Albany officials seek clearer rules on substitute materials, solar panels in Article 7 update

City planning staff presented a proposed refresh of Article 7 of the Albany Development Code and asked the Albany City Council and the Landmarks Commission for policy direction on several recurring and contentious items, including substitute materials for historic buildings, solar-panel standards and demolition review.

David Marno, current planning manager for the City of Albany, told the joint work session that the update aims "to bring the development code into compliance with state requirements together with updates based on input from the historic preservation advocates, property owners, council, and commission members." Alyssa Schremz, historic preservation planner, outlined recent program work including grant-funded window restoration, a preservation award, and a resumed quarterly newsletter.

The staff presentation described the scope of Article 7: standards for historic review of exterior alterations, the use of substitute materials, new construction within historic districts, demolitions and relocations, and the local landmark designation process. Marno said review is required for exterior alterations or additions to buildings classified as contributing or noncontributing within historic districts and to designated landmarks outside those districts.

Schremz summarized public outreach: a property-owner survey and follow-up focus groups. She said the city receives a Certified Local Government grant from the Oregon Parks and…