Historic Design Review

What is Historic Design Review?

Before applying for building permits, the City may require design approval for the construction or repair on the exterior of  historic buildings. Historic design review is a procedural step that specific projects related to historic properties must complete before commencing work or obtaining a building permit. The objective is to ensure that alterations made to historic landmarks preserve their historic character and integrity which justifies their historical designation.

Does my project require an Historic Design Approval?

In general, properties identified as historic landmarks or a contributing  resource to a Historic District require design approval when projects affect the exterior of the building. Interior renovations are exempt from such a review. To find out if your property is locally designated, please go to West Linn Historic Landmarks.

Historic Design Review Process:

Before to submitting a design review application, applicants may be required to participate in a pre-application conference. Pre-application conferences provide applicants with information about application submission requirements, approval criteria, and other important considerations.

The criteria for reviews of proposed alterations to the exterior of historic structures can be found in Chapter 25 of the CDC.

Once the pre-application conference is completed, applicants may proceed to submit a development review application to the City through the Submit a Land Use Application webpage.

Some Historic Design Reviews require a hearing before the Historic Review Board while others can be decided administratively. 

Decisions typically are made within 120 days of receiving a complete application.

Questions:

Building codes, zoning, variances, commercial plan review, and other concerns  - Building Department at 503-742-6055.

Historic preservation requirements, historic design review and other cultural resource issues - Planning Staff at 503-656-3535.