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A recent move by the city of Portland to ensure that planned demolitions of historic properties must wait at least 120 days is welcomed by preservationists, according to Restore Oregon Executive Director Peggy Moretti.

鈥淐losing the loophole is not a magic bullet but does give some breathing (room) to start a dialogue with the property owner and maybe propose alternative solutions,鈥� she said.

The Oregon Supreme Court recently ruled that new owners of a property deemed historic by a local body don’t have the right to remove that designation. In response, Portland officials on Aug. 29 issued 鈥渁 鈥� that reinstates a 120-day delay after a demolition permit is sought for structures listed on the city’s Historic Resource Inventory. The change took effect Sept. 1.

Now the city is in line with state law in regard to delays for historic demolitions, Moretti said.

Restore Oregon for years has put pressure on the city to close a loophole that allowed property owners to evade the delay, Moretti said. Meanwhile, many citizens have issued complaints about the high number of demolitions taking place in the city.

Historic preservation guide

Many owners of historic properties want to know more about how to protect them, Moretti said, and Restore Oregon has created a tool that can help. The nonprofit on its website offers a free download of its new .

The 70-page guide informs owners how to document their property, create a rehab plan, find funding sources, work with preservationists and gain community support for preservation.

鈥淚t helps them understand how to approach a historic preservation project with information like funding models, grant funding and tax credits,鈥� Moretti said.

The booklet includes substantial details, such as a lengthy checklist for evaluating every aspect of a building’s physical condition, descriptions of applicable regulations and a look at the state of the real estate market. One chapter gives tips on funding sources for historic restoration and rehabilitation 鈥� including bank loans, urban renewal funding, federal tax credits and grants.

Establishing a historic district

Another way to save historic buildings, Moretti said, is by seeking historic district designations for their neighborhoods. A demolition request for a building in such a district is made to the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission, she said, and it’s not an easy sell.

鈥淵ou’d have to make a pretty strong case,鈥� she said.

Owners also can protect their property with a historic , Moretti said, and the Restore Oregon website gives details about that option.