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Kimberli Fitzgerald
Historic Preservation Officer
503-540-2397
kfitzgerald@cityofsalem.net

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Historic Design Review for Exterior Alterations

If you plan to make changes to the exterior of a historic building or its surrounding features, you must go through the historic design review process. This process applies to local historic landmarks and buildings located in National Register Districts. The review ensures that any changes preserve the historic character of these important structures.

Why Historic Design Review Matters

Preserving historic buildings helps maintain the unique character of Salem’s neighborhoods and protects the city’s cultural heritage. By following the design review process, property owners contribute to this preservation effort while ensuring their changes align with local standards. This process is essential for property owners, architects, and contractors who want to make alterations while respecting the historical significance of these properties.

Older homes, especially those built before 1986, are also more vulnerable to earthquake damage. If you own one of these homes, it is important to take steps to reduce this risk, such as retrofitting the structure. This ensures the safety of residents while protecting the building’s historic value.

Examples of Work Requiring Review

The Salem Revised Code Chapter 230 outlines the types of work that require historic design review. Common examples include:

If you are unsure whether your project requires review, consult Salem Revised Code Chapter 230 or contact city staff for guidance.

Window Repair Resources

Repairing historic windows is an important way to preserve the character of a building. The following video guides can help you with common window repair tasks:

These resources provide step-by-step instructions to help you maintain your historic windows effectively.

Overview of the Application Process

The historic design review process ensures that alterations to historic buildings meet specific standards. There are two types of standards used during the review:

Prescriptive and Non-Discretionary Standards – Clear, specific rules that must be followed.
Flexible and Discretionary Guidelines – Allow for creativity while still protecting the building's historic character.

There are three types of historic design review:

Class 1 Minor Review – For small, simple projects.
Class 2 Minor Review – For moderately complex projects.
Class 3 Major Review – For significant changes or additions.

To learn more about the requirements, review Salem Revised Code Chapter 230, which explains the rules for historic design review in detail.

Class I Minor Historic Design Review

Procedure for Class 1 Minor Historic Design Review

A Class 1 Minor Historic Design Review follows the Type I application procedures outlined in Salem Revised Code Chapter 300. Most decisions are issued within 30 days of submitting a complete application, although state law allows up to 120 days for a decision once the application is deemed complete.

Application Steps

1. Submit Your Application

Submit all required items through the Permit Application Center Portal.

2. Completeness Review

City staff will review your application to ensure it is complete. If information is missing, you will receive a notification explaining what is needed. You will then have 180 days to provide the additional information. You can track the status of your application online using the City of Salem's permit tracking webpage.

3. Conformance Review

Once your application is complete, staff will review your proposal to ensure it meets the criteria in Salem Revised Code Chapter 230.

4. Decision

The Planning Administrator will approve or deny your application based on whether it meets the applicable criteria.

Application Checklist for Class 1 Minor Historic Design Review

Your application for a Class 1 Minor Historic Design Review must include the following:

1. Land Use Application Form

The form must be signed by the applicant(s), property owner(s), and/or an authorized representative.
If the applicant or property owner is a Limited Liability Company, include a list of all LLC members.
The form will be generated for you when you submit your application through the Permit Application Center Portal.

2. Land Use Application Fee

Pay the required application fee when submitting your application.

3. Recorded Deed

Provide a copy of the recorded deed or land sales contract for the property.

4. Historic Alteration Worksheet

Complete the Historic Alteration Worksheet and upload it with your application.

5. Site Plan

The site plan must include:

Total site area, dimensions and orientation (showing north).
Location of proposed structures and improvements (e.g., fences, walls, driveways), with distances from property lines and on-site structures.
Identification of parking and circulation areas for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, including accessible parking.

6. Building Elevations

Submit architectural drawings, renderings, plan drawings, photo simulations, or sketches showing all sides of the building affected by the alteration.

7. Photos

Include photos of the existing building and any available historic photos.

8. Materials

Provide a description or plans showing the materials to be used (e.g., windows, siding, roofing).
For signs or awnings, include the method of attachment to the building.

9. Written Statement

Submit a written statement describing your proposal and explaining how it meets the approval criteria for Class 1 Minor Historic Design Review.

Class 2 Minor Historic Design Review

Procedure for Class 2 Minor Historic Design Review

A Class 2 Minor Historic Design Review follows the Type II application procedures outlined in Salem Revised Code Chapter 300. Most decisions are issued within 45 days of submitting a complete application, although state law allows up to 120 days for a decision once the application is deemed complete.

Application Steps

1. Submit Your Application

Submit all required items through the Permit Application Center Portal.

2. Completeness Review

City staff will review your application for completeness. If information is missing, you will notification and have 180 days to provide the additional information. You can track the status of your application online using the City of Salem's permit tracking webpage.

3. Public Comment Period

Once your application is complete, staff will notify:

You (the applicant) and the property owner(s).
The neighborhood association.
Property owners and addresses within 250 feet of the property.
All addresses on the subject property.
All property owners within the historic district (if applicable).
Any active and incorporated Homeowner’s Association involving the subject property.

A 14-day public comment period will follow.

4. Conformance Review

After the public comment period, staff will review your proposal to ensure it meets Salem Revised Code Chapter 230 criteria.

5. Decision

The Planning Administrator will approve or deny your application based on the criteria.

6. Notice of Decision

Staff will send a decision notice, including details about the 15-day appeal period, to all relevant parties.

Application Checklist for Class 2 Minor Historic Design Review

Your application for a Class 2 Minor Historic Design Review must include the following:

1. Land Use Application Form

The form must be signed by the applicant(s), property owner(s), and/or an authorized representative.
If the applicant or property owner is a Limited Liability Company, include a list of all Limited Liability Company members.
The form will be generated for you when you submit your application through the Permit Application Center Portal.

2. Land Use Application Fee

Pay the required application fee when submitting your application.

3. Recorded Deed

Provide a copy of the recorded deed or land sales contract for the property.

4. Historic Alteration Worksheet

Complete the Historic Alteration Worksheet and upload it with your application.

5. Site Plan

The site plan must include:

Total site area, dimensions, and orientation (showing north).
Location of proposed structures and improvements (e.g., fences, walls, driveways), with distances from property lines and nearby structures.
Identification of parking and circulation areas for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, including accessible parking.

6. Building Elevations

Submit architectural drawings, renderings, plan drawings, photo simulations, or sketches showing all sides of the building affected by the alteration.

7. Photos

Include photos of the existing building and any available historic photos.

8. Materials

Provide a description or plans showing the materials to be used (e.g., windows, siding, roofing).
For signs or awnings, include the method of attachment to the building.

9. Written Statement

Submit a written statement describing your proposal and explaining how it meets the approval criteria for Class 2 Minor Historic Design Review.

Class 3 Major Historic Design Review

Procedure for Class 3 Major Historic Design Review

A Class 3 Major Historic Design Review follows the Type III application procedures outlined in Salem Revised Code Chapter 300. Most decisions are issued within 60 days of submitting a complete application, although state law allows up to 120 days for a decision once the application is deemed complete.

Application Process

1. Submit Your Application

Submit all required items through the Permit Application Center Portal.

2. Completeness Review

City staff will review your application for completeness. If information is missing, you will receive a notification and have 180 days to provide the additional information. You can track the status of your application online using the City of Salem's permit tracking webpage.

3. Hearing Date and Notice

Once your application is complete, staff will:

Set a date for a public hearing with the Historic Landmarks Commission.
Send a notice of hearing to:
- You (the applicant) and the property owner(s).
- The neighborhood association.
- Property owners and addresses within 250 feet of the property.
- All addresses on the subject property.
- All property owners within the historic district (if applicable).
- Any active and incorporated Homeowner’s Association involving the subject property.

4. Posting Signs

Staff will prepare posting signs and provide instructions for posting requirements. You (the applicant) must post the signs along the street frontage(s) of the property 10 to 14 days before the hearing.

5. Public Hearing

The Historic Landmarks Commission will hold a public hearing. During the hearing:

Staff will present a report.
Testimony will be heard from the applicant, neighborhood association representatives, supporters, opponents and rebuttals.

6. Decision

The Historic Landmarks Commission will approve or deny the application based on Salem Revised Code Chapter 230 criteria.

7. Notice of Decision

Staff will send a decision notice, including details about the 15-day appeal period, to all relevant parties.

If no appeal is filed, the decision becomes final and effective.

Application Checklist for Class 3 Major Historic Design Review

Your application for a Class 3 Major Historic Design Review must include the following:

1. Land Use Application Form

The form must be signed by the applicant(s), property owner(s), and/or an authorized representative.
If the applicant or property owner is a Limited Liability Company, include a list of all Limited Liability Company members.
The form will be generated for you when you submit your application through the Permit Application Center Portal.

2. Land Use Application Fee

Pay the required application fee when submitting your application.

3. Recorded Deed

Provide a copy of the recorded deed or land sales contract for the property.

4. Historic Alteration Worksheet

Complete the Historic Alteration Worksheet and upload it with your application.

5. Site Plan

The site plan must include:

Total site area, dimensions and orientation (showing north).
Location of proposed structures and improvements (e.g., fences, walls, driveways), with distances from property lines and nearby structures.
Identification of parking and circulation areas for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles, including accessible parking.

6. Building Elevations

Submit architectural drawings, renderings, plan drawings, photo simulations, or sketches showing all sides of the building affected by the alteration.

7. Photos

Include photos of the existing building and any available historic photos.

8. Materials

Provide a description or plans showing the materials to be used (e.g., windows, siding, roofing).
For signs or awnings, include the method of attachment to the building.

9. Written Statement

Submit a written statement describing your proposal and explaining how it meets the approval criteria for Class 3 Major Historic Design Review.

The historic design review process helps protect Salem’s historic buildings while allowing for thoughtful updates and repairs. By following the appropriate review procedures, property owners can ensure their projects meet city standards and preserve the character of these valuable community assets. For more information, consult Salem Revised Code Chapter 230 or contact city staff for assistance.