Actually, before the most recent Regulatory Improvement Code Package was approved this summer, all solar projects within historic and conservation districts had to go through Historic Landmarks Review. Now, a prescriptive path has been created to allow automatic approval of some solar projects (those that are not visible from the street).

If you have heard from residents being discouraged from installing solar, I would love to talk to them. I can be reached at nathalie.weinstein@djcorprod.wpengine.com or at 503-802-7240.

Thanks for reading,

Nathalie Weinstein

Also — the reporter got the story wrong (again). The new regulations didn’t really add an exemption for solar as they were pretty much unregulated before. In fact, the new regulations made it nearly impossible for most home owners to get solar in these districts that were created by a handful of people.

The additional cost for historic review is not the only impediment, either. In fact, many residents are being bullied by BDS and told not to even bother going through design review because they won’t even pass design review.

Nathalie — you should really do your own homework and not just repeat what someone tells you. You’re getting played by the preservationists and Sam’s office.