Comments on: For solar on a historic home, you’ll have to pay

By: Element Power

Element Power — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:21:15 +0000

[...] http://djcoregon.com/news/2010/10/26/for-solar-on-an-historic-home-youll-have-to-pay/ [...]

By: Efficiency100

Efficiency100 — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:15:40 +0000

I think it’s utterly disappointing that these rules still apply to non-contributing homes in conservation districts. Your house is not considered historic but you still have to abide by rules set in place for historic buildings. Even more disappointing is that homeowners who buy in a conservation district might not even realize these policies are in place. There are no documents for the potential homeowner to view nor any signed agreements.

Also just because asphalt shingles have been around for over 100 years doesn’t mean that they should viewed as more attractive than PV modules. In this case the homeowner already has solar thermal on their roof. Something doesn’t add-up?

By: Portland mayor’s office responds to solar concerns « Daily Journal of Commerce – Building and Construction News in Portland, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 22:51:57 +0000

[…] Portland Mayor Sam Adams‘ office held a meeting this week with homeowners frustrated by the review process for installing solar panels within historic and conservation districts, according Amy Ruiz, planning and sustainability policy […]

By: Future Now

Future Now — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:55:19 +0000

These new regulations preventing solar panels (and ecoroofs) were pushed by a handful of people dead set on living in the past. Not only are these backward regulations contrary to the vast majority of what progressive Portlanders want and hold dear, but they are frankly un-American. We have an inspired President right now who is putting solar panels on the White House (tell me that’s not historical). For Art Demuro to tell me that I can’t put solar panels on my own, non-historic house just because I live in a “Conservation District” a couple of his buddies created is insulting at best.

It’s frankly unconscionable for a handful of people to dictate their backward beliefs to whole communities in North and Northeast Portland. Shame on Art Demuro et al for supporting such draconian measures that hold our community back. In light of the recent oil spill catastrophe in the gulf, we need inspired, forward thinking people like the Luedtkes who want to be good examples for the community. Poorly crafted, dictatorial regulations like these should not hold people back from doing good.

Lastly, you can’t self-install solar panels on commercial businesses per city regulations. I’m sure there are plenty of business leaders in “historic” and “conservation” districts that will be shut out because of these ridiculous regulations. As you pointed out too, you can’t get tax credits or incentives for “doing it yourself” either. You also don’t create jobs in the community — something the historical conservationists apparently don’t care about. If Portland is going to truly be the sustainability capital of the United States, these idiotic regulations must be repealed immediately.

By: NECA | IBEW 48

NECA | IBEW 48 — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:36:05 +0000

[...] http://djcoregon.com/news/2010/10/26/for-solar-on-an-historic-home-youll-have-to-pay/ [...]

By: Jimi

Jimi — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:53:40 +0000

One option not discussed is avoiding permits through self installation. It isn’t much more than installing an attic fan due to modern components being self explanatory and akin to tinker-toys. Sure, it’s some work to get panels up on a roof, but the installation should only take a few afternoons, especially since the location is pre-wired.
One downside to this is that no tax credits are offered through self installation, and permits would be required if/when the owners sell the house. If they are serious about going green, there are plenty of books available to help.
The Luedtkes might consider solar shingles, which I’m sure would not violate the code, as they look too similar to standard shingles for any passer-by to notice.

By: A Perspective

A Perspective — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:59:52 +0000

One can surmise that energy and climate issues aren’t so important. Historical preservation is all too often the hurdle to the future. Mr. DeMuro’s legacy may well be based on his obstinate preservation attitude.

It is easy to point to projects like the White Stag Block in Old Town as successful preservation of historic structures – ignoring that the public cost of financing that project is unlikely to have any financial ROI. But when we engage in hindsight – will his preservationist views be seen as beneficial or detrimental? I am going for the latter.

By: Jim Brown

Jim Brown — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:35:32 +0000

The National Register does not impose any design standards. The State of oregon requires local governments to protect historic structures and districts, but gives no guidelines. The design review and fees, not to mention delays, are the direct responsibility of the City of Portland and its Codes. Final say on establishment of Codes rests with our City Council.

Design review fees were glossed over in the recent promotion of the proposed Irvington Historic District, which would include over 2800 separate properties. In general, I find property owners are clueless about the additional City Codes which become effective for Historic Districts immediately upon acceptance by the National Register.

I will be happy to discuss this further with you. I have worked hard to inform property owners in my area about this over the last few months.

Jim Brown 503-284-6455