Historic Preservation Permits
The City of Corvallis is home to over 700 Designated Historic Resources. Designated Historic Resources include properties listed on the Corvallis Register of Historic Landmarks and Districts (Local Register) and those on the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). While the bulk of these resources are located within the Avery-Helm, College-Hill West, or Oregon State University Historic Districts, over 100 resources have been designated individually outside of Districts. The protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of these valuable resources is achieved through the stewardship of individual property owners and regulated by the Land Development Code, Chapter 2.9 – Historic Preservation Provisions. If your property is a Designated Historic Resource, you may need to obtain a Historic Preservation Permit before undertaking work on the site.
Types of Historic Permits
- Exempt Activities: Exempt activities do not require a Historic Preservation Permit. Exemptions are provided for a specific list of small-scale activities such as routine maintenance. To confirm if your project is exempt from the need for a Historic Preservation Permit, submit a completed Exempt Activity form. Planning staff will review this form to confirm that the proposed activity is exempt. Submitting an Exempt Activity form provides assurance to you that a Historic Preservation Permit is not required and also provides a reference for staff to answer neighborhood inquires about the work occurring on your property. If your project is not specifically identified as an Exempt activity on the form below, you will need to complete a Historic Preservation Permit Application for review and approval before beginning work.
Submit an Exempt Activity Form here - Director-level Permits: Director-level permits may be issued for a specific list of minimal activities where discretion is not required in decision-making. Director-level permits are processed administratively by City staff and do not require a public hearing.
- Historic Resources Commission (HRC)-level Permits: HRC-level permits are required for larger scale alterations and new construction where discretion is needed to make a decision. HRC-level permits require a public hearing and are reviewed by the Historic Resources Commission.
How to Submit an Application
All Historic Preservation Permit applications must include an Application Form signed by the property owner and information outlined in the Application Requirements section of Land Development Code Chapter 2.9 – Historic Preservation Provisions. The application must also address applicable Review Criteria. Review Criteria are used by the decision-making authority to determine compliance with applicable Land Development Code standards. Use the links below to submit your application electronically using a web-based form that includes the applicable review criteria.
Director-level Application Form
HRC-level Application Form
Alternative ways of submitting an application (less preferred):
- A completed General & Special Development Application PDF form, narrative addressing review criteria, and supporting documents can be uploaded through the online ePlans portal (you will need to create a secure user account): Apply Online - Account Login
- A completed PDF form and supporting documents can be emailed to planning@corvallisoregon.gov (file size cannot exceed 20MB in total).
- A completed PDF form and supporting documents can be submitted in-person to the Planning Division Office located on the main level of City Hall or mailed to: Attn: HPP Application, City of Corvallis Planning Division, PO Box 1083, Corvallis, Oregon 97339
Application Fees
Historic Preservation Permit applications are free of charge.
For More Information
Please contact the Planning Division, with questions concerning Historic Preservation Permits or the Corvallis Historic Preservation provisions.
