Chapter 15.20
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Sections:
15.20.030 Historic preservation commission creation and by-laws.
15.20.040 Authority and function.
15.20.050 Colville register of historic places.
15.20.060 Register designation process.
15.20.070 Review of changes to register properties.
15.20.080 Relationship to zoning.
15.20.090 Review and monitoring of properties for special tax valuation.
15.20.010 Short title.
This chapter shall constitute the historic preservation commission of the city of Colville, and may be so cited. (Ord. 1418 NS § 1, 2009).
15.20.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the identification, evaluation, and protection of Colville historic resources in a positive, nonrestrictive manner consistent with the community goals of the city of Colville comprehensive plan. It is the further purpose of this chapter to create a commission to promote and assist with rehabilitating and preserving historic properties through the use of special tax valuation and other incentives as provided under Chapter 84.26 RCW authorized for certified local governments. (Ord. 1418 NS § 2, 2009).
15.20.030 Historic preservation commission creation and by-laws.
A. Creation. There is hereby established a Colville historic preservation commission consisting of no less than five noncompensated members which may hereinafter be referred to as the HPC or commission. Members of the HPC shall be appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. The commission shall always include at least two professionals who have experience in identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources and are selected from the disciplines of history, architecture, architectural history, historic preservation, planning, cultural anthropology, archaeology, cultural geography, American studies, law, and real estate. The commission action that would otherwise be valid shall not be rendered invalid by the temporary vacancy of one or all of the professional positions, unless commission action is related to meeting certified local government (CLG) responsibilities cited in the certification agreement between the city mayor and the state historic preservation officer on behalf of the state. Furthermore, exception to the residency requirement of commission members may be granted by the mayor and city council in order to obtain representatives from these disciplines. In addition, all members of the HPC must have demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the historical or architectural development of the city of Colville. The director, or designee, of the city building and planning department will provide city staff support when practical and necessary to the functions of the HPC.
B. Terms of Office. Initial appointments to the HPC shall be made for a three-year term in such a manner that the fewest possible terms shall expire in one single year. Vacancies shall be filled by the mayor for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointments.
The mayor may also appoint a council representative to attend the commission meetings as a nonvoting member.
Any commission member may be removed during their term by the city council for sufficient cause. Sufficient cause means violation of the public trust or malfeasance. Also, removal may occur for nonparticipation in meetings.
C. Rules and Officers. The HPC shall function within the rules and procedures herein and shall select from among its membership a chairperson and other officers as may be necessary to conduct HPC business.
D. Conflict of Interest. Members of the HPC shall disqualify themselves from sitting as a member of the HPC and shall not otherwise participate on behalf of themselves or any applicant in any HPC actions in which they have an interest. An interest shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, a personal interest or legal interest.
E. Meetings. The HPC shall hold regular meetings, or a minimum of four meetings, throughout the year as required to fulfill the duties of the commission. All meetings shall be open to the public. (Ord. 1724 NS § 1, 2024; Ord. 1642 NS § 1, 2019; Ord. 1418 NS § 3, 2009).
15.20.040 Authority and function.
The primary responsibility of the HPC is to identify and actively encourage the conservation of the city of Colville historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties, including those on the register as historic districts, and to raise community awareness of the city’s primary resources in matters of history, historic planning and preservation. In carrying out these responsibilities, the HPC shall engage in the following actions:
A. Conduct and maintain a comprehensive inventory of historic resources within the boundaries of the city of Colville and known as the Colville historic inventory, and publicize and periodically update inventory results. Properties listed on the inventory and/or the Colville register of historic places shall be recorded on applicable official zoning records with the symbol “HI” meaning historic inventory designation. This designation shall not in any way alter the underlying zone classification on which the inventory property is located.
B. Initiate and maintain the Colville register of historic places. This official register shall be compiled of buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts identified by the HPC as having historic significance worthy of recognition by the city of Colville and encouragement of efforts by owners to maintain, rehabilitate, and preserve properties.
C. Review nominations to the Colville register of historic places according to criteria provided within CMC 15.20.080 and adopt standards in its rules to be used as review guides.
D. Review proposals to construct, change, alter, remodel, move, demolish, and significantly affect properties or districts on the register and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide the review and the issuance of any certificate of appropriateness or waiver.
E. Establish liaison support, communication and cooperation with federal, state, and other local government entities that will further historic preservation objectives, including public education, within the city of Colville area.
F. Provide design guidelines and recommend historic information resources at the request from owners of historic properties, including properties within a historic district. The HPC shall also provide review and advice at the request of the building and planning director, or designee of the director, relating to applications and/or approvals requesting land use actions pertaining to identified historic resources or properties adjacent to historic resources.
G. Provide information to the public on methods of maintaining and rehabilitating historic properties which may take the form of pamphlets, newsletters, workshops or similar activities.
H. Participate in, promote, and conduct public information, educational, and interpretive programs pertaining to historic resources.
I. Review and comment to the planning commission and/or the city council on land use, housing, municipal improvement, and other types of planning, land use actions, and programs undertaken by the city of Colville, other neighboring communities, Stevens County, the state or federal governments, as they relate to affecting historic resources of the city of Colville.
J. Remain informed about and provide information to the public and city departments regarding incentives for preservation of historic resources including legislation, regulations, and codes that encourage the use and adaptive re-use of historic properties.
K. Submit nominations to the state and national registers of historic places.
L. Officially recognize excellence in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, structures, sites, and districts, and new construction in historic areas, and encourage appropriate measures for such recognition.
M. Other duties and functions as may be directed by the mayor and/or city council.
N. Serve as the local review board for special valuation and:
1. Make determinations concerning the eligibility of historic properties for special tax valuation.
2. Verify that the improvements are consistent with the Washington State Advisory Council Standards for Rehabilitation and Maintenance.
3. Enter into agreements with property owners for the duration of the special valuation period as required under WAC 254-20-070(2).
4. Approve or deny applications for special valuation.
5. Monitor the property for continued compliance with the agreement and statutory eligibility requirements during the 10-year special valuation period.
6. Adopt by-laws and/or administrative rules and comply with all other local review board responsibilities as identified under Chapter 84.26 RCW. (Ord. 1418 NS § 4, 2009).
15.20.050 Colville register of historic places.
Any building, structure, site, object, or district may be designated for inclusion to the Colville register of historic places if it has integrity and is significantly associated with the history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or cultural heritage of the community; is at least 50 years old, or is of lesser age and has exceptional importance and falls within at least one of the following categories:
A. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of national, state, or local history.
B. Embodies the distinctive architectural characteristics of a type, period, style, or method of design or construction, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
C. Is an outstanding work of a designer, builder, or architect who has made a substantial contribution to the arts.
D. Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, or architectural history.
E. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in national, state, or local history.
F. Has yielded or may be likely to yield important archaeological information related to history or prehistory.
G. Is a building or structure removed from its original location but which is significant primarily for architectural value, or which is the only surviving structure significantly associated with a historic person or event.
H. Is a birthplace or grave of a historic figure of outstanding importance and is the only surviving structure or site associated with that person.
I. Is a cemetery which derives its primary significance from age, from distinctive design features, or from association with historic events or cultural practices.
J. Is a reconstructed building that has been executed in a historically accurate manner on the original site.
K. Is a creative and unique example of folk architecture and design created by persons not formally trained in the architectural or design professions and which does not fit into formal architectural or historical categories. (Ord. 1418 NS § 5, 2009).
15.20.060 Register designation process.
The process for designation to the Colville register of historic places shall be as follows:
A. Any person may nominate a building, structure, site, object, or district for inclusion on the Colville register of historic places. Members of the commission or the HPC as a whole may also generate nominations.
B. For individual properties, the designation shall include the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) reference and all interior and exterior features, and any outbuildings that contribute to its designation.
C. For districts, the designation shall include a description of the district boundaries, the characteristics of the district which justify its designation, and a list of all properties including structures, features, sites, and objects which contribute to the designation of the district.
D. The HPC shall consider the merits of the nomination during a public meeting according to criteria provided herein and according to any and all review rules established by the HPC. Adequate notice shall be given to the public, the property owner(s) and the authors of the nomination, if different, and any parties of legal interest prior to the meeting in compliance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act. Such notice shall include publication in a newspaper of general community circulation. If the HPC finds that the nominated property is eligible for inclusion on the Colville register of historic places, the commission shall make recommendation to the city council that the property be listed on the register with the owner’s(s’) consent. The public, property owner(s), the authors of the nomination, and any legal parties of interest, shall be notified of the listing, or nonlisting, of the nominated property(ies).
E. Removal of Properties from the Register. In the event any property is no longer deemed appropriate for register listing, the HPC may initiate removal from such designation by the same procedure provided for the original designation. A property(ies) may be removed from the register without owner consent.
F. Effects of Register Listing.
1. Listing on the Colville register of historic places is an honorary designation denoting significant association with the historic, archeological, engineering, and/or cultural heritage of the community. Properties are listed individually or as contributing properties within a designated historic district.
2. Prior to the commencement of any work on a register property, excluding ordinary maintenance and repair, or emergency measures as provided for pursuant to this chapter, the owner must request and receive a certificate of appropriateness (COA) from the commission for the proposed work. Violation of this rule shall be grounds for the commission to review the property for removal from the register.
3. Prior to whole or partial demolition of a register property, the owner must request and receive a waiver from the commission. Failure to do so may result in the removal of the property from the register and forfeiture of any benefits, including special tax valuation that may be attached to the property.
4. Properties listed on the Colville register of historic places may be eligible for a special tax valuation and other tax incentives which may be available to certified local governments upon any qualified rehabilitation of the property. (Ord. 1418 NS § 6, 2009).
15.20.070 Review of changes to register properties.
No person shall change the use, construct any new building or structure, or reconstruct, alter, restore, remodel, repair, move, or demolish any existing building listed on the register without HPC review and without receipt of a certificate of appropriateness, or a waiver of demolition from the HPC. The review shall apply to all interior and/or exterior features of the property that contribute to its designation on the register. The HPC may require information from the property owner(s) that is determined to be necessary for conducting their review. Ordinary repair and maintenance, including painting, or emergency measures as defined under CMC 15.20.100 shall be exempt from review.
A. Commission Review. The owner or authorized agent shall apply to the HPC for a review of proposed changes to a register property and/or a property listed within a historic district and request a certificate of appropriateness or waiver in the case of demolition. The commission shall meet with the applicant and review the proposed work according to HPC design review criteria. Unless otherwise required, there shall be no notice or publication requirements for action on the application but all such actions shall be made at an HPC regular meeting. The HPC shall complete its review and make its findings and recommendations within 30 days of the application date of receipt. The HPC recommendations shall be in writing and shall state findings of fact and other reasons that were considered in reaching its decision. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant during the review process shall become conditions of approval for any permits that may be issued. The HPC recommendations and, if granted, the certificate of appropriateness shall be forwarded to the building and planning department director who may then issue, or cause to be issued, any necessary permits.
B. Review Requests for Certificate of Appropriateness or Demolition Waiver.
1. Review Process. The building and planning director or building official shall report to the HPC any application for a permit to work on a designated register property, or a property located within a designated historic district. If the proposed activity is not exempt from review, the commission and/or building and planning staff shall notify the applicant of the review requirements. Official permits shall not be issued until a certificate of appropriateness or a waiver is received from the commission.
2. Commission Review. The property owner or an authorized agent of the owner shall apply to the commission for a review of the proposed changes and request a certificate of appropriateness or demolition waiver. Each application shall be accompanied by such information as may be required from the commission or supporting staff. The HPC shall meet with the applicant and review the proposed work according to the commission’s design review criteria. Unless otherwise required, there shall be no notice, property posting, or publication requirements prior to the selected regularly scheduled HPC public meeting. The HPC shall complete its review and make its recommendation within 30 days of the date of receipt of the application. The commission’s recommendations shall be in writing and shall state the findings of fact and reasons used in reaching its decision. If awarded, a certificate of appropriateness shall be issued to the property owner and forwarded to the building and planning director to be included in any associated project file. Any conditions placed on the proposed permit during the review process shall become conditions of approval for any applicable permits.
3. Demolition. A waiver of demolition and certificate of appropriateness is required before a permit may be issued for whole or partial demolition of a property listed on the Colville register of historic places or within a designated historic district. The property owner or an authorized agent shall apply to the HPC for a review of the proposed demolition and a request for a waiver. The applicant shall meet with the commission in an attempt to identify alternatives to demolition. Negotiations may last no longer than 45 days from the initial meeting with the commission unless both parties agree to a time extension. The commission shall advise the official authorized to issue demolition permits of the approval or denial of the demolition waiver. When approving a waiver, the commission may require the owner to mitigate the loss of the property by means identified through the review process. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant shall become conditions of approval to the permits granted. If the applicant is denied a waiver of demolition and certificate of appropriateness prior to demolition, the authorized permitting official shall notify the commission of any issuance of demolition permits to the subject property. Upon being notified of the demolition, the commission shall initiate removal of the property from the register.
4. Appeal of Decision. Any decision regarding a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness may be appealed to the Colville city council within 10 days of the decision. The appeal shall be reviewed by the city council only on the records of the HPC. (Ord. 1418 NS § 7, 2009).
15.20.080 Relationship to zoning.
Properties designated to the register shall be subject to provisions herein in addition to all other provisions of the city zoning code applicable to the property. Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted to repeal, modify, or waive any Colville zoning provisions. (Ord. 1418 NS § 8, 2009).
15.20.090 Review and monitoring of properties for special tax valuation.
A. Timelines.
1. The Stevens County assessor forwards all special tax valuation applications to the HPC within 10 days of filing.
2. Applications shall be reviewed by the commission before December 31st of the calendar year in which the application is made.
3. Commission decisions regarding the application shall be certified in writing and filed with the assessor within 10 days of issuance.
B. Procedure.
1. The Stevens County assessor forwards the application(s) to the commission.
2. The commission reviews the application and determines if the application is complete and if the property meets the criteria provided under this section.
3. If the commission finds the property meets all the criteria, on behalf of the city of Colville it enters into a historic preservation special valuation agreement with the property owner pursuant to this section. Upon execution of the agreement, the commission approves the application. If the commission finds the property does not meet all the necessary criteria, it shall deny the application.
4. The commission certifies its decision(s) in writing and states the facts leading to approval or denial of the application, then files copies of the certifications with the assessor.
5. Approved Applications.
a. The commission forwards copies of the agreements, applications, and supporting documents to the assessor.
b. Notification shall be forwarded to the state review board that the properties have been approved for special tax valuation. The HPC then monitors the property for continued compliance with the agreements throughout the 10-year special valuation period.
c. The commission may disqualify a property from special tax valuation if it determines the owner failed to comply with the terms of the agreement or the property lost its historic value due to physical changes to the building or site.
d. If the commission determines a property is no longer qualified for special valuation, it shall notify the owner, the assessor, and the state review board in writing including a statement of facts supporting its findings.
C. Criteria.
1. Historic Property Criteria. The class of historic property that is eligible to apply for special valuation in the city of Colville means all properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or certified as contributing to a National Register Historic District which have been substantially rehabilitated at a cost and within a time period meeting the requirements of Chapter 84.26 RCW unless or until the city of Colville becomes a certified local government. If CLG status is obtained, the class of property eligible to apply for special tax valuation within the city means only properties listed on the Colville register of historic places, or properties certified as contributing to a Colville register historic district, which have been substantially rehabilitated at a cost and within a time period that meets the requirements of Chapter 84.26 RCW.
2. Application Criteria. Complete applications shall consist of the following:
a. A legal description of the historic property.
b. Comprehensive exterior and interior photographs of the historic property before and after rehabilitation.
c. Architectural plans or other legible drawings depicting the completed rehabilitation work completed prior to the date of application and the period of time during which the work was performed and documentation of both to be made available to the commission upon request.
d. In addition to the standard application documentation, properties located within a historic district must have a statement from the Secretary of the Interior, or the appropriate local official, indicating that the property is a certified historic structure is also required.
e. A notarized affidavit attesting to the actual cost of the completed rehabilitation work completed prior to the date of application and the period of time during which the work was performed supported by documentation, such as receipts, all of which shall be made available to the commission upon request.
3. Property Review Criteria. During review, the commission shall determine if the subject properties meet all the following criteria:
a. The property is a historic property.
b. The property is included within a class of historic property determined to be eligible for special tax valuation by the city of Colville under this section.
c. The property has been rehabilitated at a cost that meets the definition provided under RCW 84.26.020(2) as described herein under CMC 15.20.100.
d. The property has not been altered in any way that adversely affects those elements which qualify it as historically significant as determined by applying the Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties (WAC 254-20-100) as identified under this section.
4. Rehabilitation and Maintenance Criteria. The Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties pursuant to WAC 254-20-100 shall be used by the commission as minimum requirements for determining whether or not a historic property is eligible for special tax valuation and whether or not the property continues to be eligible for special tax valuation once it has been so classified. The criteria and standards are as follows:
a. Rehabilitation.
i. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a historic property which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site, and its environment, or to use a historic property for its originally intended purpose.
ii. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinguishing architectural features should be avoided when possible.
iii. All buildings, structures, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historic basis and which intend to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
iv. Changes that may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure, site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right and this significance shall be recognized and respected.
v. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, or site shall be treated with sensitivity.
vi. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced whenever possible. If no replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplication of features substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures.
vii. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
viii. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by, or adjacent to, any project.
ix. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historic, architectural or cultural material and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material, and character of the property, neighborhood, or environment.
x. Whenever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if the additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.
b. Maintenance.
i. Buildings and structures shall not be allowed to deteriorate beyond the point where routine maintenance and repair will return them to good repair.
ii. Buildings shall be kept in a safe and habitable condition at all times. Structural defects and hazards shall be corrected and any condition that constitutes a fire hazard shall be eliminated.
iii. Buildings shall be protected against ongoing water damage due to deteriorating roofing, flashing, glazing, caulking, or other causes. Moisture condensation resulting from inadequate heat or ventilation shall be eliminated if present at levels sufficient to promote rot or decay of building materials.
iv. Deteriorated exterior architectural features and any broken or missing doors and windows shall be repaired or replaced.
v. Painted exterior surfaces shall be maintained and repainted as necessary to prevent a deteriorated appearance or damage to the substrate. Exterior masonry surfaces shall be tuck pointed where required to maintain the mortar in good condition. Finished tuck pointing shall match the original mortar joint in hardness and appearance.
c. Agreement. The historic preservation special valuation agreement provided in the WAC 254-20-120 shall be used by the HPC as the minimum agreement necessary to comply with the requirements of RCW 84.26.050(2). (Ord. 1418 NS § 9, 2009).
15.20.100 Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall mean as follows:
“Building” means a structure constructed by human beings. This includes both residential and nonresidential buildings, main and accessory buildings.
“Certificate of appropriateness” means the document indicating that the commission has reviewed the proposed changes to a local register property or within a local register historic district and certified the changes as not adversely affecting the historic characteristics of the property which contribute to its designation.
“Certified local government” means the designation reflecting that the local government has been jointly certified by the State Historic Preservation Officer and the National Park Service as having established its own historic preservation commission and a program meeting applicable federal and state standards.
“City of Colville historic preservation commission” means the commission created pursuant to this chapter. Also referred to as the commission or HPC.
“Class of properties eligible to apply for special tax valuation in Colville” means all properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or certified as contributing to a National Register Historic District which have been substantially rehabilitated at a cost and within a time period which meets the requirements set forth in Chapter 84.26 RCW. Once the city of Colville becomes a CLG, the class of properties eligible to apply for special tax valuation in the city of Colville means only properties listed on the local, state, and/or national registers of historic places, or properties certified as contributing to a local, state, and/or National Register Historic District which have been substantially rehabilitated at a cost and within a time period which meets the requirements set forth in Chapter 84.26 RCW.
“Colville historic inventory” means the comprehensive inventory of historic and prehistoric resources within the boundaries of the city of Colville municipal limits.
“Colville register of historic places” means the listing of locally designated properties pursuant to CMC 15.20.080. Also referred to as register or local register.
“Cost of rehabilitation” means costs incurred within 24 months prior to the date of application and directly resulting from one or more of the following: (1) improvements to an existing building located on or within the perimeters of the original structure; or (2) improvements outside of but directly attached to the original structure which are necessary to make the building fully useable but shall not include rentable/habitable floor space attributable to new construction; or (3) architectural and engineering services attributable to the design of the improvements; or (4) all costs defined as “qualified rehabilitation expenditures” for purposes of the federal historic preservation investment tax credit. Actual cost of rehabilitation shall be at least 25 percent of the assessed valuation of the historic property, exclusive of the assessed value attributable to the land, prior to rehabilitation.
“District” means a geographically definable area, urban or rural, small or large, possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, and/or objects united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development.
“Emergency repair” means the necessary work to prevent destruction or dilapidation to real property or structural appurtenances immediately threatened or damaged by fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster.
“Historic property” means real property together with improvements thereon, except property listed in a register primarily for objects buried below ground, which is listed in the local, state, or the National Register of Historic Places.
“Incentives” means rights and/or privileges which the Colville city council, or other local, state, or federal public body or agency, by virtue of applicable present or future legislation, may be authorized to grant or obtain for the owner(s) of register properties. Examples of economic incentives may include, but not be specifically limited to, tax relief, conditional use permits, rezoning, street vacation, planned unit development, transfer of development rights, facade easements, preferential leasing policies, beneficial placement of public improvements or amenities, or the like.
“Local review board” or “board” as used in Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapter 254-20 WAC for the special valuation of historic properties means the commission created pursuant to CMC 15.20.020.
“National Register of Historic Places” means the national listing of properties significant to our national cultural history due to their documented importance to our history, architectural history, engineering, and/or cultural heritage.
“Object” means a thing of functional, aesthetic, cultural, historical, and/or scientific value that may be, by its nature or design, movable yet related to a specific setting or environment.
“Ordinary repair and maintenance” means work for which a permit issued by the city of Colville is not required by law, or where the purpose and effect of such work is determined to be designed to correct any deterioration, decay, or damage to the real property or structure appurtenance, or to restore the same as nearly as may be practicable to the condition prior to the occurrence of such deterioration, decay, or damage.
“Owner” means fee simple owner of record as exists on the Stevens County assessor’s records.
“Significance,” used in the context of historic significance means a property with local, state, and/or national significance, is one which helps in the understanding of the history or prehistory of the local area, state, or nation (whichever is applicable) by illuminating the local, statewide, or nationwide impact of the events or persons associated with the property, or its architectural type or style in information potential. Local significance may apply to a property that illustrates a theme that is important to one or more localities; state significance to a theme important to the history of the state; and national significance to property of exceptional value in representing or illustrating an important theme in the history of the nation.
“Site” or “historic site” means a place where a significant event or pattern of events occurred. It may be the location of prehistoric or historic occupation or activities that may be marked by physical remains; or it may be the symbolic focus of a significant event or pattern of events that may not have been actively occupied. A site may be the location of a ruined or now nonexistent building or structure or the location itself possesses historic cultural or archaeological significance.
“Special valuation” or “special tax valuation” means the local option program which when implemented makes available to property owners a special tax valuation for rehabilitation of historic properties under which the assessed value of an eligible historic property is determined at a rate that excludes, for up to 10 years, the actual cost of the rehabilitation. (Chapter 84.26 RCW.)
“State register of historic places” means the state listing of properties significant to the community, state, or nation but which may or may not meet the criteria of the national register.
“Structure” means a work made up of interdependent and interrelated parts in a definite pattern of organization. Generally constructed by man, it is often an engineering project.
“Universal Transverse Mercator” or “UTM” means the grid zone in metric measurement providing for an exact point of numerical reference.
“Waiver of a certificate of appropriateness” or “waiver” means the document indicating that the commission has reviewed the proposed whole or partial demolition of a local register property or in a local register historic district and failing to find alternatives to demolition has issued a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness which allows the building or zoning official to issue a permit for demolition. (Ord. 1418 NS § 10, 2009).