Q: What types of changes will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board? What needs review and what can I do without review?
A: You do not need review for ordinary maintenance or restoration work; for interior alterations unless they affect the exterior appearance of the building; for work that is not visible from any open space or street unless your building is a landmark structure; or for demolition of non-contributing structures within districts.
If you are located within an historic district in Portland, you must receive approval before proceeding with any of the following activities:
Any exterior alteration or construction requiring a building permit from the City of Portland, including, but not limited to the following:
- Removal or replacement of architectural detailing including, but not limited to, porch spindles and columns, railings, window moldings and cornices,
- Moving of structures or objects on the same site or to another site;
- Construction of rooftop additions or decks;
- Alteration of accessory structures such as garages;
- Porch replacement or new construction of porches;
- Installation exterior access stairs;
- Window or door replacement requiring enlargement of openings;
- Installation of antennas and satellite-receiving dishes;
- Installation of solar collectors.
Any exterior alteration that does not require a building permit but that involves any one of the following activities:
- Installation or replacement of either roofing or gutters where the roofing or gutters area is a significant and integral feature of the structure, including but not limited to mansard roofs, cupola roofs, ornamental slate roof features, and built-in gutter systems and the installation or replacement of siding;
- Window and door replacement whether or not it requires enlargement of openings;
- Masonry work, including, without limitation, tuckpointing, sandblasting, and chemical cleaning;
- Site features, other than vegetation, including, without limitation, fencing, walls, paving and grading;
- Exterior lighting where proposed in conjunction with commercial and institutional signage or awnings, where placed on street-fronting façades of designated structures;
- Exterior elements including mechanical, plumbing, and electrical, where placed on street-fronting facades.
Installation or alteration of any exterior sign.
Any demolition or relocation of a landmark or contributing structure within a district.