A Few Minutes with the Mayor – September 2021

This month, I would like to give you some information on a program available for historic structures in Jacksonville that is currently in process. Many of you may be unaware of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which is under the aegis of the Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC), and our City Planner/ Preservation Officer Ian Foster. The HARC protects the preservation and restoration of Jacksonville’s historic tradition by designating and maintaining a Landmark List, by protecting historic sites and structures, and by regulating the design of development activities to enhance the city’s historic tradition and natural features. The HPF is used to fund an annual program, identified as the Historic Preservation Fund Grant. Until August 20, 2021 the window to apply for these matching fund grants for historical structures in Jacksonville was open. I would like to give you a partial overview of the HPF Program and how you might participate in the 2022 Grant cycle. This is a lot of information and might seem daunting, but the Planning Department is experienced in walking you through each step. If you look into this program now, you might consider applying in the future.

What is the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF)and how does it work?—The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Fund was created through privately donated financial and estate contributions for the purpose of historic preservation efforts within the City of Jacksonville. Through these contributions, the City has created HPF Programs designed to provide financial and technical assistance to owners of privately owned Jacksonville Landmark-Listed structures. The goal and objectives of the HPF is to form public and private partnerships that protect the historical townscape of Jacksonville and to return individual Jacksonville Landmark-Listed Contributing Historic Resources to their original condition and integrity; to enhance and revitalize the historic character of Jacksonville through the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of individually landmark-listed contributing historic resource structures; to encourage the enhancement of the condition and integrity of individual landmark-listed contributing historic resource structures by providing financial assistance to eligible projects; and to encourage stabilization and structural improvements of individual landmark listed contributing historic resource structures by providing financial assistance to eligible projects.

How does the HPF Grant Program work?—The HPF Grant Program is a 1:1 matching grant program. The program has a cap each year, based on the availability of HPF funds. Upon acceptance into the grant program, the applicant must pay 100% of the costs of the approved work up front. Upon project completion and submission of paid receipts, the Historic Preservation Officer will inspect the project and present the findings to the HARC. The applicant can then be reimbursed for 50% of the cost of the approved work.

Some requirements of the HPF Grant Program—The subject property must be listed on the Jacksonville Landmark List as a Contributing Historic Resource. If the applicant is the owner of the property, proof of ownership must be provided. Common proof of ownership is a deed of record. The entirety of the project is for exterior treatments, unless for structural improvements. The entire scope of work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic properties, Local, State and Federal laws. The applicant must submit a complete HPF application that includes a clear, concise, and complete project narrative and budget of the proposed project. If approved for an HPF grant, applicants are required to submit planning applications (e.g., a Certificate of Appropriateness application) and its corresponding fee. The Grant is not retroactive. Projects that are already complete or in process are not eligible for a grant award. Participants may not have debts in arrears to the city. The subject property must be free of any outstanding code violations and/or any outstanding conditions of approval. At the time of project completion all projects receiving HPF monies will be required to contact the city for a site inspection and submit contractor invoices. Monies may only be used for approved projects.

Priorities—First Priority: Projects that restore structural integrity. Second Priority: Projects that restore and/or replace deteriorated historic features on the front façade. Third Priority: Projects that restore missing or deteriorated features on facades and/or roofs not visible from the street view. Fourth Priority: Projects that remove incompatible features, alterations or additions on the front façade. Fifth Priority: Projects that remove incompatible features, alterations or additions on facades and/or roofs not visible from the street view. Sixth Priority: Projects that focus on mechanical/ and/or electrical improvements (to preserve the structural condition and/or integrity). Please Note: Roof replacement proposals are generally not approved as an HPF grant project, unless the replacement includes significant structural improvements.

Application Process and Timeline—Application Submittal Deadline: Date and time is noticed to the public each year.

In-Person Submittal: Office Hours: City of Jacksonville Planning Department Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 206 N. Fifth Street 8:30am-2:00pm Jacksonville. The Planning Department is closed Wednesdays.

Submittal by Mail: City of Jacksonville, Attn: Planning Department, P.O. Box 7, Jacksonville, OR 97530.

Please direct all questions to the Planning Department at 541-899-6873 or to the address listed above.

Application Review/Acceptance—The Historical and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) will review recommendations on all applications for approval or denial during a public hearing scheduled and noticed to the public each year.

Notification of Acceptance or Rejection— Following review, Staff will notify all applicants, in writing, of project acceptance or rejection.

Award Finalization—Staff will work with award recipients to complete the Award Finalization process of signing the Program Agreement and obtaining applicable planning permits for review. After the relevant review, award recipients are permitted to submit their building permits for review and approval, if applicable.

Project Completion—All projects have 120 days, as of Award Finalization date, to complete their project. The Planning Department may grant extension in some cases but will not grant an extension beyond a deadline set each year. Upon completion of construction the applicant shall submit documentation that the contractor(s) has been paid in full and request an appointment for staff to conduct a Project Completion site visit, to check project compliancy and to take photographs. Only after a successful Project Completion visit, will the City issue a check for the award amount.

Again, all questions should be directed to the City of Jacksonville Planning Department. This is a lot of information and I know it is quite dry. However, those of you who have benefitted from an HPF grant can testify that it is worth going through the process. This resource might make a huge difference in the scope of your preservation process.

Donations to the Historic Preservation Fund are crucial to the continuing work of the Historic Preservation Grant and the many historic projects ongoing throughout Jacksonville. Any donations are welcomed and may be discussed with Mayor Donna Bowen, City Administrator Jeff Alvis, or City Planner Ian Foster.