Historic Preservation

In the early 1980's, the City of McMinnville undertook an exhaustive look at structures and sites within the urban growth boundary to determine their historic significance. By 1987, we had enough information to officially adopt the Historic Resources Inventory, which includes all structures and sites that qualified for the designation and are significant to the city's history, architecture, or setting.

As a result, we’re proud of a program that includes 500 properties that qualified for this designation, as well as the adoption of regulations and procedures for alteration or demolition.

The McMinnville downtown area is also designated as a “National Historic District.” To check out the original 1987 nomination form, which lists information on each property within the Downtown Historic District, view the PDF below. Our friendly Planning Department staff has access to information and photographs for most of the resources on the inventory.

The process for making changes to most structures or sites on the Historic Resources Inventory will typically require a formal review process prior to any exterior alterations or renovations to the building or site.

Do you own a historic property? Contact the Planning Department or the McMinnville Historic Landmarks committee to learn more about how to apply.