Special Membership Requirements

Commission members must be reside in Salem or have their business in Salem, and they must have an interest in historic preservation. Additional commission membership requirements include:

• At least five of the members must meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Historic Preservation Qualification Standards to the extent that professionals meeting those standards are available in the community. In making such appointments, the mayor should consider the applicants' qualifications in the fields of:

Rules & Bylaws

• Historic Landmarks Commission Rules
• Historic Landmarks Commission Work Plan (2025)

Newsletter

• Sign up to receive the Historic Landmarks Commission Newsletter
  
• Spring 2026 Newsletter
• Past Issue
  • Fall 2020

2026 Historic Preservation Month Events and Activities

• 2026 Events and Activities/Press Release

2026 Salem's 'Hidden History' Photo Contest

• Photo contest information
• Photo contest application form

Commission Members

Authority: SRC Chapter 20C
Number of members: 9
Type of appointment: Mayoral appointment
Length of term: 3 years

The Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) was established in 1986 with the City’s adoption of a Historic Preservation Program. In 2010, an updated Historic Preservation Plan was adopted by the City and acts as the work plan for the HLC. In 2020 this Plan was updated and defines work through 2030. The commission holds public meetings the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. It also meets as needed to conduct alteration reviews or other business.

Commission roles includes:

• Advising the Council on matters pertaining to historic sites and structures in Salem
• Administering the Historic Preservation Ordinance
• Helping property owners preserve historic structures

The Commission is made up of City residents who volunteer their time and professional expertise to:

• Review, designate, and encourage the preservation of historic resources
• Review certain development applications for conformance with the historic preservation code standards and guidelines

2026 Meeting Dates and Documents