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Council hears first reading of code amendment to allow creation of historic districts; commission seeks Hungry Hill pilot
Summary
The council heard a staff-initiated text amendment to the development code to create an application process for historic district designations. The amendments do not create a district but add a statutory path; the Historic Landmarks Commission and planning commission recommended the change and proposed Hungry Hill as an initial area to study.
Planning staff presented a text amendment (LU0013-2025) to Troutdale’s development code to create an application pathway for establishing historic districts. Nick (planning staff) said the proposed change would add a category for historic-district designation under the existing historic landmark provisions and would use model criteria adapted from the National Register and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. The change would not itself designate a district; it would only enable future district applications.
Staff recounted a series of stakeholder steps: the Historic Landmarks Commission asked staff to pursue a district-based approach (Hunger Hill was raised as a candidate), staff developed draft language, the planning commission reviewed the draft at a public hearing and sent a unanimous recommendation to the council. Staff said the purpose of enabling district designations is to allow targeted interpretive and tourism efforts, not to add new regulatory burdens by default.
A speaker from the Historic Landmarks Commission spoke in favor and emphasized the voluntary, nonregulatory intent of a district designation. A downtown property owner asked whether designation would impose additional signage or design restrictions; staff clarified that the proposed procedural change would not by itself change existing regulatory requirements and that property owners must opt-in and would be consulted before any district were established.
Ending: Council opened the public hearing and received support and some questions; the item was set for a second reading on October 28. Staff said they will continue outreach with property owners in any area that might be considered for a prospective district.
