New requirements affecting development related to historic resources will take effect on Tuesday, March 1. These requirements, adopted by the City Council on Jan. 26 through the Historic Resources Code Project, aim to make Portland’s historic preservation regulations more equitable, effective, and responsive to the current and future needs of all Portlanders.
The new code requirements allow, in some cases, for greater flexibility in renovating or demolishing certain types of historic resources. In other cases, certain types of development activities will involve a greater review of proposed changes before permits are issued.
View an interactive map of designated landmarks, historic and conservation districts, and resources included in the City’s Historic Resource Inventory.
A few of the highlights of these code changes as they relate to development activities, starting in March, will include:
- A loosening of regulations governing the demolition of garages and the construction of accessory dwelling units in local historic districts
- Greater allowances for installation of solar panels on homes located in local historic districts
- Loosening review requirements for certain types of window replacements on buildings in local historic districts
- Requiring demolition review for locally-listed landmarks and contributing resources in conservation districts
City staff held an online Lunch and Learn Session on Wednesday, Feb. 16, to share more information about this new policy and answer questions.
If you have a construction project that you want to be considered under zoning code requirements in effect before March 1, please follow these instructions for submitting your permit application. Please call the Zoning Hotline at 503-823-7526 or schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a city planner if you have questions about how these code changes might affect your property.