Planning and Zoning

¹ Application fees all include a technology fee of 3% of the base fee, up to a maximum of $5.

² Application fee includes $3,937 for Hearings Officer review.

³ If the property is located in an AG/F, EFU, FF-10, FU-10, RA-1, RA-2, RC, RI, RR, RRFF-5 or TBR zoning district, an additional notification surcharge of $154 applies due to the expanded notification area required by ZDO 1307. If more than one application is filed concurrently on the same property, only one surcharge applies.

⁴ Application fee includes $4,142 for hydrogeologist review.

The Design Review process ensures that new and significantly remodeled commercial and multifamily developments meet the needs of the community by complying with all applicable codes and zoning regulations. Design Review considers issues that affect safety, function, overall appearance and livability, including zoning, site conditions, off-site impacts, setbacks, access, parking, grading, drainage, signs, landscaping, architectural design, and adequate circulation for pedestrians, bicycles, cars and service vehicles.

Section 1102 of the Zoning and Development Ordinance (ZDO) describes Design Review in detail.

The Design Review Committee meets on Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. as necessary. Its purpose is to advise land use planning staff — when requested by the Planning Director — on design decisions for new industrial, commercial, institutional, and multifamily development.

Who Does Design Review?

County staff with, for some projects, the advice of the Design Review Committee, conduct the Design Review process. The Design Review Committee is composed of community volunteers, several of whom are experts in architecture, landscape design or engineering.

What is the Design Review process?

Pre-Application Conference
The first step is the pre-application conference. The "pre-app" allows the applicant an opportunity to meet with county staff and appropriate service providers such as solid waste, water, fire, sewer and surface water management. In this informal setting, the applicant explains the proposal, and county staff and service providers outline the requirements that apply to the project site. The applicant also gets an estimate of the Transportation System Development Charge (TSDC) fees and Parks System Development Charge (PSDC) fees that may be required for the project.

Application
To apply, the applicant must submit the application form and design review fee, as well as preliminary plans. Scaled site, grading and landscaping plans and architectural drawings are required. If applicable, the applicant must also provide a signed Preliminary Statement of Feasibility from the water provider, sanitary sewer provider and surface water management authority. To avoid paying separate fees for sign review, applicants are encouraged to submit their sign proposal with the Design Review application.

Review Process

Prior to final plan approval, county staff and, for large or complex projects, the Design Review Committee will review the preliminary plans. If the DRC is involved, a public meeting (no testimony) will be held to allow the DRC, staff and the applicant to discuss the project. The DRC will then make a recommendation to staff, following which staff will issue an initial written decision. If the application is approved, conditions of approval will be attached to the decision. The initial decision may be appealed to the Land Use Hearings Officer by the applicant or any interested party.

Processing Time

Reviewing the initial submittal for completeness, notifying appropriate parties, evaluating comments received and writing the decision generally takes four to six weeks from the date the complete application is submitted. This includes time for notification of the appropriate community planning organization (CPO) and adjacent property owners, which have a minimum of 20 days to respond after the notice is mailed.

Appeals

The staff decision may be appealed to the county's Land Use Hearings Officer. An appeal must be filed within 12 days of the mailing date of the decision. The appeal fee is $250.

Committee members

• Rita Baker, Chair
• William Brannan
• Todd Iselin
• Cedomir Jesic
• Darrel Mulch
• Tracy Orvis

Figures

• Figures 5-1 a-e Urban Cross Sections
• Figures 5-2 a-e Rural Cross Sections
• Figure 5-3 Typical Multi-Use Path Cross Section
• Figure 10-CRC-01 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan 82nd Avenue Regional Boulevard (Gateway Intersections)
• Figure 10-CRC-02 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan 82nd Avenue Regional Boulevard (Between Gateway Intersections)
• Figure 10-CRC-03 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Sunnyside Road
• Figure 10-CRC-04 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Harmony Road Regional Boulevard (Fuller Road to 82nd Avenue)
• Figure 10-CRC-05 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Monterey Avenue Main Street (I-205 to 82nd Ave. with Causey Ave. Overpass)
• Figure 10-CRC-06 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Causey Avenue Main Street (I-205 to 82nd Avenue)
• Figure 10-CRC-07 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Gateway Intersection (Boulevard and Main Street)
• Figure 10-CRC-08 Clackamas Regional Center Design Plan Fuller Road Station Community, Street Type "B"
• Figure 10-CRC-09 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Fuller Road Station Community, Street Type "C"
• Figure 10-CRC-10 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Fuller Road Station Community, Street Type "D"
• Figure 10-CRC-11 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Fuller Road Station Community, Type "E" Pedestrian/Bicycle Connection
• Figure 10-MC-01 McLoughlin Corridor Design Plan Street Cross Sections
• Figure 10-MC-02 McLoughlin Corridor Design Plan Street Cross Sections
• Figure 10-SC-01 Sunnyside Corridor Community Plan 132nd Avenue South of Sunnyside Rd. Street Cross Section
• Figure 10-SC-02 Sunnyside Corridor Community Plan New Local Streets Street Cross Section
• Figure 10-SC-03 Sunnyside Corridor Community Plan Alley Cross Section
• Figure 10-SV-01 Sunnyside Village Plan Connector Street with Planting Strips and Bike Lanes
• Figure 10-SV-02 Sunnyside Village Plan Connector Street with Planting Strips
• Figure 10-SV-03 Sunnyside Village Plan Typical Connector Street Plan
• Figure 10-SV-04 Sunnyside Village Plan Choker and Curb Extension Design Connector Street
• Figure 10-SV-05 Sunnyside Village Plan Local Street With Planting Strips
• Figure 10-SV-06 Sunnyside Village Plan Alleys
• Figure 10-SV-07 Sunnyside Village Plan Intersections Minimum Curb Radius at Intersections
• Figure 10-SV-08 Sunnyside Village Plan Traffic Circle
• Figure 10-SV-09 Sunnyside Village Plan Alternative Horizontal Curve for Local Streets

Maps

• Map 3-01a Principal River Conservation Area Clackamas River Design Plan
• Map 3-01b Principal River Conservation Area Sandy-Salmon River Design Plan
• Map 3-01c Principal River Conservation Area Molalla River Design Plan
• Map 3-01d Principal River Conservation Area Tualatin River Design Plan
• Map 3-01e Willamette River Greenway Design Plan
• Map 3-02 Scenic & Distinctive Resource Areas
• Map 3-03 Molalla State Park Great Blue Heron Rookery
• Map 3-04 Stevens Great Blue Heron Rookery
• Map 4-01 Urban Land Within the Metro Urban Growth Boundary
• Map 4-02 Land Use Plan Map Index
• Map 4-03 Lake Oswego Area Land Use Plan
• Map 4-04 West Linn Area Land Use Plan
• Map 4-05 Oregon City Area Land Use Plan
• Map 4-06 North Urban Area Land Use Plan Map
• Map 4-07a Non-Urban Area Land Use Plan
• Map 4-07b Mt. Hood Corridor Land Use Plan
• Map 4-08 Urban Growth Concept
• Map 4-09 Urban & Rural Reserves Designated Pursuant to OAR 660, Division 27
• Map 5-1 Scenic Roads
• Map 5-2a Planned Bikeway Network (Urban)
• Map 5-2b Planned Bikeway Network (Rural)
• Map 5-3 Essential Pedestrian Network
• Map 5-4a Road Functional Classification (Urban)
• Map 5-4b Road Functional Classification (Rural)
• Map 5-5 Metro Regional Street Design Classifications
• Map 5-6 Potentially Buildable Residential Sites > 5 Acres in UGB
• Map 5-7 Interchange Management Areas
• Map 5-8a Transit (Urban)
• Map 5-8b Transit (Rural)
• Map 5-8c High Capacity Transit (HCT) System Plan
• Map 5-9a Freight Routes (Urban)
• Map 5-9b Freight Routes (Rural)
• Map 5-9c Over Dimensional Freight Routes (Urban)
• Map 5-9d Over Dimensional Freight Routes (Rural)
• Map 5-10 Airports
• Map 5-11a Capital Improvement Plan (Greater Clackamas Regional Center/Industrial Area)
• Map 5-11b Capital Improvement Plan (East County)
• Map 5-11c Capital Improvement Plan (Greater McLoughlin Area)
• Map 5-11d Capital Improvement Plan (Northwest County)
• Map 5-11e Capital Improvement Plan (Southwest County - Northern Portion)
• Map 5-11f Capital Improvement Plan (Southwest County - Southern Portion)
• Map 5-12a_Principal Active Transportation Routes Urban
• Map 5-12b_Principal Active Transportation Routes Rural
• Map 9-01 Open Space Network & Recreation Needs
• Map 9-02 Urban Park & Recreation Sub-Areas
• Map 10-CR-01 North Bank Clackamas River Greenway
• Map 10-CRC-01 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Regional Center, Corridors and Station Community
• Map 10-CRC-03 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Urban Design Elements
• Map 10-CRC-04 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Transportation Network (Public and Private)
• Map 10-CRC-06 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Transit Network
• Map 10-CRC-07 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Bikeway and Path Network
• Map 10-CRC-07a Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Walkway Network
• Map 10-CRC-08 Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan 82nd Avenue Access Management Targets
• Map 10-MC-01 McLoughlin Corridor Design Plan Design Plan Area
• Map 10-MC-02 McLoughlin Corridor Design Plan Location of Street Improvements
• Map 10-MH-01 Resource Protection Open Space
• Map 10-MH-02 Resource Protection Open Space
• Map 10-MH-03 Resource Protection Open Space
• Map 10-MH-04 Government Camp Village Plan Land Use Plan & Boundary
• Map 10-MH-05 Government Camp Village Plan Resource Protection Open Space
• Map 10-MH-06 Government Camp Village Plan Recreation Trails and Facilities
• Map 10-SC-01 Sunnyside Corridor Community Plan Community Plan Area and Corridor Design Type Location
• Map 10-SC-02 Sunnyside Corridor Community Plan Land Use Plan Map
• Map 10-SC-03 Sunnyside Corridor Community Plan New Streets 
• Map 10-SC-05 Sunnyside Corridor Community Plan Sunnyside Road Access Management Targets
• Map 10-SC-06 Sunnyside Corridor Community Plan Trails
• Map 10-SV-01 Sunnyside Village Plan Land Use Plan Map
• Map 10-SV-03 Sunnyside Village Plan Street Classifications
• Map 10-SV-04 Sunnyside Village Plan Park Locations & Sizes

Tables

• Table 3-01 Compatibility Criteria for Wildlife Sensitive Areas
• Table 3-02 Inventory of Mineral and Aggregate Resource Sites
• Table 4-1 Land Use Plan Designations and Implementing Zoning Districts
• Table 5-3a 20 Year Capital Projects
• Table 5-3b Preferred Projects
• Table 5-3c Long Term Capital Projects
• Table 5-3d Regional Capital Projects
• Table 9-01 Classifications and Standards
• Table 10-01 Non-Capital Projects

We have had several significant recent floods, such as the Sandy River flood of January 2011. In 1996, a warm-weather system known as a "Pineapple Express" caused many rivers and creeks throughout the region to rise to 100-year flood levels.

Although the floods of 1996 represented a large-scale disaster, they are not unprecedented within the recent past. The Christmas Flood of 1964 caused $157 million in damage, and 20 Oregonians lost their lives. Records dating back to the mid-1800s show at least seven significant Willamette River floods in the county. Flooding from the Clackamas River has dramatically affected the county at least five times.

Learn more about flooding preparedness on Disaster Management's webpage.

Floodplain Management District

The county regulates development in the floodplain through its Floodplain Management District, which may include requirements to elevate or floodproof new construction, or retrofit and elevate older structures being renovated that do not meet current floodplain development standards. Floodplain regulations also apply to streambank stabilization projects, and most development in the floodplain requires a floodplain development permit. For application requirements or to find out if you’re in a designated floodplain, contact the Planning and Zoning Division at zoninginfo@clackamas.us or 503-742-4500.

Floodplain Development Materials

• County Floodplain Ordinance
• Floodplain Development Application Form

Contacts

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Clackamas County Code Enforcement
• Clackamas County Department of Water Environment Services (WES)
• Clackamas County Library System (floodplain publications and other information)

The Clackamas County Zoning and Development Ordinance, also known as the ZDO, is made up of the requirements and standards that are applied to determining land use in the county.

The Zoning and Development Ordinance (ZDO) initially became effective on July 14, 1980, replacing the prior Zoning Ordinance. The legislative history that appears at the end of each ZDO section begins with the adoption of Ordinance ZDO-226, which became effective on March 7, 2011. For information on amendments that became effective between July 14, 1980 and March 7, 2011, contact Clackamas County Planning and Zoning.

Every effort is made to keep this site accurate and up to date, however the current version on file at the offices of the Department of Transportation and Development is the final authority. For questions about interpretation of these regulations, please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at 503-742-4500.

View proposed amendments.

• Chapter 1 - Introduction
• Chapter 2 - Citizen Involvement
• Chapter 3 - Natural Resources and Energy
• Chapter 4 - Land Use
• Chapter 5 - Transportation System Plan
• Chapter 6 - Housing
• Chapter 7 - Public Facilities and Services
• Chapter 8 - Economics
• Chapter 9 - Open Space, Parks and Historic Sites
• Chapter 10 - Community Plans and Design Plans
• Chapter 11 - The Planning Process
• Appendix A Maps and Documents Adopted by Reference
  • A.1 Habitat Conservation Area Maps
    (This is a very large document. Please call Planning & Zoning at 503-742-4500 or email us to view this document.)
  • A.2 Water Quality Resource Area Maps
    (This is a very large document. Please call Planning & Zoning at 503-742-4500 or email us to view this document.)
  • A.3 Board Order 2014-14 and All Attachments (Tonquin Aggregate Quarry)
  • A.4 Board Order 2020-16 and All Attachments (Cadman Materials Inc./Canby Pit, Phase 4)
  • A.5 Clackamas County Pedestrian Master Plan
  • A.6 Clackamas County Bicycle Master Plan
  • A.7 Clackamas County Airport Plan
  • A.8 SE 172nd Avenue/190th Drive Corridor Management Plan, February 2012, Revised January 2018
  • A.9 Clackamas County Active Transportation Plan, June 1, 2015
  • A.10 Phillips Creek Greenway Framework Plan
  • A.11 Clackamas Regional Center Pedestrian/Bicycle Plan
• Appendix B Summary of Supporting Documents
• Maps, Tables and Figures

Every effort is made to keep this site accurate and up to date, however the current version on file at the offices of the Department of Transportation and Development is the final authority. For questions about interpretation of these regulations, please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at 503-742-4500.

Proposed Amendments

In the early 1980s, the State of Oregon required each jurisdiction to inventory its historic resources. Clackamas County planners did field work and research, compiling 38 binders of the Cultural Resources Inventory, including approximately 3,000 structures. Inventoried properties have basic historical research, photos, and site plans. This inventory has been titled "A Reconnaissance Level Survey Report" by Oregon's State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). There are no regulatory protections on inventoried properties.

Over about a 10-year span, approximately 300 buildings and structures in the unincorporated areas were further researched, evaluated for architectural and/or historical significance, and designated by the Board of County Commissioners as Clackamas County Historic Landmarks. The cities of Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Canby, West Linn, and the US Forest Service have preservation ordinances that allow them to designate their own historic landmarks. Since 1992, owners have been able to apply to have their historic properties designated as a county historic landmark. See Historic Landmark application.

A property owner must apply to SHPO for a National Register of Historic Places designation. Oregon's SHPO evaluates the nomination, recommends approval to the national level, and regulates National Register Landmarks in Oregon once they are listed. National Register properties automatically become local historic landmarks in most jurisdictions.

How property becomes a local historic landmark

Historic landmark designation may be initiated by the property owner or by a local agency. Historic Landmark applications are available through the Clackamas County Department of Transportation & Development Planning Division and on this website. A pre-application conference with the Historic Resource Planner is required. After review, historic landmark criteria evaluation, and public hearing, the Historic Review Board recommends whether to approve the historic landmark designation. The Board of County Commissioners make the final decision to apply a Historic Overlay Zone that enacts Historic Preservation Section 707 of the Clackamas County Zoning Ordinance. In Oregon, an "owner consent" provision requires the property owner to request or approve designation. Once a property has been designated, all alterations or additions to the exterior of the building require Historic Review Board approval. The Historic Overlay Zoning may offer more potential uses of the property and, when available, may make it eligible for restoration funding. More specific information is in Historic Preservation Section 707 of the Clackamas County Zoning Ordinance.

A commemorative "Clackamas County Historic Landmark" plaque is also available for the property owner for purchase to be placed on the building's exterior.

If you feel your Clackamas County property has historic merit, please contact the Planning Division at ZoningInfo@clackamas.us or 503-742-4500.

Clackamas County Historic Landmark Ordinance

As stated in Section 707 of the Clackamas County Zoning Ordinance, the purpose of the Historic Overlay Zone is to implement the goals and policies of the County's Comprehensive Plan and promote public health, safety, and general welfare by safeguarding the County's heritage as embodied and reflected in its historic resources. The provisions of the ordinance are intended to:

• Provide for the identification, protection, enhancement and use of sites, structures, corridors, objects and buildings within the County that reflect special elements of the County's architectural, archeological, artistic, cultural, engineering, aesthetic, historical, political, social, and other heritage;
• Facilitate restoration and upkeep of historic buildings, structures, and other physical objects or geographical areas;
• Encourage public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the County's history and culture;
• Foster community and neighborhood pride and sense of identity based on recognition and use of cultural resources;
• Promote the enjoyment and use of historic and cultural resources;
• Preserve diverse architectural styles reflecting phases of the County's history and encourage complementary design and construction impacting cultural resources;
• Enhance property values and increase economic and financial benefits to the County and its inhabitants;
• Identify and resolve conflicts between the preservation of cultural resources and alternative land uses; and
• Integrate the management of cultural resources and relevant data into public and private land management and development processes.

What makes a structure historic?

As stated in Section 707 of the Clackamas County Zoning Ordinance, a site, structure, or object may be zoned Historic Landmark if it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or if it is rated as "significant" using the County's procedure for evaluating historic resources under the specific architectural, environmental, and historic association criteria. A site or structure must receive 40 or more points under the following criteria to be considered for Historic Landmark status:

Architectural significance

• It is an early (50 years or older) or exceptional example of a particular architectural style, building type, or convention.
• It possesses a high quality of composition, detailing, and craftsmanship.
• It is a good, or early, example of a particular material or method of construction.
• It retains, with little or no changes, its original design features, materials, and character.
• It is the only remaining, or one of the few remaining, properties of a particular style, building type, design, material, or method of construction.
• A Guide to Historic Building Types and Architectural Styles in Clackamas County

Environmental significance

• It is a conspicuous visual landmark in the neighborhood or community.
• It is well-located considering the current land use surrounding the property, which contributes to the integrity of the pertinent historic period.
• It consists of a grouping of interrelated elements including historic structures, plant materials and landscapes, viewsheds and natural features.
• It is an important or critical element in establishing or contributing to the continuity or character of the street, neighborhood, or community.

Historical significance

• It is associated with the life or activities of a person, group, organization, or institution that has made a significant contribution to the community, state, or nation.
• It is associated with an event that has made a significant contribution to the community, state, or nation.
• It is associated with, and illustrative of, broad patterns of cultural, social, political, economic, or industrial history in the community, state, or nation.
• It possesses the potential for providing information of a prehistoric or historic nature.
• Example: Barlow Road

Requirements for Historic Landmark property

Historic Landmark property is subject to the standard building and zoning code requirements. Demolition, lot-line changes, and relocation require County Planning staff review. If a project requires a building permit, generally the Historic Review Board must review and approve exterior alterations to existing buildings or new construction on the property based on Historic Preservation Section 707 of the Clackamas County Zoning Ordinance. A Historic Overlay Zone often enables a wider variety of uses for the property than is allowed in the underlying zoning.

The Historic Review Board advises the County on preservation of historic landmarks, districts and corridors in unincorporated areas. The HRB reviews applications for alterations, new construction, moving, demolition, conditional uses and land divisions on properties with a historic designation. It also considers applications to add or remove a historic designation. The HRB forwards its recommendations to the Planning Director or the Board of County Commissioners for consideration as part of the decision-making process.

The HRB makes its recommendations based on the County's historic preservation ordinance.

The Historic Review Board typically meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month when necessary. The meetings are held virtually using the Zoom platform. For more information, contact Darcy Renhard in Planning and Zoning at drenhard@clackamas.us or 503-742-4545.

Responsibilities and Membership

The Historic Review Board, made up of seven people appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, is responsible for performing the following duties:

• review and make recommendations on all proposals to alter the exterior of a Historic Landmark
• review and make recommendations on all proposed new construction on property on which a Historic Landmark is located
• review and make recommendations on all applications referred by the Board of County Commissioners, Hearings Officer, Planning Commission or Design Review Committee
• review and make recommendations on all applications for zoning of a Historic Landmark
• review and make recommendations on all Historic Landmark conditional uses
• disseminate information to educate the public as to state and federal laws protecting antiquities and historic places

The members of the Historic Review Board are to be people who have demonstrated an interest in historic preservation and have experience and/or special expertise or knowledge in the field of historic preservation. Three positions are designated as architect, with knowledge in historic restoration; contractor, with expertise in construction techniques applied to historic structures, and representative from a historic group in the County.

Resources

Most local libraries, planning departments and museums have copies of the Cultural Resources Inventory for their area. Many local museums have extensive collections of local photos, archival records and preservation resources available. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, State Historic Preservation Office, Architectural Heritage Center (in Portland), Historic Preservation League of Oregon (HPLO), Oregon Preservation Alliance and Old Home Forum (in Oregon City) are all educational and support organizations for old-house owners. SHPO and HPLO also have lists of craftsmen who specialize in historic construction.

In addition to the resources already listed, several other sources of information are available for owners of historic homes. Searching the Internet using key words such as historic homes, preservation, building technology, real estate, architecture, restoration, renovation and Victorian will help you locate appropriate information.

Inventories and landmarks

Board members

• Michael Schmeer, Chair
• Rick Cook
• Paul Edgar
• Pam Krecklow
• Cherie McGinnis-Kennemer
• Megan Oldenstadt
• Howard Post

On occasion the Clackamas County Planning & Zoning Division mails color postcards to property owners in specific zones to notify them that a change in land use regulations has been proposed that could affect how an owner could use their property. The notice has the following statement at the top:

THIS IS TO NOTIFY YOU THAT CLACKAMAS COUNTY HAS PROPOSED A CHANGE IN LAND USE REGULATIONS THAT MAY AFFECT THE PERMISSIBLE USES OF YOUR PROPERTY AND OTHER PROPERTY.

Here are answers to a few questions you might have if you received such a notice.

"My heart arose in gratitude to God that we had been spared to reach this land! Six long months have elapsed since we left our native land, and now after having passed through dangers seen and unseen, sickness, trial and difficulty, toil and fatigue, we are safely landed on the Pacific shores!"

Ester Hanna
September 16, 1852

The Barlow Road in Clackamas County

Many early pioneers recorded their journey along the Barlow Road, the westernmost segment of the Oregon Trail, in their diaries and journals. In doing so, they not only documented their daily life along the trail, but described the location of this historic roadway.

With this information and physical evidence from the historic roadway, history buffs, property owners and archeologists have been able to determine the location of the Barlow Road in Clackamas County. The preservation of the Barlow Road began with the pioneers, has been managed through numerous property owners and historians, and is now the responsibility of the current land owners.

In 1993, the Barlow Road Management Plan was adopted by the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners through an extensive public process. The Plan outlined ways to preserve the Barlow Road for education and enjoyment today and in the future, and identified the need to develop a brochure to aid property owners in maintaining their portion of the Barlow Road.

Today there are traces of the original Barlow Road on only 11 miles of the total 50-mile Barlow Road Historic Corridor in Clackamas County. Much of the road has vanished (often in recent years) due to residential and commercial development, agricultural use and natural erosion. The low visibility of many of the remaining traces also makes them vulnerable, particularly when involving a variety of property owners who may be unaware of the remnants, have varying degrees of interest or do not know how to care for the road. Therefore, the following information is provided to help protect and preserve existing road remnants and the historic landscape to avoid further loss.

Eight simple guidelines

1. Let low native grasses grow
   Native vegetation helps prevent erosion of the land.
2. Leave the larger trees (over 18 inches in diameter)
   These trees help date the road and may determine when the road was abandoned.
3. Leave rocks and boulders in place
   Rocks were often moved by pioneers to make way for their wagons.
4. Do not disturb the surface of the roadway
   Leave the soil and original grade of land intact for research purposes.
5. Prune trees if needed
   Prune during the spring or fall to avoid damage to their natural growth pattern.
6. Remove seedlings, fallen trees and brush from the roadbed
   This should not be done with heavy equipment, which may disturb the road surface.
7. Search for artifacts
   Look for nails, barrel rims, horseshoes, ox shoes, signs of structures, etc. on the surface and for 200 feet either side of the trail. Leave objects where they are found, but mark the spot or document the object's location so it can be used in the future by research historians. Seek assistance when unable to determine the historical nature of possible artifacts.
   Contact the Clackamas County Department of Transportation and Development with any information which can be included with other Barlow Road documentation.
8. Remove non-historic items
   Remove any trash or objects foreign to the historic character of the roadbed.

Preserving the road

Preservation, in general, means the least change and the most respect for historic sites which, in this case, is primarily the land and vegetation itself. The Barlow Road, being the final segment of the Oregon Trail, is different from other portions in the United States because it traverses through land forested with Douglas-fir. Most wagon ruts are no longer visible and vegetation is often very dense. The road now appears as a flat open swale or depression of land roughly 8 to 10 feet wide, often overgrown with brush or berries with larger trees and sometimes boulders on either side of the swale. In order to retain the atmosphere of what the settlers may have seen along the way, the width of the road and its contour should not be altered. The older trees and plants should be preserved because the trees can help date the trail and the other native vegetation protects it from erosion. Therefore, the property can be maintained with a small amount of effort.

Not every property along the Barlow Road Historic Corridor has clearly visible remnants of the road. However, those properties with little physical evidence are important because they are part of the historic corridor and contribute to the continuity of the entire Barlow Road.

Why preserve?

Preserving historic roads creates a connection with and appreciation for how people traveled and lived during the Western emigration. The remaining bits of evidence along the road may be few and far between, but they are elements of an important chapter in Oregon history. Each property is part of a network that makes up the history of the Barlow Road, and the Barlow Road Historic Corridor can only he managed through a partnership with the property owners. Participation in this preservation program is voluntary. Property owners who are active in maintaining their land should be praised for their dedication and hard work, and encouraged to continue their efforts. Property-owner stewardship is essential for saving this invaluable and irreplaceable piece of history and the only way to keep the Barlow Road Historic Corridor intact for future generations.

For more information, contact:

Historic Resource Planner
Clackamas County Department of Transportation and Development

Special thanks to:
Mazamas
US Forest Service

Cover Photo:
Oregon Historical Society
Negative Number OrHi 178 Lot 606

Published 1983. Revised 2008.