Historic, Conservation, and National Register Districts are geographic areas that have a concentration of thematically related historic resources. In general, Historic, Conservation, and National Register Districts are collections of historic resources that in and of themselves may not be eligible for individual designation but together convey a significant story.
Properties in Historic, Conservation, and National Register Districts are classified as either "contributing" or "non-contributing.” Contributing resources were built during the district’s period of historic significance and retain physical integrity from the historic period. Non-contributing resources were built after the district’s period of historic significance or have been too altered to convey adequate physical integrity from the historic period. Although different historic resource protections apply to contributing and non-contributing resources, certain protections apply throughout Historic, Conservation, and National Register Districts to ensure the preservation of their unique qualities.
Historic Districts
Historic Districts are designated by the City. All of Portland's Historic Districts are also listed in the National Register of Historic Places and four Historic Districts were previously designated as Conservation Districts.
- Alphabet
- East Portland / Grand Avenue
- Halprin Open Space Sequence
- Irvington
- Kenton Commercial
- King’s Hill
- Ladd’s Addition
- Mount Tabor Park
- Mount Tabor Reservoirs
- New Chinatown / Japantown
- NW 13th Avenue
- Rocky Butte Scenic Drive
- Skidmore / Old Town
- South Portland
- Washington Park Reservoirs
- Willamette National Cemetery
- Yamhill
Conservation Districts
Conservation Districts are designated by the City. All of Portland’s existing Conservation Districts were created as a result of the 1993 Albina Community Plan.
National Register Districts
National Register Districts have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service, but have not been designated as a Historic or Conservation District by the City.
More information
Additional documentation regarding Historic, Conservation, and National Register Districts, including documentation regarding specific contributing and non-contributing resources, can be found in the Historic Resource Inventory.
Information regarding the historic resource land use regulations that apply in Historic, Conservation, and National Register Districts can be found on the page Making Changes to a Historic Resource.
District-specific design guidelines applicable to certain Historic and Conservation Districts can be found on the Design Guideline Documents page.