Portland, ME Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Article 16 of the Land Use Code (eff. 7/1/2026) creates three categories of historic designation: Landmark, historic district, and historic landscape district. 1(A), a Landmark is "a discrete building, structure, object, or site and any associated area found to have particular or individual significance or prominence," and landmarks may sit inside or outside a historic district. 2 must show significance to the City of Portland, the State of Maine, the New England region, the United States, or the Wabanaki people through at least one of six criteria, significant aspect of heritage, significant events or activities, significant persons, significant design or construction, a significant designer, or a significant theme, and the property must retain sufficient integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

2). The Historic Preservation Board holds a public hearing and reports to the City Council, which votes on designation. 1 requires historic preservation approval, administrative or before the Historic Preservation Board depending on scope under Table 16-A, before any new construction, addition, exterior alteration, site alteration, signage, or relocation, and that approval is a condition precedent to any building permit. 7 can excuse compliance where a requirement imposes undue financial burden on the owner.