Preservation Incentives & Loans

Historic Preservation

A range of financial incentives are available from federal, state and local governments to encourage preservation of historic resources.


Historic Property Restoration Grant

The City of Eugene offers a program that benefits owners of historically significant properties. Similar programs have been implemented in Salem and Albany - so far their programs have been very successful and well received by the community.


If you own a National Register property or a City Landmark, you could potentially receive an award of up to $1,000 to make repairs or renovations to your structure. Awards shall be matched by the owner dollar-for-dollar. The process has three simple steps:


  1. Fill out an application and submit to the City of Eugene Planning Division before the due date.
    • Electronic applications can be submitted by e-mail to Annie Loe
    • Hand written applications can be submitted at the City of Eugene Planning Division offices, located at 99 West 10th Avenue (the Atrium Building).
  2. Applications will be reviewed by staff and the Historic Review Board - the top 5-10 applications will be selected and awarded the restoration grant.
  3. The property owner then completes the repair/restoration project within 1 year. Award funds are distributed to property owner after the project is completed and inspected by City staff.

What types of projects can be awarded?

  • Restoring integrity of historic buildings. This could include removing unoriginal/incompatible features and replacing them with features that would have been seen on the original structure.
  • Replacing incompatible vinyl windows with original-style wood windows.
  • Repair or replacement of deteriorated historic features such as stairs, railings, columns, porches, roofs, sidings, doors, chimneys, and other exterior features.
  • Any painting project that increases the historic value of the structure.
  1. My property has historical significance but it is not listed as a City Landmark or on the National Register of Historic Places. Am I eligible for this grant?
  2. Why does the award require a dollar-for-dollar match from the property owner?
  3. If my project is not selected, can I apply again?
  4. If my project is selected, can I apply again during the next award cycle for a different project on the same property?
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Historic Loan Program (HLP)

The HLP provides financial assistance to owners of historic landmarks. Established in 1976 to support private investment in the restoration, rehabilitation, repair, and/or maintenance of historic properties, the HLP has benefited more than 70 Eugene properties and loaned over $330,000.


Funds for this program are available through the City of Eugene. Applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year. Approval of a loan request is determined in part by the availability of funds.

Historic Zoning

The S-H Historic zoning designation is used selectively to help ensure the conservation of historic properties in Eugene. The S-H Historic overlay designation allows greater flexibility with allowable uses and development standards for the property, with a goal of finding a use that is compatible with the historic character of the property that will help ensure its continued productive use.

An example of this is a professional office in a historic house in a residential district where such an office would not normally be permitted. Before a property can receive the S-H Historic zoning designation it must first be designated as a city landmark or be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Download the Historic Designation Application.

Donating Conservation or Preservation Easements

A conservation easement or preservation easement donates certain specified rights over a portion of a historic property (i.e., a facade) to a qualified local, state or government entity who in turn ensures the preservation of that portion of the property. In Oregon, the Historic Preservation League of Oregon (HPLO) accepts and manages preservation easements. Qualified property must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For more information visit the Restore Oregon Website or the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Federal Grants

Limited federal grant funds are available for the preservation of buildings listed in the National Register. For more information on federal grants for historic preservation and the federal tax incentive program, visit the National Park Service (NPS) Historic Preservation Fund Grant Programs page.

Tax Incentives for Rehabilitation

Owners of properties listed in the National Register may be eligible for a 20% investment tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of income-producing certified historic structures such as commercial, industrial or rental residential buildings. To find out more, visit the federal page on tax incentives for preserving historic properties.