Chapter 2.27
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Sections:
2.27.040 Walla Walla historic preservation commission.
2.27.050 City of Walla Walla register of historic places.
2.27.060 Review of changes to city register of historic places properties.
2.27.070 Review and monitoring of properties for special valuation.
2.27.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the identification, evaluation, designation, and protection of designated historic and prehistoric resources within the boundaries of the city of Walla Walla and to preserve and rehabilitate eligible historic properties within the city for future generations through special valuation, a property tax incentive, as provided in Chapter 84.26 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), and other means, in order to:
A. Safeguard the heritage of Walla Walla as represented by those buildings, districts, objects, sites, and structures which reflect significant elements of Walla Walla history;
B. Foster civic and neighborhood pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past, and a sense of identity based on Walla Walla history;
C. Stabilize or improve the aesthetic and economic vitality and values of such sites, improvements, and objects;
D. Assist, encourage, and provide incentives to private owners for preservation, restoration, redevelopment and use of outstanding historic buildings, districts, objects, sites and structures;
E. Promote and facilitate the early identification and resolution of conflicts between preservation of historic resources and alternative land uses; and
F. Conserve valuable material and energy resources by ongoing use and maintenance of the existing built environment. (Ord. 2019-38 § 1 (part), 2019: Ord. 2002-26 § 1, 2002).
2.27.020 Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Historic Preservation Ordinance of the City of Walla Walla.” (Ord. 2019-38 § 1 (part), 2019: Ord. 2002-26 § 1, 2002).
2.27.030 Definitions.
The following words and terms used in this chapter shall mean as follows, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
A. “Actual cost of rehabilitation” means costs incurred within twenty-four 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 usable 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.
B. A “building” is a structure constructed by human beings. This includes both residential and nonresidential buildings, main and accessory buildings.
C. “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.
D. “Certified local government” or “CLG” 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 federal and state standards.
E. “City of Walla Walla historic inventory” or “inventory” means the comprehensive inventory of historic and prehistoric resources within the boundaries of the city.
F. “City of Walla Walla historic preservation commission” or “commission” means the commission created by Section 2.27.040.
G. “City of Walla Walla register of historic places,” “local register,” or “register” means the listing of locally designated properties provided for in Section 2.27.050.
H. “Class of properties eligible to apply for special valuation in the city of Walla Walla” means all properties listed on the city of Walla Walla register of historic places or properties certified as contributing to a local 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.
I. “Cost” means the actual cost of rehabilitation, which cost shall be at least twenty-five percent of the assessed valuation of the historic property, exclusive of the assessed value attributable to the land, prior to rehabilitation.
J. A “district” is 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.
K. “Emergency repair” means work necessary to prevent destruction or dilapidation to real property or structural appurtenances thereto immediately threatened or damaged by fire, flood, earthquake, or other disaster.
L. “Historic Preservation Commission” or “Board” used in Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapter 254-20 WAC for the special valuation of historic properties means the commission created in Section 2.27.040.
M. “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 a local register of a certified local government or the National Register of Historic Places.
N. “Incentives” are such rights or privileges or combination thereof which the 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 include but are not limited to tax relief, conditional use permits, rezoning, street vacation, planned unit development, transfer of development rights, facade easements, gifts, preferential leasing policies, beneficial placement of public improvements or amenities, or the like.
O. “National Register of Historic Places” means the national listing of properties significant to our cultural history because of their documented importance to our history, architectural history, engineering, or cultural heritage.
P. An “object” is a thing of functional, aesthetic, cultural, historical, or scientific value that may be, by nature or design, movable yet related to a specific setting or environment.
Q. “Ordinary repair and maintenance” means work for which a permit issued by the city of Walla Walla is not required by law, and where the purpose and effect of such work is to correct any deterioration or decay of or damage to the real property or structure appurtenance therein and to restore the same, as nearly as may be practicable, to the condition prior to the occurrence of such deterioration, decay, or damage.
R. “Owner” of property is the fee simple owner of record as exists on the Walla Walla County assessor’s records.
S. “Rehabilitation” means the process of returning a property to a state of utility through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its architectural and cultural values.
T. “Significance” or “significant” used in the context of historic significance means the following: a property with local, state, or national significance is one which helps in the understanding of the history or prehistory of the local area, state, or nation 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. The local area can include the city of Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, southeastern Washington, or a modest geographic or cultural area, such as a neighborhood. 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.
U. A “site” is 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 nonextant building or structure if the location itself possesses historic cultural or archaeological significance.
V. “Special valuation for historic properties” or “special valuation” means the local option program which 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 ten years, the actual cost of rehabilitation.
W. “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.
X. A “structure” is 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.
Y. “Universal transverse macerator” or “UTM” means the grid zone in metric measurement providing for an exact point of numerical reference.
Z. “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.
AA. “Washington State Advisory Council’s standards for the rehabilitation and maintenance of historic properties” or “State Advisory Council’s standards” means the rehabilitation and maintenance standards used by the city historic preservation commission as minimum requirements for determining whether or not an historic property is eligible for special valuation and whether or not the property continues to be eligible for special valuation once it has been so classified. (Ord. 2019-38 § 1 (part), 2019: Ord. 2002-26 § 1, 2002).
2.27.040 Walla Walla historic preservation commission.
A. Creation and Size. There is hereby established a Walla Walla historic preservation commission consisting of seven members. Members of the commission shall be appointed by the Walla Walla city council and at least five of the members shall be residents of the city of Walla Walla. The Walla Walla city council, in its discretion, may appoint as many as two members with professional expertise or experience identified herein who are not residents of the city of Walla Walla but reside within Walla Walla County.
B. Composition of the Commission. All members of the commission must have a demonstrated interest and competence in historic preservation, possess qualities of impartiality and broad judgment, and be residents of the city of Walla Walla or possess professional expertise or experience as identified below and be residents of Walla Walla County.
1. The commission shall include at least two professionals who have expertise or experience in identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources and are selected from among the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, and landscape architecture, or related disciplines. 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 the commission action is related to meeting certified local government (CLG) responsibilities cited in the certification agreement between the city and the State Historic Preservation Officer on behalf of the state.
2. In making appointments, the city council may consider names submitted from any source, but the city manager shall notify history and local development related organizations of vacancies so that names of interested and qualified individuals may be submitted by such organizations for consideration along with names from any other source.
C. Terms. The original appointment of members to the commission shall be as follows: three for two years, two for three years, and two for a four-year term. Thereafter, appointments shall be made for a three-year term. Vacancies shall be filled by the city council for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
D. Powers and Duties. The major responsibility of the historic preservation commission is to identify and actively encourage the conservation of the city’s historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties; to raise community awareness of the city’s history and historic resources; and to serve as the city’s primary resource in matters of history, historic planning, and preservation.
In carrying out these responsibilities, the historic preservation commission shall engage in the following:
1. Conduct and maintain a comprehensive inventory of historic resources within the boundaries of the city of Walla Walla and known as the city of Walla Walla historic inventory, and publicize and periodically update inventory results.
2. Initiate and maintain the city of Walla Walla register of historic places. This official register shall be compiled of buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts identified by the commission as having historic significance worthy of recognition and protection by the city and encouragement of efforts by owners to maintain, rehabilitate, and preserve properties.
3. Review nominations to the city of Walla Walla register of historic places according to criteria in Section 2.27.050 and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide this review.
4. Review proposals to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, move, demolish, or significantly affect properties or districts on the register as provided in Section 2.27.060; and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide this review and the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness or waiver.
5. Provide for the review either by the commission or its staff of all applications for approvals, permits, environmental assessments or impact statements, and other similar documents pertaining to local register listed historic resources or adjacent properties.
6. Conduct all commission meetings in compliance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act, to provide for adequate public participation and adopt standards in its rules to guide this action.
7. Participate in, promote and conduct public information, educational and interpretive programs pertaining to historic and prehistoric resources.
8. Establish liaison support, communication and cooperation with federal, state, and other local government entities which will further historic preservation objectives, including public education, within the local area.
9. Review and comment to the city council on land use, housing and redevelopment, municipal improvement, and other types of planning and programs undertaken by any agency of the city, other neighboring communities, Walla Walla County, and the state or federal governments, as they relate to historic resources of the city of Walla Walla.
10. Advise the city council generally on matters of Walla Walla history and historic preservation.
11. Perform other related functions assigned to the commission by the city council or city manager.
12. Provide information to the public on methods of maintaining and rehabilitating historic properties. This may take the form of pamphlets, newsletters, workshops, or similar activities.
13. 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.
14. Be informed about and provide information to the public and city departments on incentives for preservation of historic resources including legislation, regulations and codes which encourage the use and adaptive reuse of historic properties.
15. Review nominations to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
16. Investigate and report to the city council on the use of various federal, state, local or private funding sources available to promote historic resource preservation in the city.
17. Serve as the historic preservation commission for special valuation and:
a. Make determination concerning the eligibility of historic properties for special valuation;
b. Verify that the improvements are consistent with the Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Maintenance;
c. Enter into agreements with property owners for the duration of the special valuation period as required under WAC 254-20-070(2);
d. Approve or deny applications for special valuation;
e. Monitor the property for continued compliance with the agreement and statutory eligibility requirements during the ten-year special valuation period; and
f. Adopt bylaws and/or administrative rules and comply with all other historic preservation commission responsibilities identified in Chapter 84.26 RCW.
18. The commission shall adopt rules of procedure to address subsections (D)(3), (4), (6) and (17) of this section, inclusive.
E. Compensation. All members shall serve without compensation.
F. Rules and Officers. The commission shall establish and adopt its own rules of procedure, and shall select from among its membership a chairperson and such other officers as may be necessary to conduct the commission’s business.
G. Commission Staff. Commission and professional staff assistance shall be provided by the development services department with additional assistance and information to be provided by other city departments as may be necessary to aid the commission in carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this chapter. (Ord. 2019-38 § 1 (part), 2019: Ord. 2006-01 § 1, 2006: Ord. 2002-26 § 1, 2002).
2.27.050 City of Walla Walla register of historic places.
A. Criteria for Determining Designation in the Register. Any building, structure, site, object, or district may be designated for inclusion in the city of Walla Walla register of historic places if it is significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or cultural heritage of the community; if it has integrity; is at least fifty years old, or is of lesser age and has exceptional importance; and if it falls in at least one of the following categories:
1. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of national, state, or local history.
2. 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.
3. Is an outstanding work of a designer, builder, or architect who has made a substantial contribution to the art.
4. Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city’s cultural, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, or architectural history.
5. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in national, state, or local history.
6. Has yielded or may be likely to yield important archaeological information related to history or prehistory.
7. 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 an historic person or event.
8. Is a birthplace or grave of an historical figure of outstanding importance and is the only surviving structure or site associated with that person.
9. Is a cemetery which derives its primary significance from age, distinctive design features, association with historic events, or cultural patterns.
10. Is a reconstructed building that has been executed in an historically accurate manner on the original site.
11. 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.
B. Process for Designating Properties or Districts to the City Register of Historic Places.
1. Any person may nominate a building, structure, site, object, or district for inclusion in the city register of historic places. Members of the historic preservation commission or the commission as a whole may generate nominations.
2. In the case of individual properties, the designation shall include the property location by address and/or parcel number and/or legal description and all features – interior and exterior – and outbuildings that contribute to its designation.
3. In the case of districts, the designation shall include description of the boundaries of the district; the characteristics of the district which justify its designation; and a list of all properties including features, structures, sites, and objects which contribute to the designation of the district.
4. The historic preservation commission shall consider the merits of the nomination, according to the criteria in this section and according to the nomination review standards established in rules, at a public meeting. Adequate notice will be given to the public, the owner(s) and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, of the subject property prior to the public meeting according to standards for public meetings established in rules and in compliance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act. Such notice shall include posting on the property and the city’s website. If the commission finds that the nominated property is eligible for the city register of historic places, the commission shall list the property in the register with the owner’s consent. In the case of historic districts, the commission shall consider a simple majority of property owners to be adequate for owner consent. The public, property owner(s) and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, shall be notified of the listing.
5. Properties listed on the register shall be recorded on official zoning records with an “HR” (for Historic Register) designation. This designation shall not change or modify the underlying zone classification.
C. Removal of Properties from the Register. In the event that any property is no longer deemed appropriate for designation to the city register of historic places, the commission may initiate removal from such designation by the same procedure as provided above for establishing the designation. A property may be removed from the register without the owner’s consent.
D. Effects of Listing on the Register.
1. Listing on the city register of historic places is an honorary designation denoting significant association with the historic, archaeological, engineering, or cultural heritage of the community. Properties are listed individually or as contributing properties to an historic district.
2. Prior to the commencement of any work on a register property, excluding ordinary repair and maintenance and emergency measures defined in Section 2.27.030, the owner must request and receive a certificate of appropriateness 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 of a certificate of appropriateness.
4. All properties listed on the city register of historic places may be eligible for special tax valuation on their rehabilitation. (Ord. 2019-38 § 1 (part), 2019: Ord. 2002-26 § 1, 2002).
2.27.060 Review of changes to city register of historic places properties.
A. Review Required. No person shall change the general use, construct any new building or structure, or reconstruct, alter, restore, remodel, repair, move, or demolish any existing property on the city register of historic places or within an historic district on the city register of historic places without review by the commission and without receipt of a certificate of appropriateness, or in the case of demolition, a waiver, as a result of the review.
The review shall apply to all features of the property, interior and exterior, that contribute to its significance. Information required by the commission to review the proposed changes is established in rules.
B. Exemptions. The following activities do not require a certificate of appropriateness or review by the commission: ordinary repair and maintenance – which includes painting – or emergency measures defined in Section 2.27.030.
C. Review Process.
1. Requests for Review and Issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness or Waiver. The historic preservation staff shall determine whether an application for a permit to work on a designated city register of historic places property or in a city register of historic places historic district is exempt from review. If the activity is not exempt from review, the historic preservation staff shall notify the applicant of the review requirements. The building or zoning official shall not issue any such permit until a certificate of appropriateness or a waiver is received from the commission but shall work with the commission in considering building and fire code requirements.
2. Commission Review. The owner or his/her agent (architect, contractor, lessee, etc.) shall apply to the commission for a review of proposed changes on a city register of historic places property or within a city register of historic places historic district and request a certificate of appropriateness or, in the case of demolition, a waiver. Each application for review of proposed changes shall be accompanied by such information as is required by the commission established in its rules for the proper review of the proposed project.
The commission shall meet with the applicant and review the proposed work according to the design review criteria established in rules. Unless otherwise legally required, there shall be no notice, posting, or publication requirements for action on the application, but all such actions shall be made at regular meetings or appropriately noticed special meetings of the commission. The commission shall complete its review and make its recommendations within forty-five calendar days of the date of receipt of the application. If the commission is unable for good cause to process the request within that period, the matter may be continued for one additional period not exceeding thirty days.
The commission’s recommendations shall be in writing and shall state the findings of fact and reasons relied upon in reaching its decision. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant in this review process shall become conditions of approval of the permits granted. If the owner agrees to the commission’s recommendations, a certificate of appropriateness shall be awarded by the commission according to standards established in the commission’s rules.
The commission’s recommendations and, if awarded, the certificate of appropriateness shall be transmitted to the building or zoning official. If a certificate of appropriateness is awarded, the building or zoning official may then issue the permit.
3. Demolition. A waiver of the certificate of appropriateness is required before a permit may be issued to allow whole or partial demolition of a designated city register of historic places property or in a city register of historic places historic district. The owner or his/her agent shall apply to the commission for a review of the proposed demolition and request a waiver. The applicant shall meet with the commission in an attempt to find alternatives to demolition. These negotiations may last no longer than forty-five calendar days from the initial meeting of the commission, unless either party requests an extension. If no request for an extension is made and no alternative to demolition has been agreed to, the commission shall act and advise the official in charge of issuing a demolition permit of the approval or denial of the waiver of a certificate of appropriateness. Conditions in the case of granting a demolition permit may include allowing the commission up to forty-five additional calendar days to develop alternatives to demolition. When issuing a waiver the board may require the owner to mitigate the loss of the register property by means determined by the commission at the meeting. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant in this review process shall become conditions of approval of the permits granted. After the property is demolished, the commission shall initiate removal of the property from the register.
4. Appeal of Approval or Denial of a Waiver or a Certificate of Appropriateness. The commission’s decision regarding a waiver or a certificate of appropriateness may be appealed to the hearing examiner within ten days by any person participating in the proceedings. The appeal must state the grounds upon which the appeal is based.
The appeal shall be reviewed by the hearing examiner only on the records of the commission. Appeal of council’s decision regarding a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness may be appealed to Superior Court. (Ord. 2019-38 § 1 (part), 2019: Ord. 2002-26 § 1, 2002).
2.27.070 Review and monitoring of properties for special valuation.
A. Timelines.
1. Applications must be filed with the Walla Walla County assessor no later than October 1st of the calendar year preceding the first assessment for which classification is requested.
2. Applications for special property tax valuation are required to be made to the county assessor, and to be forwarded to the commission by the assessor within ten calendar days of filing.
3. Applications filed by October 1st shall be reviewed and approved or denied by the commission before December 31st of the calendar year in which the application is made.
4. Commission decisions regarding the applications shall be certified in writing and filed with the assessor within ten days of issuance.
B. Procedure.
1. The assessor forwards the application to the commission.
2. The commission reviews the application, consistent with its rules of procedure, and determines if the application is complete and if the property meets the criteria set forth in WAC 254-20-070(1) and listed in subsection C of this section.
a. If the commission finds the property meets all the criteria, then, on behalf of the city, it enters into an historic preservation special valuation agreement (set forth in WAC 254-20-120 and in subsection D of this section) with the owner. Upon execution of the agreement between the owner and commission, the commission approves the application.
b. If the commission determines the property does not meet all the criteria, then it shall deny the application.
3. The commission certifies its decisions in writing and states the facts upon which the approvals or denials are based and files copies of the certifications with the assessor.
4. For approved applications, the commission:
a. Forwards copies of the agreements, applications, and supporting documentation (as required by WAC 254-20-090(4) and identified in subsection C of this section) to the assessor;
b. Notifies the state review board that the properties have been approved for special valuation; and
c. Monitors the properties at least annually for continued compliance with the agreements throughout the ten-year special valuation period.
5. The commission determines, in a manner consistent with its rules of procedure, whether or not properties are disqualified from special valuation either because of:
a. The owner’s failure to comply with the terms of the agreement; or
b. Because of a loss of historic value resulting from physical changes to the building or site.
6. For disqualified properties, in the event that the commission concludes that a property is no longer qualified for special valuation, the commission shall notify the owner, assessor, and state review board in writing and state the facts supporting its findings.
C. Criteria.
1. Historic Property Criteria. The class of property eligible to apply for special valuation in the city means all properties listed on the city register of historic places or properties certified as contributing to a local 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.
2. Application Criteria. Complete applications shall consist of the following documentation:
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;
d. A notarized affidavit attesting to the actual cost of the 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; and
e. For properties located within historic districts, in addition to the standard application documentation, a statement from the appropriate local official, as specified in local administrative rules or by the local government, indicating the property is a certified historic structure is required.
3. Property Review Criteria. In its review the commission shall determine if the properties meet all the following criteria:
a. The property is historic property;
b. The property is included within a class of historic property determined eligible for special valuation by the city under subsection (C)(1) of this section;
c. The property has been rehabilitated at a cost which meets the definition set forth in RCW 84.26.020(2) within twenty-four months prior to the date of application; and
d. The property has not been altered in any way which 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(1)) and listed in subsection (C)(4) of this section.
4. Rehabilitation and Maintenance Criteria. The Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties in WAC 254-20-100 shall be used by the commission as minimum requirements for determining whether or not an historic property is eligible for special valuation and whether or not the property continues to be eligible for special valuation once it has been so classified, as follows:
a. Rehabilitation.
i. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for an historic property which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment, or to use an 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 distinctive 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 historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
iv. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure, or site and its environment. The 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. In the event 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 archaeological 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 historical, architectural or cultural material, and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment.
x. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.
b. Maintenance. Buildings and structures shall not be allowed to deteriorate beyond the point where routine maintenance and repair will return them to good condition.
i. Buildings shall be kept in a safe and habitable condition at all times. Structural defects and hazards shall be corrected. Any condition which constitutes a fire hazard shall be eliminated.
ii. Buildings shall be protected against ongoing water damage due to defective 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.
iii. Deteriorated exterior architectural features and any broken or missing doors and windows shall be repaired or replaced.
iv. 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.
D. Agreement. The historic preservation special valuation agreement in WAC 254-20-120 shall be used by the commission as the minimum agreement necessary to comply with the requirements of RCW 84.26.050(2), as follows:
This Historic Preservation Agreement is entered into on this day of _________, ___________ by and between ____________________________ (hereinafter referred to as APPLICANT) and Walla Walla Historic Preservation Commission (hereinafter referred to as HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION).
WHEREAS APPLICANT is the owner of record of the historic property commonly known as ________________________, located at ________________________, as more fully described in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (hereinafter referred to as PROPERTY); and
WHEREAS APPLICANT has requested special valuation of the PROPERTY pursuant to chapter 84.26 RCW; and
WHEREAS the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION has determined that the PROPERTY has been substantially rehabilitated within the two year period preceding the date of application and the actual cost of said rehabilitation equals or exceeds twenty-five percent of the assessed valuation of the PROPERTY prior to the improvements; and
WHEREAS the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION has verified that the PROPERTY is historic property that falls within a class of properties determined eligible for special valuation by local ordinance or administrative rule; and
WHEREAS the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION finds that the rehabilitation work has not altered the PROPERTY in any way which adversely affects those elements which qualify it as historically significant;
NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of the foregoing, the APPLICANT enters into this Agreement with the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION and agrees to adhere to the following terms and conditions for the ten-year period of the special valuation classification.
1. APPLICANT agrees to comply with the Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Historic Properties as set forth in Exhibit B, which is attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein.
2. APPLICANT agrees the property shall not be altered without the prior written consent of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION signed by a duly authorized representative thereof. No construction, alteration or remodeling or any other action shall be undertaken or permitted to be undertaken which would affect the historic character of the PROPERTY which classifies it as eligible for special valuation, or which would affect the appearance of the PROPERTY as depicted in the photographs attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference as Exhibits through, or which would adversely affect the structural soundness of the PROPERTY; or refinishing of presently existing parts or elements of the PROPERTY subject to this Agreement, damage to which has resulted from casualty loss, deterioration or wear and tear, shall be permitted without the prior approval of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION, provided that such reconstruction, repair, repainting, or refinishing is performed in a manner which will not alter the appearance of those elements of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION shall include, but not be limited to, any substantial structural change or any change in design, color or materials.
3. APPLICANT agrees the PROPERTY shall not be demolished without the prior written consent of the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION.
4. APPLICANT agrees to make historic aspects of the PROPERTY accessible to the public one day each year if the PROPERTY is not visible from a public right of way.
5. APPLICANT agrees to monitor the PROPERTY for its continued qualification for special valuation and notify the appropriate County Assessor within 30 days if the PROPERTY becomes disqualified because of:
a. A loss of historic integrity,
b. Sale or transfer to new ownership exempt for taxation, or
c. Sale or transfer to new ownership which does not intend to agree to the terms of this Agreement nor file a notice of compliance form with the County Assessor.
6. The APPLICANT and HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION both agree that there shall be no changes in standards of maintenance, public access, alteration, or report requirements, or any other provisions of this Agreement, during the period of the classification without the approval of all parties to the Agreement.
Term of the Agreement. This Agreement shall take effect immediately upon signature and remain in effect until the property is no longer eligible for special valuation either through disqualification under RCW 84.26.080 or upon expiration of the ten-year period of special valuation commencing January 1, and ending December 31.
Hold Harmless. The APPLICANT and its successors or assigns shall hold the State, the City of Walla Walla, and the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION and its members and staff harmless from any and all liability and claims which may be asserted against the State, the city, and/or the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION or its members or staff as a result of this Historic Preservation Special Valuation Agreement or the Participation by the APPLICANT in the Special Valuation Program.
Governing Law. The terms of this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington excepting conflict of law principles.
E. Appeals. Any decision of the commission acting on any application for classification as historic property, eligible for special valuation, may be appealed to Superior Court under Chapter 34.04.130 RCW in addition to any other remedy of law. Any decision on the disqualification of historic property eligible for special valuation, or any other dispute under this section, may be appealed to the county board of equalization pursuant to RCW 84.26.130. (Ord. 2019-38 § 1 (part), 2019: Ord. 2002-26 § 1, 2002).