| Listing Historic Districts in the National Register |
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| Before You Begin |
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Oakland Historic District, Oakland
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Is it Eligible?
A historic district is an area or neighborhood that has a concentration of buildings, associated landscape, and streetscape features that are at least 50 years old or older. To be eligible for the National Register the district must maintain its historic appearance and be associated with an important aspect of the area’s history. Before beginning a nomination, consult with SHPO staff to ensure that your potential historic district meets these minimum requirements, and to receive information on how to complete the nomination.
Before beginning a historic district nomination, submit a Preliminary Eligibility Evaluation (PEE) form to the SHPO. The PEE asks those interested in listing a property to briefly describe the district and why they believe it is eligible for the National Register, as well as to submit photographs of the district. PEEs can be submitted in person, by regular mail, or email. SHPO staff will answer these requests within two to four weeks, often sooner.
Using standards established by the National Park Service and information provided in the PEE, SHPO staff will give their opinion on the property's eligibility for the National Register, and give advice on potential research strategies. SHPO staff will also include useful information about the National Register and how to complete a nomination form in the PEE response.
Although it is possible for an individual or group to nominate a historic district, the SHPO suggests that historic preservation professionals prepare historic district nominations. Historic district nominations are often multi-year projects requiring specialized knowledge of local history, architecture, and National Register documentation. Professionals should submit a PEE before beginning work on a potential historic district.
Preliminary Eligibility Evaluation (PEE) form - Historic District [doc]
What Does Listing Mean?
The SHPO and the federal government do not regulate private property unless the owner chooses to take advantage of federal and state tax incentives or grants. Local county and city governments, however, are required by state law to protect properties listed in the National Register. Because local laws vary from place to place, property owners or those looking to purchase properties listed in the National Register should contact their local planning office.
For More Information
National Register Program - SHPO webpage that describes what the National Register and listing process
Historic District Fact Sheet [pdf] - Fact sheet about historic districts and property owners' rights and responsibilities
National Register Benefits and Responsibilities - SHPO webpage that describes programs available to property owners with National Register properties and applicable land-use laws
Oregon Grants - SHPO webpage that describes available grants to owners of National Register properties and other cultural resources and institutions
Tax Incentives Program - SHPO webpage that describes tax benefit programs available to National Register properties
Professional Contractors List - Directory of contractors offering various services from historic building repair to National Register nomination preparation
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| Completing the National Register Nomination |
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Oregon State University Historic District
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The National Register nomination is a federal document that has specific technical requirements. While SHPO staff can assist preparers in completing nominations, staff do not write nominations for preparers.
Proper documentation for a historic district includes a completed National Register nomination form (Sections 1-10); photographs, photograph continuation sheet, and photograph location map; a completed survey database for the potential historic district, and accompanying property and statistical reports; and a historic district map. All documentation must meet requirements specified by the National Park Service and the Oregon SHPO.
The following documents and guides include all necessary instructions for completing a National Register nomination. Please note that the example nomination in National Register Bulletin 16A, "How to Complete the National Register Registration Form," is outdated and does not meet current National Register standards. Please contact the SHPO if you would like a current example nomination.
Instructions
"Guidelines for Conducting Historic Resource Surveys in Oregon" [pdf] – SHPO guidelines for completing Reconnaissance and Intensive Level Surveys for historic districts
"Preparing National Register Nominations in Oregon" [pdf]- SHPO guide for preparing National Register nominations. The guide includes details about the National Register process and deadlines
National Register Bulletin #15, "How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation" [pdf] - National Park Service bulletin that explains how to determine if a property is or is not eligible for the National Register
National Register Bullitin #16, "How to Complete the National Register Form" [pdf] - National Park Service bulletin that includes specific instructions for completing National Register nominations
National Register Bulletins and Brochures - Information from the National Park Service about specific property types, such as those related to aviation, maritime, railroad history, and others
National Register Photo Policy - National Park Service webpage that explains specific photograph requirements for National Register nominations
Tips for Writing National Register Nominations
While there are many ways to write a National Register nomination, the following documents provide some strategies for writing successful nominations.
Tips for writing Section 7, Architectural Description [doc]
Tips for writing Section 8, Statement of Significance [doc]
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