Historic Reviews are required for certain proposals that affect Historic Landmarks or Conservation Landmarks and for proposals in Historic and Conservation Districts. To find out if your site is a Landmark or located within a Historic or Conservation District, review maps in the related Historic and Conservation Districts web page or search for your property on PortlandMaps.com.
Six types of Historic Reviews
Historic Resource Review
Historic Resource Review allows for review of alterations to, and new development within the boundary of, Historic Landmarks, Conservation Landmarks, and resources within Historic and Conservation Districts. It also considers relocation of Historic and Conservation Landmarks and contributing resources within Historic and Conservation Districts. For some proposals affecting Conservation Landmarks and within Conservation Districts, the applicant may choose to meet the objective standards of Chapter 33.218, Community Design Standards instead of going through the Historic Resource Review process set out in Chapter 33.846. Additionally:
- As part of the Historic Resource Review application, a Modification or Adjustment review may be required if the proposal does not meet certain development standards.
- Modifications may be requested as part of the Historic Resource Review for standards that are not met. See Portland Zoning Code Section 33.846.070.
- Adjustments may be requested concurrent with the Historic Resource Review for use-related standards that are not met (such as intensity of use, size of the use, number of uses, or concentration of uses). See Portland Zoning Code Section 33.805.
Historic Designation Review
Historic Designation Review allows for the designation of a historic resource as a Historic Landmark or Conservation Landmark, expansion of the boundary of a City-designated Historic or Conservation Landmark or District, or reclassification of resources within the boundary of a City-designated Historic or Conservation Landmark or District as contributing. Designation of a Historic District or Conservation District is only allowed through a legislative procedure.
Historic Designation Removal Review
Historic Designation Removal Review allows for the designation removal from a Historic Landmark or Conservation Landmark, reduction of the boundary of a City-designated Historic or Conservation District, or reclassification of resources within a City-designated Landmark or District as noncontributing. Removal of a City-designated Historic District or Conservation District is only allowed through a legislative procedure.
Historic Preservation Incentive Review
Historic Preservation Incentive Review increases the potential for Historic Landmarks, Conservation Landmarks, and contributing resources in Historic and Conservation Districts to be reused, rehabilitated, and preserved.
Demolition Review
Demolition Review is required to demolish Historic Landmarks, Conservation Landmarks, National Register Landmarks, contributing resources in a Historic District, contributing resources in a Conservation District, and contributing resources in a National Register-listed Historic District.
120-Day (Demolition) Delay
A 120-day (Demolition) Delay is required to demolish Significant Resources listed in the City’s Historic Resource Inventory.
Historic Reviews Procedures
- Historic Resource Reviews are processed through a Type I, Type Ix, Type II or Type III procedure. For review thresholds, see Portland Zoning Code Section 33.846.060.
- Historic Designation Reviews are processed through a Type I, Type II or Type III procedure. See Portland Zoning Code Section 33.846.030.
- Historic Designation Removal Reviews are processed through a Type II or Type III procedure. See Portland Zoning Code Section 33.846.040.
- Historic Preservation Incentive Reviews are processed through a Type II or Type III procedure. See Portland Zoning Code Section 33.846.050.
- Demolition Reviews are processed through a Type II, Type III or Type IV procedure. See Portland Zoning Code Section 33.846.080.
- 120-Day (Demolition) Delay is a nondiscretionary administrative process with public notice but no hearing. Decisions are made by the Director of Development Services and are final. See Portland Zoning Code Section 33.445.810.
Review more information on and summaries of land use review process and timelines on the Land Use Review Fees and Land Use Review Types webpage. A pre-application conference is required for all Type III reviews except historic designation reviews. A Design Advice Request is an optional request for feedback from the Historic Landmarks Commission prior to submittal of a Historic Resource Review application.
Historic Review application forms
Visit Land Use and Final Plat Applications for instructions on how to apply for a Land Use Review.
Complete this application form to apply for a land use review:
A pre-application conference is required for all Type III Land Use Reviews except for Historic Designation Review and Historic Designation Removal Review. Optional pre-application conferences are also available to discuss other projects:
For Type III reviews, please sign this form within 21 days of application date to allow submittal of new information if a Type III decision is appealed:
For applications that require a 120-day delay before demolishing or altering of a Significant Resource, please include the form below:
More information about Historic Reviews
Historic Resource Review guidelines
Summaries of all land use procedure types:
Outline of timeline for Type I Procedures:
Outline of timeline for Type Ix Procedures:
Outline of timeline for Type II Procedures:
Outline of timeline for Type III Procedures:
Outline of timeline for Type IV Procedures:
Submit with building permit plans to certify the plans are consistent with the Historic Review approval:
Fee information for Historic Reviews
Review the Land Use Services Fees Schedule.
Still need help?
If you have questions after reviewing the information on this page, please schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a city planner or set up an Early Assistance meeting for a deeper discussion.