The Laurelhurst Historic District petition campaign is forging ahead. During December and January, many dozens of Laurelhurst residents spoke to their friends and neighbors, distributed flyers and information sheets, and manned tables at neighborhood events. Several hundred of your neighbors have already signed our Declaration of Support! If you want to learn more about how Historic District will protect Laurelhurst from RIP and demolitions, and preserve our neighborhood's

This is breaking news of an important change in Oregon's historic protection rules. On January 27, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) adopted new rules on protections for a National Register-listed historic district. The new rules will become effective in about 90 days. This will result in an important change in how the city of Portland protects newly-created National Register historic districts. Historic resource review will not automatically

Can you have solar energy in a Historic District? Here's the quick answer. Yes, there will be a way. On your roof via solar panels: sometimes. On your roof through solar roof shingles: always. Through community solar: always. Okay, here's the details. Let's assume your house has a pitched roof, since most Laurelhurst houses do. Portland's historic code says that, in a historic district, rooftop "solar panels" are automatically permitted if they are on the rear facing part o

A common argument made against Historic District is that the protections for historic homes could discourage homeowners from maintaining or remodeling their houses. We’re already seeing these claims being made by those who don’t want Laurelhurst to be protected as a Historic District. Some of them have a financial interest in the remodeling business. For example, this post by a contractor on NextDoor Laurelhurst: “I am a general contractor in Portland. I specialize in resid