Steps to List a Property as a Local Historic Landmark or on the National Historic Register

For a property to be eligible to become a local landmark or a National Register listing,  it must meet one of the following criteria:

1. associated with the lives of significant persons in or past; or
2. embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction,represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
3. have yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory.

The steps are easier and faster to become a local landmark. Below is an outline of the steps to follow for both paths:

For Local Landmark Registration:

Where to Start:

Collect information regarding the brief history of the building, known changes to the building, and exterior and interior photographs of the resource. 

Prepare a Local Landmark Nomination Application

Applications for designation as a local historic resource are submitted to the City. The applicable standards for historic landmark listing are in  CDC Chapter 25. The Historic Review Board would make a recommendation to the City Council who would make the final decision. An application for local listing needs to include the following:

1. Narrative. Written narrative description of the proposed historic resource and how it meets at least one of the following five criteria:
   • Events. Is the building associated with an event or events that made a significant contribution to the history of the City, county, state or nation?
   • Persons. Is the building associated with the life or lives of a significant person or people in the history of the City, county, state or nation?
   • Architecture. Does the building embody distinctive architectural characteristics of a type, style, period or method of construction?
   • Construction. Does the building represent the work of a master builder, designer, or architect who influenced the development of the City, county, state or nation? or
   • Archeology. Has the building or site yielded, or will likely yield, information important in prehistory or history.
2. Site plan. Site plan depicting the property boundaries and all structures and features on the site;
3. Current photographs. Current photographs of all elevations of the existing structure and any significant features;
4. Historic photographs. Historic photographs, plans, or maps, if available;
5. Supplementary documentation. Any other documentation demonstrating the significance of the proposed historic resource; and
6. Owner consent. The property owner must consent, in writing, to a proposed historic landmark designation with the exception that properties listed on the National Register shall be regulated as historic landmarks regardless of the owner’s consent.

For National Register Nomination

Where to Start:

The National Register program is run by the National Park Service and administered locally by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, an office of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).

The first step toward National Registration is to complete a Historic Resource Record (HRR) and submit it to Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The form collects information regarding the brief history of the building, known changes to the building, and exterior and interior photographs of the resource.

1. Historic Resource Record (HRR) Form.  If, following the examination of the HRR by the Oregon SHPO, the SHPO staff determines that the property could potentially qualify for inclusion on the National Register, the next phase involves conducting further historical research on the property.

2. Prepare the National Register Nomination

Prepare a National Register Nomination

A National Register nomination is a federal document with specific technical requirements. SHPO staff can assist preparers as needed with nomination forms, but SHPO staff does not complete nominations for preparers. Steps to begin:

• Photograph the property
• For more information on photograph standards see the National Register Photo Policy.
• Complete the Nomination form
• See Preparing a National Register Nomination in Oregon for detailed information on this.
• Submit a complete nomination

 Helpful Resources for Research

• NPS Bulletin 29: Researching a Historic Property
• Researching Your Historic Property, City of Portland
•  The Oregon Encyclopedia
• How to Research your House's History, National Trust for Historic Preservation Blog
• Online Resources for Historic Property Research
• Consult with your local public library and local historical society.