Contact

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

Connect

Salem HLC

@SalemHLC

Resources

Salem Historic Landmarks Commission Blog

Remodel and Repair Historic Buildings

Historic House Remodel with Ladder

Historic Design Review for Exterior Alterations

If you plan to make exterior changes to buildings or other features on a historic property (including landscape or yard features), you must get approval through the historic design review process. This applies to local historic landmarks and buildings in National Register Districts. The review ensures that changes protect the historic character of these important structures.

Older homes, especially those built before 1986, may also be more at risk for earthquake damage. If you own one of these homes, it is a good idea to take steps to reduce this risk.

Examples of Work Requiring Review

The Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 230 lists specific requirements for historic design review. In general, you will need approval for the following types of work:

Window Repair Resources

If you are repairing historic windows, the following videos can help guide you through the process:

Overview of the Application Process

Design review is required for remodeling or repairing historic buildings. The review process follows either:

Prescriptive and Non-Discretionary Standards – These are clear, specific rules that must be followed.
Flexible and Discretionary Guidelines – These allow for more creativity while still protecting the historic character of the building.

There are three types of historic design review:

Class 1 Minor Review – For small, simple projects.
Class 2 Minor Review – For slightly larger or more complex projects.
Class 3 Major Review – For major changes or additions to historic buildings.

To learn more about the requirements, review SRC 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

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

Application Process

1. Submit Your Application

You must 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 proposed plan to ensure it meets the criteria outlined in SRC Chapter 230.

4. Decision

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

Application Checklist

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

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 (LLC), 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

You must 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

An application for a Class 2 Minor Historic Design Review follows the Type II application procedures outlined in Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 300. Most decisions are issued within 45 days after the application is submitted, 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 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. Public Comment Period

Once your application is deemed complete, staff will send a notice of proposal 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 (HOA) involving the subject property.

The notice will include a 14-day public comment period for feedback on the proposal.

4. Conformance Review

After the public comment period, staff will review the proposed plan to ensure it meets the criteria outlined in SRC Chapter 230.

5. Decision

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

6. Notice of Decision

Staff will send a copy of the decision, including information about the 15-day appeal period, 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 HOA involving the subject property.

Application Checklist

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

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 (LLC), 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

You must 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

An application for a Class 3 Major Historic Design Review follows the Type III application procedures outlined in Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 300. Most decisions are issued within 60 days after the application is submitted, 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 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. Hearing Date and Notice

Once your application is deemed 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 (HOA) 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 decide whether to approve or deny the application based on whether the proposal meets the criteria outlined in SRC Chapter 230.

7. Notice of Decision

Staff will send a copy of the decision, including information about the 15-day appeal period, to:

You (the applicant) and the property owner(s).
The neighborhood association.
Anyone who submitted testimony before the close of the public hearing.

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

Application Checklist

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

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 (LLC), 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

You must 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.