The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is advancing the Historic Resources Code Project (HRCP), a zoning code initiative that will propose changes to how the City of Portland identifies, designates, and protects significant historic resources. Facilitated by a 2016 Oregon State Supreme Court ruling and recent changes to state administrative rules, the HRCP seeks to improve Portland’s historic resource protection programs and better steward the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Four public roundtables have been scheduled to solicit input on the project’s primary focus areas: identification, designation and protection of historic resources. Roundtables are open to the public and all venues are accessible to people with disabilities.
Why Portland’s Historic Places Matter
Thursday, December 7th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
White Stag Block, 70 NW Couch St.
An opportunity to define and affirm the City’s historic preservation goals and values. Conversations will focus on the community benefits of preservation, including the cultural, economic and environmental value of diverse historic resources.
New Tools for Inventorying and Adapting Historic Resources
Thursday, January 11th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Architectural Heritage Center, 701 SE Grand Ave.
An examination of survey, inventory and reuse of historic resources. This roundtable will address opportunities for updating Portland’s 33-year-old Historic Resources Inventory as well as explore possible zoning incentives for preservation.
What’s Working and What’s Not in Portland’s Historic Districts
Wednesday, January 24th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Taborspace, 5441 SE Belmont St.
A technical discussion about the application of historic resource review in Portland’s Historic Districts. Dialogue will center on the regulations associated with National Register Historic District designation and explore opportunities for improving the practicality and effectiveness of historic resource review.
Local District Designation: An Alternative to the National Register?
Tuesday, February 6th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth St.
An exploration of potential alternatives to listing landmarks and districts in the National Register of Historic Places. Discussions will focus on how the City’s local Historic and Conservation Landmark and District designations might be modified to create more accessible and responsive designation and protection options.
In addition to the above roundtables, staff will be available at two drop-in sessions to provide additional opportunities to learn about the project and solicit general feedback:
Historic Resources Drop-in Session
Monday, December 18th, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Peninsula Park Community Center, 700 N Rosa Parks Way
Historic Resources Drop-in Session
Tuesday, January 9th, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave.
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability staff will incorporate public feedback from roundtables and drop-in sessions into the development of zoning code concepts. Draft zoning code language will be released in spring 2018, at which time more opportunities for public feedback will be scheduled.
If you cannot attend one of the Roundtables or drop-in sessions, please consider filling out a comment form and returning it to the project team. If you have questions or comments, the project team can be reached at (503) 823-7247 or historic.resources@portlandoregon.gov.
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