Planning Division | 389 Congress Street | 4th Floor | Portland, Maine 04101 | 207-874-8719

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Greater Portland Landmarks
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historic resources
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Technical Assistance

Historic Resources Design Manual

Historic Photographs

The City’s Historic Preservation Staff provide day-to-day administration of the historic preservation ordinance. Deborah Andrews, Historic Preservation Manager, and Bill Needelman, Senior Planner, are ready to meet with you at your property, assist you with your application for proposed work and/or answer questions you have concerning the ordinance.

Technical Assistance
Historic Preservation Staff provide technical assistance and on-site consultations to property owners within historic districts, as well as to owners in other parts of the City who are interested in restoring their traditional homes.

Staff is currently preparing a series of handbooks on common rehabilitation questions. Just off the press is Guidelines for Porch Repairs and Replacement. Call 874-8719 or stop by the Planning Division to request a copy.

The Historic Resources Design Manual , available for inspection or purchase at the Planning Division, is a valuable reference for applicants. The manual includes chapters on the historical and architectural development of each of the City’s historic districts. The manual also illustrates, through a series of photographs, the intent behind each of the review standards as they apply to a variety of building projects.

Historic photographs are also available for inspection at City Hall. In 1924, every building in Portland was photographed as part of a tax assessment review. The original 1924 photographs are housed in the City Assessors office and may be photocopied. These early views are often very helpful in guiding restoration efforts.

Applicants are also encouraged to contact Greater Portland Landmarks, a private, non-profit organization, for technical assistance. Landmarks maintains an extensive reference library which is open to the public. Greater Portland Landmarks is located at 165 State Street; their phone number is 774-5561.