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Historic Landmarks Commission seeks code language to enable Hungry Hill historic district
Summary
The Historic Landmarks Commission told the Troutdale Planning Commission it will draft development-code criteria to allow creation of local historic districts, starting with a proposed Hungry Hill Historic District; staff outlined a timeline that would bring the draft code to CAC, Planning Commission and then City Council.
Aaron Jansons, chair of Troutdale’s Historic Landmarks Commission, and Assistant Planner Nick Ramstead briefed the Planning Commission on March 12 about the HLC’s work to establish a local historic district process and a first candidate, Hungry Hill.
HLC members said city code already contains purpose language that recognizes historic districts (overlay chapter 4.2 and the historic-application chapter 6), but the development code lacks specific criteria and procedures to establish a new local historic district. Ramstead told the commission the HLC will draft code language that defines criteria and a process for designation and preservation, then follow a multi-step review process: staff drafting, HLC review, CAC review, Planning Commission (anticipated June as a Type 4 application) and then City Council (target July).
Why it matters: HLC members said Hungry Hill—roughly described in their presentation as an area bounded by parts of Sandy, Buxton, Harlow and Eighth—includes a concentration of properties meeting age-and-character criteria. The commission and staff said the proposed code amendment would create a consistent, auditable path to designate districts; a separate, later application would nominate Hungry Hill itself after code criteria are adopted.
Commissioners and HLC members discussed timeline and outreach. Commissioner Allen said the proposal is welcome and expressed support for advancing a narrowly scoped district now rather than delaying to bundle multiple areas. No formal vote was taken; staff reported HLC expects to follow the city’s land-use review path for an amendment and then a district designation application.
