Historic Resource Code Project Proposed Draft to be released spring 2020

News Article
St. Johns cinema streetscape on a sunny day
Draft code amendments address the inventory, designation and protection of historic resources; available for public review and hearings soon.
Published

After reviewing and responding to public feedback received in 2019, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability anticipates releasing a Proposed Draft of the Historic Resources Code Project in Spring 2020. Portlanders will be able to testify in person or in writing to the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC).

The Proposed Draft will advance numerous changes to the rules and procedures for inventorying significant historic resources, designating new landmarks and districts, and protecting designated historic resources in the future. Furthermore, the proposals intend to elevate the importance of under-represented resources, such as places important for social history, while increasing the potential for already-designated resources to better meet the changing needs of Portlanders in the future.

Next Steps

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability staff will publish a Historic Resource Code Project Proposed Draft staff report, code amendment package, and supplemental materials to the project website this spring. Following the release of the documents, staff will brief the PSC on the proposals. The Commission will then hold one or more public hearings on the proposed code amendments. The briefing and hearing dates can be found on the PSC tentative agenda. Information on opportunities to comment on the Proposed Draft will be published when the code amendments are released for public review. 

After considering public testimony and potential amendments, the PSC will make a formal recommendation to the Portland City Council, where final adoption hearings are expected to occur in late 2020. 

Have questions or feedback?

Before the release of the Proposed Draft, questions and written feedback can be directed to Brandon Spencer-Hartle, Historic Resources Program Manager, at 503-823-4641 or historic.resources@portlandoregon.gov. Following the release of the Proposed Draft, written and verbal testimony should be directed to the Planning and Sustainability Commission.