Inventory Forms | City of Oregon City

The Planning Division is responsible for all long range and current planning as well as the implementation of the Oregon City Comprehensive Plan and associated Municipal Ordinances.

Inventory Forms

Links to Oregon City's inventory forms can be found at the bottom of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Inventory Forms

I noticed that there are many types of inventory forms on the website and some have more information than others, why is that?

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) creates the framework for the inventory process in Oregon. These guidelines are regularly updated; therefore cities may have a collection of different inventory forms that includes slightly different or, in some cases, more detailed information. These forms are cumulative in nature; a new form does not overtake an older form. Together, they paint a picture of the evolution of the building, and depending, upon the type of inventory form used, different information will be presented. If a structure is designated, the inventory form provides background about what features made it suitable for designation , and can be updated as needed or required. An omission or incorrect detail in an inventory form does not bind the city to a certain outcome as a land use action might. Rather, they are informative and provide relevant context to future land use decisions.

The electronic version of the SHPO Survey Guidelines can be found at the following link: Oregon SHPO Inventory Guidelines

I think I have found an error on one of the forms, who do I contact to have it changed?

If you believe that a form has incorrect information contact Christina Robertson-Gardiner, Preservation Planner at 503.496.1564 or crobertson@orcity.org. Depending upon the information presented, the forms might be updated, or a note may be added to the website.

I have an historic photo of the house/street and would like to give it to the city to put online, who do I contact?

If you own the photo or have authority to use it, Oregon City would love to add it to their on-going collection of historic photos. We can even add it directly to the inventory page for the building. Photos from the Oregon Historical Society, Museum of the Oregon Territory or organizations with propriety ownership will not be uploaded. Contact Christina Robertson-Gardiner, Preservation Planner at 503.496.1564 or crobertson@orcity.org for help in uploading or scanning your photo.

If it has an inventory form, does that mean it is historic? What makes a building “historic”?

An inventory form can be created for any building. Oregon City currently has inventory forms for both historic and non-historic buildings. Historic designation is bestowed on a property that has applied for local designation though the Land Use process. Oregon City has over 500 properties locally designated! When properties are locally designated, the city has review authority for exterior alterations to the site. Interior alterations do not require historic review.

Buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places are usually locally designated as well. National Register designations are separately processed though the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service (NPS).