Each and every historic building plays a significant part of the on-going preservation of Oregon City’s local heritage. Historic buildings reflect the lives and aspiration of past generations and their preservation defines the community in many ways. Most of all, thoughtful stewardship of our buildings and surrounding -environment can ensure that our sense of identity is passed along to future generations.

  These guidelines are authorized by Section 17.40 60 of the Oregon City Municipal Code. Owners of properties that do not fall under the Historic Review Process are encouraged to follow the Policies set forth by the Historic Review Board by making exterior alterations that maintain the structure’s integrity and are compatible with the neighborhood.

  HRB Policy #1 (First Adopted 1986) – Construction and Repair of Foundations

The finished floor elevation of the structure shall not be raised or lowered in relation to the ground level as a result of foundation construction or repair.  Any new foundation must be covered with skirting that matches the original skirting on the structure. 

  HRB Policy #2 (First Adopted 1986) – Storm Windows and Doors

Storm window frames and members shall be made of wood, baked enamel, or anodized aluminum.  If wooden or enameled, the frames and members shall be painted to match or complement the color of the existing window trim.  Mill finish aluminum storm windows are not permitted.  Interior storm windows are encouraged.  

  HRB Policy #3 (First Adopted 1986) – Repair or Replacement of Siding

New siding shall match original siding both in material and style.  A sample must be submitted for review.

  HRB Policy #4 (First Adopted 1986)– Gutters and Downspouts

Replacement wooden gutters and downspouts are permitted.  Galvanized or enameled aluminum gutters and downspouts shall be painted to match the house.  All support straps shall be painted to match the house.  New downspouts shall be located to avoid visual interference with architectural features of the street façade.  Plastic gutters and downspouts are not permitted.  If the downspout empties onto the ground, splashblocks shall be placed at the outflow to disperse the water away from the foundation.

  HRB Policy #5 (First Adopted 1986) – Roofs

Structures must be re-roofed with wood shingles, 3-tab composition shingles, or “architectural style” composition shingles.  If the roof slope is less than 4/12, rolled composition roofing may be used.  Red, dark green, black, dark brown or green and white composition material is encouraged.  Slate, tile or tar and gravel roofs may be re-roofed with like materials.  The following roof materials are not permitted without Board approval:  metal, fiberglass, plastic, corrugated roofing, or shake shingles.  Any alteration to the overhang, soffit, or rake board requires Board approval. 

  HRB Policy #6 (First Adopted 9/88; Revised 6/91) – Policy on Construction of Fences and Walls

The following policy is hereby adopted by the Oregon City Historic Review Board regarding the construction or alteration of fences and walls within Historic Districts, on designated sites in Conservation Districts, or on individual sites designated as landmarks.

  Fences and Walls in Front Yards and Corner Side Yards  

  Fences in Interior Side Yards, Alleyways and Rear Yards  

Fence or Wall Height

Front yard fences or walls and corner side yard fences or walls should be no more than 42 inches in height and shall not create a traffic site obstruction (as defined in Chapter 10.32 of the Oregon City Municipal Code).  Along rear yards and interior side yards (beyond the front yard setback), fences or walls may be up to six (6) feet in height.

  Fences or walls that are listed in the “ACCEPTABLE” category may be reviewed and a decision made by staff.  The primary criterion to be used by staff shall be compatibility of the proposed fence or wall with the style and period of the designated structure.  If the proposal is not on a designated, the primary criterion shall be compatibility with surrounding historic structures.  Either staff or applicant shall have the option of referring the plans to the Historic Review Board for resolution of doubtful or contested application of standards.  Fences or walls that are not listed, or that are specifically listed under the “NOT ACCEPTABLE” category must be submitted for review and decision by the Historic Review Board.      

  HRB Policy #7 (First Adopted 8/96) – Construction of Accessory Structures

Accessory structures which are 120 square feet or smaller may be reviewed and decision made by staff.  The primary criteria to be used by staff in making the decision shall be as follows:

·        The building/structure materials shall match the primary resource structure;

·        The roofing materials shall match the material on the historic/primary resource structure; if the roofing material on the historic/primary structure is not compatible, Historic Review Board Policy #5 shall apply;

·        The accessory structure shall be painted to match the historic/primary resource;

·        The structure shall be placed a minimum of three (3) feet from any interior lot line as per Section 17.54 - Accessory Structure Standards.

  Any structure that does not meet this standard shall be referred or submitted to the Historic Review Board for review and decision.

  HRB Policy #8 – Exterior Alterations to Buildings in National Historic Districts, or Structures in Conservation Districts or Landmark Structures

Additions shall be reviewed by the Historic Review Board.  Other alterations are subject to administrative review.  Alterations are permitted if they duplicate existing building materials and styles.  Wood siding is encouraged if the siding is replaced.  Aluminum and vinyl siding and vinyl and aluminum mill finish windows are not permitted, unless the building was originally constructed of such materials and they are the predominant materials on the building.  Wood sash doors are encouraged.  Roof alterations shall conform to Historic Review Board Policy #5.

  HRB Policy #9 – Screen Doors

Screen doors shall be compatible with the material, style and period of the designated structure.

  Policies 1-9 were reviewed and revised by the HRB at worksessions on October 12, November 9, 2000, and December 14, 2000, and were formally adopted on December 14, 2000 at the HRB’s duely noticed public meeting. 

  HRB Policy #10- Window Repair and Replacement 

Original wood windows are important architectural features in any historic building. They are the “eyes” of the structure and they convey a sense of handcraftsmanship and detail that cannot be achieved with substitute materials. The Historic Review Board maintains that original windows should be retained and repaired whenever possible and replacement of windows should be with in kind materials. For all exterior alterations, involving windows, to: all structures in the Canemah National Register District, designated structures in the McLoughlin Conservation District and other local Landmarks, the applicant will provide a determination of the window’s architectural significance and condition to assist the Historic Review Board to determine the repair and replacement options for the property. Owners of non-designated structures are also encouraged to follow this policy for window repair and replacement. (Adopted October 25, 2001)

  Authority for these HRB Administrative Review policies can be found in Section 17.40.060 of the Oregon City Municipal Code.  Pertinent sections are excerpted below:

  Additional regulations regarding historic resources may be found in Chapters 17.14 and 17.26 of the Oregon City Municipal Code.

  In addition, Section E of Oregon City’s 1982 Comprehensive Plan outlines City Historic Preservation Goals and Policies.