical Codes
        International Plumbing Codes (as amended by the State of Indiana)
        International Property Maintenance Code
        National Electric Code
        National Fire Protection Code
        Indiana Administrative Code 675

These codes may be reviewed in the City of Salem Building, Planning & Zoning Department during normal working hours. The department also reviews planning and zoning applications for other matters to ensure that the City continues to be a safe and beautiful area in which to live, work and play.

What is required to get my building permit?

When you contact the Building Department, the first question you will be asked is, “What is the location of your project?” This will let us know if you are within the City of Salem’s planning and zoning jurisdiction. It is possible to have a Salem address, but actually be in another planning jurisdiction such as Washington County. You will also be asked what your project is going to be. Knowing the type of the project that you are doing will guide the department in helping you obtain the correct permit(s). There are additional requirements to obtain a permit which are detailed in full on our “Before You Apply Guide”.

Before You Apply Guide (pdf)

How to apply for a building permit?

The City of Salem Building and Development Department now has an online application. Please click the button below to submit an application.

ApplyBuildingPermit

Most residential permits can be obtained at the same time you provide the necessary information, as noted above. Commercial or industrial permits require a construction design release form the State of Indiana and may take a longer period of time in which to obtain the local permit. Check with our department in order to determine the time required.

Can I draw the plans myself?

Yes. The City of Salem does accept hand drawings, provided they include all information needed for your permit review.

Do I or my contractor(s) need to have a license to do the work on my project?

No. At this time the City of Salem does not provide nor require licensing. The only exception to this is plumbers. They are required to be bonded and licensed by the State of Indiana. If your project includes plumbing you will be required to hire a licensed plumber. You can check the Indiana web site to obtain plumbers who are licensed in or near your area. That web site is: https://mylicense.in.gov/eVerification

Who is responsible for obtaining the permit for my project?

The permit may be obtained by the project or property owner, contractor, architect, engineer or a permitting company. However, the project or property owner shall be responsible for making sure all inspections are requested and all conditions are met. A required inspection sheet is given for all permits issued from this department and is also copied and made a part of the notarized permit retained in this office.

What’s the cost of a permit?

The permit fee is based on the size of your project and the anticipated number of inspections required. Fees shall be assessed at $2/100 square feet of floor and/or surface area. A single inspection fee is $15 and different projects require different numbers of inspections. There are seven inspections required on a new single family residential construction, but on a small portable utility/storage building, without electric, only one inspection may be needed. For example: You are building a 2500 square foot home, which includes an attached garage and deck, your base fee would be $2 x 2500 = $50.00, seven inspections $15 x 7 = $105, so your permit fee would be a total of $155. In some cases you could phone our office ahead of time to obtain your probable permit cost. This would be subject to change if the information given by phone differs from actual project plans.

What about getting inspections?

An inspection at each and every required phase of construction must be requested in a timely manner, at least 24 hours in advance, to make certain the work conforms to the applicable building codes, the obtained permit and the approved plans. Failure to make required notification for inspection at each phase of construction, as defined upon the Required Inspections Sheet given to you during the permit process, may be cause for removal of performed work, reinstallation of performed work or Stop Work orders being issued. The Building Commissioner has the power to assess a reinspection fee of $15 for each additional inspection. The Building Commissioner also has the power to assess fines for violations, failure or refusal of all codes in connection with our Land Usage Ordinances. The violator may be fined for not less than $15, nor more than $500 for each day the violation occurs. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Required Inpections Sheet (pdf)

Failure to aquire the proper inspections may result in one or all of the following:

Re-inspection fee of $15.00 for each additional inspection accessed by the Building Inspector. A fine of not less than $15.00, nor more than $500.00 for failure to comply with provisions set out in Salem’s Building Code. Each day constitutes a separate offense. Failure of the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, and notation of such on Inspection Sheet.

Can I get a Certificate of Occupancy?

Final inspection determining the code compliance is a valuable and necessary part of the construction process. Once code compliance is determined, the Building Commission may issue a Certificate of Occupancy which establishes that your project is completed and has met all building codes associated with your project. Failure to have all inspections, as required, eliminates you from the privilege of obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy.

Contact the Office of Building & Safety

Department Superintendent

Ronnie Voyles
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Office Phone: 

812-883-5060

Office Location:

Office of Building & Safety
201 E. Market Street Suite#104
Salem, IN 47167

General Information:

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City of Salem Ordinances Table of Contents (pdf)

Title I - General Provisions (pdf)

10. General Provisions
11. City Standards

Title III - Administration (pdf)

30. City Government; Organization
31. City Policies
32. Departments, Boards, Commissions,
33. Finance, City Funds
34. Fire Department
35. Ordinance Violation Bureau
36. Personnel Policies
37. Police Department
38. Claims
39. Use of Information Technology

Title V - Public Works (pdf)

50. Sewers
51. Solid Waste Disposal
52. Water

Title VII - Traffic Code (pdf)

70. Traffic Rules
71. Parking Regulations
72. Traffic Schedules
73. Parking Schedules
74. Off-Road Vehicles

Title IX - General Regulations (pdf)

90. Abandoned Vehicles
91. Animals
92. Boats and Waterways
93. Cemetery Fees
94. Fair Housing
95. Fire Prevention
96. Nuisances
97. Streets and Sidewalks
98. Trees
99. Noise
100. Parks
101. Airport Access Charges

Title XI - Business Regulations (pdf)

110. Business Licensing
111. Alcoholic Beverages
112. Amusements
113. Cable Television
114. Taxicabs
115. Transient Merchants

Title XIII - General Offenses (pdf)

130. General Offenses

Title XV - Land Usage (pdf)

150. Building Regulations
151. Erosion Control
152. Flood Control
153. Planning

154. Subdivision Code

Appendix A: Plat Certificates and Deed of Dedication
Appendix B: Curb and Gutter Detail
Appendix C: Urban Typical Thoroughfare Cross-Sections

155. Unsafe Buildings

Zoning Code (pdf)

156. Zoning Code

Appendix A:Table of Lot, Lot Coverage and Height Requirements (pdf)

157. Lighting
158. International Property Maintenance Code
159. Storm Drainage, Erosion Control and Sediment Control

Attachment A: Salem Plan Commission Review Checklist
Attachment B: Storm Water Facilities Fee Agreement (pdf)

Table of Special Ordinances (pdf)
Acceptances, Annexations, Vacations, Zoning Map Changes, Franchises, Plat Approvals

Parallel References (pdf)
References to Indiana Code - References to 1986 Code of Ordinances
References to Resolutions - References to Ordinances

Ordinance 825 (pdf)
An ordinance recodifying the Salem City Code for the purpose of revising, amending, reorganizing the general ordinances of the City of Salem, Indiana. 

  1. Water Works
  2. Salem Waste Water Services
  3. Utilities Office
  4. Streets & Sanitation