Historic Districts FAQs
Why would I want my property included in an historic district?
What effect will being in an historic district have on my property?
Will being in an historic district raise my taxes?
Who administers Portland’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and how difficult is the review process?
Will I be forced to restore my building?
Does the ordinance restrict what I can do with the interior of my property?
Does the ordinance control what color I may paint my house?
Will this restrict how I can use my building?
Does my building have to look exactly the same after I have made the changes I need?
Will it be more expensive for me to repair or remodel my property in accordance with the ordinance?
My property is not very old, why is it considered historic?
Is the same review required for a non-contributing structure? Do the same standards apply?