Glossary

Contributing Structure—A building or structure in a Historic District that contributes to the district's historic associations or historic architectural qualities. Its presence adds to the historic look and feel or architectural qualities that make the district historically important. Contributing buildings generally retain a significant amount of their original historic appearance. Contributing buildings in most districts fall within certain construction dates specific to the district and outlined in the district’s nomination. Structures designated as simply "contributing" are valued due to their collective importance, as with a group of houses in the same architectural style. "Secondary" structures have greater historical significance and possibly could qualify on their own for the National Register of Historic Places. "Primary" structures have the greatest historical significance and in and of themselves are essential cultural resources that would qualify as historic. 

Design Guidelines—Detailed, written standards governing new structures and alterations to existing structures in a Conservation District or a Historic District. Many, but not all such Districts, have their own Design Guidelines written specifically for that district approved by the Landmarks Commission and adopted by the local city council. For Historic Districts without their own Design Guidelines, standards typically are based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Resource Rehabilitation (also review the brief explanation on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's website).

Historic District—An area designated as historic by listing in the National Register of Historic Places. It includes within its boundaries a significant concentration of properties linked by architectural style, historical development, or a past event. Contributing structures in Historic Districts may be eligible for rehabilitation tax incentives from the State of Oregon and the Federal Government. All structures in the Historic District are subject to Historic Resource Review regardless of their contributing status. Any new structure in the District is subject to Historic Resource Review.

Historic Resource Review—A formal process administered by the City of Eugene's Planning and Development Department that evaluates proposed changes to buildings in Historic or Conservation Districts, new construction in Historic Districts and changes to Landmarks under the applicable Design Guidelines.

Non-contributing Structure—Building or structure in a Historic District that falls outside the district’s time period when the area gained its historic significance or a building or structure in a Historic District that has been significantly and irrevocably altered from its original construction.