The Legislative Assembly hereby declares that it is in the best interest of the state to maintain, preserve and rehabilitate properties of Oregon historical significance. Historic preservation incentive programs provide a public benefit by encouraging preservation and appropriate rehabilitation of significant historic properties. These historically significant portions of the built environment contain the visual and intellectual record of our irreplaceable cultural heritage. They link us with our past traditions and values, establish standards and perspectives for measuring our present achievements and set goals for future accomplishments. To the extent that Oregon’s historic preservation incentive programs encourage the preservation and appropriate rehabilitation of significant historical property, the programs create a positive partnership between the public good and private property that promotes economic development; tourism; energy and resource conservation; neighborhood, downtown and rural revitalization; efficient use of public infrastructure; and civic pride in our shared historical and cultural foundations.

Note: The amendments to 358.475 by section 14, chapter 209, Oregon Laws 2025, apply to applications for classification and special assessment under 358.480 to 358.545 filed on or after September 26, 2025, for property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. See section 22, chapter 209, Oregon Laws 2025. The text that applies to applications for classification and special assessment under 358.480 to 358.545 filed before September 26, 2025, for property tax years beginning before July 1, 2026, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

[1975 c.514 §1; 1995 c.5 §1; 2001 c.540 §1; 2009 c.892 §1; 2025 c.209 §14]