Historic Resources & Preservation

The City's Historic Inventory identifies properties that are "Significant" and "Contributing" resources. Properties with these designations range from local landmarks to modest homes with unique features or construction techniques.

Significant resources are subject to Planning Department review for most exterior alterations. Contributing resources are subject only to demolition review.

The following documents can help you identify whether your property is a local historic resource:

The Milwaukie Design and Landmarks Committee has created a presentation of the City's Significant Historic Resources (link is external).
The City's Zoning Map indicates properties that are Significant or Contributing Historic Resources: https://milwaukie.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=48bfb9fc517446f9af954d4d1c4413af (link is external)

To find these properties on the map please take the following steps:

◦ Click on the layers tab at the top left.
◦ Click on the Historic Resources box. Left click the arrow to see whether the
resource “significant,” “contributing” or “unrankable.”
◦ Click off the Milwaukie Zoning box to see the historic resources more clearly.

MMC 19.403 Historic Resources (link is external) Overlay identifies the level of review required for alterations to Historic Resources
To see a full list of the Historic Resources Inventory please click here (link is external).

Additional Resources

There are a number of local and regional resources available to research your historic property or determine historic features, colors, etc. The following links are a good place to start:

The Milwaukie Museum (link is external) is a wonderful local resource for historic photos, articles, and general information. Call ahead before visiting as it is open on Saturday and Sunday and by appointment.
Multnomah County Library (link is external)has great information about researching your historic building. You can access much of the information online with a Multnomah County library card, or at the Central Library at 801 SW 10th Ave in downtown Portland.
Central Library general information. They also have a House History Research Guide (link is external).
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps (link is external) are detailed maps of downtown Milwaukie and surrounding historic neighborhoods from 1928 and 1936. The maps are available in paper format at Central Library or online with a Multnomah County library card.
Digital Sanborn Maps (accessible with Multnomah County Library Card)/
The Oregon Historical Society research library (link is external) contains a number of historic photos and documents about Milwaukie.