The Portland City Council’s January 26th meeting officially approved the Historic Resources Code Project.

The code changes are now scheduled to go into effect on March 1, 2022. Restore Oregon has participated in the process and been an active member of the preservation community in this multi-year journey.

City staff are hosting an online Lunch and Learn Session on Wednesday, Feb. 16, from noon to 1:30 p.m., to share more information about this new policy and answer questions. This session is open to the public and free to attend. Registration is not required.

Especially for our members who live in Portland, please take a moment to read this City update:

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 will host an online Lunch and Learn Session on Wednesday, Feb. 16, from noon to 1:30 p.m., to share more information about this new policy and answer questions. This session is open to the public and free to attend. Registration is not required.