Historic Preservation

Introduction
Reference Sources
Documents

Introduction

Local city and county heritage programs in Washington State, similar to other historic preservation programs across the country, emerged following the adoption of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665, 16 U.S.C. sec. 470 et seq.) This act is the key statute that defines present federal and state historic preservation programs. It established the National Register of Historic Places and authorized National Historic Landmark listings.

The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) in Olympia provides expertise, services and training for the protection and preservation of Washington's historic places, including the efforts of local government agencies. This department also processes nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and provides technical assistance in implementing the Special Valuation Program, a local option state property tax incentive program. To qualify for special valuation, rehabilitation must comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. DAHP administers the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, which recognizes and supports local historic preservation programs that meet federal and state standards.

Among its 13 goals, Washington's Growth Management Act (GMA) includes a goal to "Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and structures that have historical, cultural, and archaeological significance." RCW 36.70A.020(13) Although the GMA does not require an historic preservation or cultural resources element in a comprehensive plan, cities and counties planning under the GMA must consider and incorporate the historic preservation goal.

Local governments are certified by the State Historic Preservation Officer when they have established their own historic preservation commission and a program meeting federal and state standards under the National Historic Preservation Act. The National Historic Preservation Amendments Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-515) contains the legal basis for the Certified Local Governments (CLG) program. For information about CLGs in Washington State, contact the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation at (360) 586-3074. As of 2011, 45 cities and counties in Washington State were CLGs.

Reference Sources

Statutes
Court Decisions
Administrative Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions about Historic Preservation in Seattle (from Seattle Historic Preservation Program)
Links to Other Cultural Resources and Historic Preservation Websites
Selected MRSC Library Holdings - Cultural Resources and Historic Preservation [Note: Clicking on this link will take you to a list of documents available on loan through the MRSC library.]

Documents and Resources

General Historic Preservation Resources

Historic Preservation: A Tool for Managing Growth () by Greg Griffith and updated by Diane Wiatr, Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, June 2005
Historic Preservation Learning Portal, A Partnership Initiative of the National Park Service and Other Federal Agencies
Illustrated Guidelines for Preserving Historic Buildings, The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, U.S. National Park Service
A Citizen's Guide to Protecting Historic Places: Local Preservation Ordinances () Smart Growth Tools for Main Street, National Trust for Historic Preservation
The Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation in Washington State: Summary Report () Prepared for: Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation by Matt Dadswell and William B. Beyers, Nov. 2006.
Fort Collins Historic Preservation
National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Green Lab.