Pullman City Zoning Code

17.15 Historic

Preservation

(1) The Director of Community Development is authorized to administer the provisions of this Chapter.

(2) The provisions of this Chapter will be held to be the minimum requirements necessary for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare, and said provisions will be liberally construed to serve this Chapter.

17.15.010 Purpose.

This Chapter is to provide for the identification, evaluation, designation, and protection of significant historic and prehistoric resources within the City and preserve and rehabilitate eligible historic properties for future generations through special valuation, a property tax incentive, as provided in Chapter 84.26 RCW to:

(1) safeguard the heritage of the community as represented by those buildings, districts, objects, sites, and structures which reflect significant elements of its history;

(2) foster civic and neighborhood pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past, and a sense of identity based on the community’s history;

(3) encourage the stabilization or improvement of the aesthetic and economic vitality and values of such sites, improvements, and objects;

(4) assist, encourage, and provide incentives to private owners for preservation, restoration, redevelopment and use of outstanding historic buildings, districts, objects, sites, and structures;

(5) promote and facilitate the early identification and resolution of conflicts between preservation of historic resources and alternative land uses; and

(6) promote and facilitate the conservation of valuable material and energy resources through ongoing use and maintenance of the existing built environment. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025; Ord. 10-26 §3, 2010. Formerly 16.60.010).

17.15.020 Authority and Applicability.

(1) The Director of Community Development is authorized to administer the provisions of this Chapter.

(3) If the provisions of this Chapter conflict one with another, or with the provisions of another ordinance of the City, or with the laws, regulations, codes, or rules enacted by another authority having jurisdiction within the City, the most restrictive provision or the provision imposing the highest standard will prevail, except when constrained by federal or state law. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025; Ord. 21-15 §6, 2021; Ord. 10-26 §4, 2010. Formerly 16.60.020).

17.15.030 Definitions.

Words used in this Chapter will have their ordinary and customary meaning, unless specifically defined otherwise. The definitions below will be used in the interpretation and administration of this Chapter.

(1) Actual Cost of Rehabilitation. Costs incurred within 24 months prior to the date of application and directly resulting from one or more of the following:

(a) improvements to an existing building located on or within the perimeters of the original structure; or

(b) improvements outside of but directly attached to the original structure which are necessary to make the building fully usable but will not include rentable/habitable floor space attributable to new construction; or

(d) all costs defined as “qualified rehabilitation expenditures” for purposes of the Federal Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit.

(2) Adverse Effect. Alteration, directly or indirectly, to any of the characteristics of a historic property that qualify the property for inclusion in a historic register by diminishing the property’s historic integrity. Adverse effects may include reasonably foreseeable effects caused by the undertaking that may occur later in time, be farther removed in distance, or be cumulative.

(3) Certificate of Alteration. The document indicating that the HPC has reviewed the proposed changes to an individual property on the Register or any property within an Historic District on the Register and certified the changes as not adversely affecting the historic characteristics of the property which contribute to its designation, in accordance with the provisions of PCC 17.15.060.

(4) Certificate of Demolition. The document indicating that the HPC has reviewed the proposed whole or partial demolition of a structure(s) on an individual property on the Register or any property within an Historic District on the Register and, failing to find alternatives to demolition, allows the Building Official to issue a permit for demolition, in accordance with the provisions of PCC 17.15.060.

(5) Certified Local Government (CLG). 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.

(6) Consultation. A process to seek, discuss, and consider the views of all participants in a review.

(7) Consulting Party. A person, entity, or organization that has consultative standing regarding the identification, evaluation, registration, or treatment of historic properties under the provisions of this Title, including the HPC and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

(8) Cost. The actual cost of rehabilitation, which cost will be at least 25% of the assessed valuation of the historic property, exclusive of the assessed value attributable to the land, prior to rehabilitation.

(9) Cumulative Effect. Adverse effects may be cumulative. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. An individual action may not have much effect, but it may be part of a pattern of actions whose combined effects on a resource are significant. See also “Adverse Effect.”

(10) Distinct Property. A parcel of land that is separate from other parcels of land by means of a designated lot shown on an official recorded subdivision, a recorded deed, or other appropriate document filed with the Whitman County Auditor.

(11) Disturbance. An adverse effect to the historic value or historic significance of a property or site.

(a) Work necessary to prevent destruction or dilapidation to real property or structural accessories thereto immediately threatened or damaged by fire, flood, earthquake, or other disaster; or

(b) Work necessary to abate an unsafe condition associated with a structure formally determined by the Building Official to be an unsafe structure pursuant to PCC Title 2.

(13) Historic District. Historic property consisting of multiple buildings, sites, structures, or objects located in proximity to one another and related in historic period or theme and listed on the Register.

(14) Historic Integrity. The ability of a property to convey its significance. The National Register of Historic Places identifies seven aspects of historic integrity: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

(15) Historic Property. Real property together with improvements thereon which is listed on the Register.

(16) Incentives. Certain rights or privileges which the City Council, or other local, state, or federal public body, by virtue of applicable present or future legislation, may be authorized to grant or obtain for the owner(s) of Register properties, including, but not limited to, tax relief, conditional use permits, rezoning, street vacation, planned unit development, transfer of development rights, facade easements, gifts, preferential leasing policies, or beneficial placement of public improvements or amenities.

(17) Indirect Effect. An effect that may change the character of the property’s use or of physical features within the property’s setting that contribute to its historic significance, or introduce visual, atmospheric, or audible elements that diminish the integrity of the property’s significant historic features. See also “Adverse Effect.”

(18) Minimization. An alternative and/or measure that reduces the magnitude of the scale or nature of an effect on a historic property.

(19) National Register of Historic Places. The national listing of properties significant to our cultural history because of their documented importance to our history, architectural history, engineering, or cultural heritage.

(20) Object. 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.

(21) Ordinary Repair and Maintenance. Work for which a permit is not required under PCC Title 2, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, 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; the term includes painting or repainting of interior or exterior surfaces of structures.

(22) Professional Staff. The Director of Community Development or their designee(s).

(23) Pullman Register of Historic Places (Register). The listing of locally designated historic properties provided for in PCC 17.15.050.

(24) Recognized Historical Significance. A building or structure eligible for listing on a local, state, or national historic register. Pursuant to WAC 197-11-800(2)(g), demolition of a building of recognized historical significance will require a SEPA review.

(25) Rehabilitation. 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.

(26) Review. A process where feedback and recommendations regarding the identification, evaluation, registration, or treatment of historic properties are sought with a person, entity, or organization that has consultative standing.

(27) Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards. Requirements set by the National Park Service (NPS) to define the minimum education and experience required to perform identification and evaluation of historic properties, among other associated tasks. Qualified professionals in the relevant historic preservation fields apply the National Register of Historic Places Criteria for Evaluation to determine the significance of a property.

(28) Significance or Significant. A property with local, state, or national significance 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 Pullman, Whitman County, or southeast 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 (1) 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.

(29) Site. A place where a significant event or pattern of events occurred, and may include the location of prehistoric or historic occupation or activities that may be marked by physical remains, or a place that is the symbolic focus of a significant event or pattern of events and may not have been actively occupied, or the location of a ruined or now non-extant building or structure if the location itself possesses historic cultural or archaeological significance.

(30) Special Valuation. 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 ten years, the actual cost of the rehabilitation under the provisions of PCC 17.15.080 and Chapter 84.26 RCW.

(31) State Register of Historic Places. 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.

(32) State Review Board. The advisory council on historic preservation established under Chapter 27.34 RCW, or any successor agency designated by the State to act as the State Historic Preservation Review Board under federal law.

(33) Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM). The grid zone in metric measurement providing for an exact point of numerical reference. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025; Ord. 21-15 §6, 2021; Ord. 10-26 §5, 2010. Formerly 16.60.030).

17.15.040 Historic Preservation Commission.

(1) Creation. There is hereby established an Historic Preservation Commission, as provided in subsection (2) of this section. Said HPC will serve as the local review board pursuant to Chapter 84.26 RCW.

(2) Organization. The HPC will be organized in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) The HPC will consist of seven (7) members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. All members of the commission will have a demonstrated interest and/or competence in historic preservation and possess qualities of impartiality and broad judgment.

(b) Members of the HPC will either be residents of the City or own real property within the City.

(c) A minimum of three (3) positions on the HPC will be reserved for people who have 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 HPC action that would otherwise be valid will not be rendered invalid by the temporary vacancy of any or all of the three (3) positions, unless the HPC action is related to meeting CLG responsibilities cited in the Certification Agreement between the Mayor and the State Historic Preservation Officer on behalf of the State.

(d) The original appointment of members to the HPC will be as follows: two (2) members for two (2) years, two (2) members for three (3) years; and three (3) members for four (4) years. Thereafter, appointments will be made for a three (3) year term. Members may be appointed to successive terms. Vacancies will be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. Members may be removed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council for inefficiency or neglect of duty.

(e) In making HPC appointments, the Mayor may consider names submitted from any source, but the Mayor should notify history and community 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.

(3) Duties and Responsibilities. The primary responsibilities of the HPC are 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 HPC will engage in the following activities:

(a) conduct and maintain a comprehensive inventory of historic resources within the boundaries of the City and adopt standards in its rules to guide this activity;

(b) initiate and administer the Register as described in PCC 17.15.050 and adopt standards in its rules to guide this activity;

(c) review proposals to construct, modify, remodel, move, demolish, or significantly affect properties or districts on the Register as provided in PCC 17.15.060 and adopt standards in its rules to guide this review and the issuance of a Certificate of Alteration or Certificate of Demolition;

(d) serve as the local review board for special property tax valuation in accordance with the provisions of PCC 17.15.080 and adopt standards in its rules to guide this activity;

(e) review nominations to the State and National Registers of Historic Places;

(f) provide for the review either by the HPC or its Professional Staff of all applications for approvals, permits, environmental assessments or impact statements, and other similar documents pertaining to identified historic resources or adjacent properties;

(g) conduct and promote public educational and interpretive programs regarding historic and prehistoric resources, addressing such topics as maintenance and rehabilitation of historic properties to encourage appropriate use and preservation of historic resources and discourage the deterioration of historic properties due to neglect, abandonment, or other cause;

(h) cooperate with federal, state, and other local government entities on matters that further historic preservation objectives in the community;

(i) advise the Mayor and Council on matters pertaining to history and historic preservation, including recommendations on land use, housing, and capital improvement proposals that may affect local historic resources, and communication about various federal, state, local or private funding sources available to promote historic preservation in the community;

(j) 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;

(k) conduct all HPC 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; and

(l) perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be conferred by City ordinance or as directed by the Council.

(4) Rules of Procedure. The HPC will adopt, by resolution, rules for its own self-government, including provisions regarding:

(a) rules of procedure to address the activities described in subsections (3)(a) through (3)(d) of this section;

(b) compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act (Chapter 42.30 RCW);

(d) frequency of meetings.

(5) Minutes. The HPC will keep minutes of its proceedings showing the action of the commission upon each question. Such minutes will include the names of interested persons who provide comments regarding a matter under consideration and the respective position of each. In addition, the minutes will document the HPC’s decisions and reference any conditions imposed by the commission. These minutes will be filed with the City Clerk and will be public records. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025; Ord. 10-26 §6, 2010. Formerly 16.60.040).

17.15.050 Pullman Register of Historic Places.

(1) Criteria for Determining Designation in the Register. Any building, structure, site, object, or district may be designated for inclusion in the Register if it is significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or cultural heritage of the community; if it has integrity; is at least 50 years old, or is of lesser age and has exceptional importance; and if it falls in 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;

(d) exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City’s cultural, special, 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 an historic person or event;

(h) is a birthplace or grave of an historical 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 patterns;

(j) is a reconstructed building that has been executed in an historically accurate manner on the original site; or

(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.

(a) Any person may nominate a building, structure, site, object, or district for inclusion in the Register. Members of the HPC or the HPC as a whole may generate nominations. In its nomination decision, the HPC will consider the Pullman inventory of historic resources and the City comprehensive plan.

(b) In the case of individual properties, the nomination will include the written consent of the owner(s) of the subject property. The nomination documentation will also include the UTM reference and all features – interior and exterior – of principal structures and accessory buildings that contribute to its significance.

(c) In the case of districts, the nomination will include a description of the boundaries of the district; the characteristics of the district which justify its inclusion on the Register; and a list of all properties including features, structures, sites, and objects which contribute to the significance of the district. The nomination documentation will also include the written consent of the owners of at least 60% of the total number of distinct properties located within the proposed district.

(d) The HPC will consider the nomination at a public meeting. Notice of the nomination will be given to the public, the owner(s) of all properties that are the subject of the nomination and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, of any subject property, at least 30 days prior to the public meeting in accordance with rules established by the HPC pursuant to PCC 17.15.040(4). Such notice will include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and posting of the property.

(e) The HPC will consider the merits of the nomination, according to the criteria in subsection (1) of this section, and according to nomination review standards that may be established by the HPC pursuant to PCC 17.15.040(4). If the HPC finds that the nominated property or district is eligible for the Register, the HPC will list the property or district in the Register. The public, the authors of the nomination, and the owner(s) of the subject property(ies) will be notified of the listing.

(a) Listing on the Register is an honorary designation denoting significant association with the historic, archaeological, engineering, or cultural heritage of the community. Properties are listed individually or as located within an historic district.

(b) Prior to the commencement of any work on an historic property as defined herein or any property located within an historic district as defined herein, excluding ordinary repair and maintenance and emergency measures defined in PCC 17.15.030, the owner or their authorized agent must request and receive a Certificate of Alteration from the HPC for the proposed work. Violation of this provision will be grounds for the HPC to review the historic property or historic district for removal from the Register.

(c) Prior to whole or partial demolition of an historic property as defined herein or any property located within an historic district as defined herein, the owner must request and receive a Certificate of Demolition.

(d) Only historic properties listed on the Register are eligible for special tax valuation in accordance with the provisions of PCC 17.15.080.

(4) Process for Removing Properties or Districts from the Register. Any property or district that is no longer deemed appropriate for designation on the Register, the HPC, the owner of the subject property, or any owner within the subject district may propose the removal of that property or district from the Register by the same procedure described in subsection (2) of this section for designating a property or district on the Register. Owner consent for removal of a property or district from the register is not required.

(5) Appeal of Decisions to Designate or Remove Properties on Register. Any aggrieved party may appeal a decision of the HPC to designate or remove a property or district on the Register. Said appeal will be filed with the City Clerk and will be accompanied by an appeal fee, the amount of which is set by resolution of the Council. An appeal of such a decision will be heard by the Hearing Examiner in accordance with the procedures described in PCC 16.39.170. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025; Ord. 10-26 §7, 2010. Formerly 16.60.050).

17.15.060 Review of Alterations to Register Properties.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person will alter an individual property on the Register or any property within an historic district on the Register without receipt from the HPC of a Certificate of Alteration or, in the case of demolition, a Certificate of Demolition. The review process will apply to all features of the property, interior and exterior, that contribute to the designation of the property or an historic district as listed on the nomination form. The requirements below will apply to review of property alterations or demolitions under this Section.

(1) Requests for Review. The Building Official will notify the HPC or Professional Staff of any application for a permit to work on an individual property on the Register or any property within an historic district on the Register. If the activity is not exempt from review, the HPC or Professional Staff will notify the applicant of the review requirements. The Building Official will not issue any such permit until a Certificate of Alteration or Certificate of Demolition is received from the HPC but will work with the HPC as appropriate to provide information regarding applicable building and fire code regulations. Said regulations will include provisions authorized in RCW 19.27.120 and the International Existing Building Code Chapter 12: Historic Buildings. Applications for a Certificate of Alteration or a Certificate of Demolition will be filed with the Director of Community Development.

(a) Application Materials. Applications for a Certificate of Alteration will include the following information and materials:

(i) the applicant’s name and address, and the owner’s name, address, and written consent if the applicant is not the owner;

(ii) proof of ownership of the property;

(iii) a legal description of the property;

(iv) comprehensive exterior and interior photographs of the property;

(v) a scaled plot plan exhibiting dimensions and orientation of the property, location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures, and location and layout of parking areas, walkways, and landscaping, provided the proposal involves alterations to the exterior dimensions of any structure on the property;

(vi) architectural plans or other legible drawings, drawn to scale, depicting the proposed alteration activity, including a description of existing and proposed building materials and colors; and

(vii) an application fee, the amount will be set by resolution of the Council.

(b) Exemptions. The following activities do not require a Certificate of Alteration or review by the HPC:

(i) ordinary repair and maintenance, as defined in PCC 17.15.030;

(ii) emergency measures, as defined in PCC 17.15.030; or

(iii) work involving interior features of a property that the HPC has not designated as historic features unless the interior work is being considered for Special Tax Valuation.

(i) The HPC will meet with the applicant and review the proposed work according to the design review criteria in its rules established pursuant to PCC 17.15.040. Unless legally required, there will be no notice, posting, or publication requirements for action on the application, but all such actions will be made at regular or special meetings of the HPC. The HPC will complete its review and make its recommendations within 45 calendar days of the date of receipt of a complete application. If the HPC is unable to process the request, the HPC may ask for an extension of time.

(ii) The HPC’s recommendations will be in writing and will state the findings of fact and reasons relied upon in reaching its decision. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant in this review process will become conditions of approval of the permits granted. If the owner agrees to the HPC’s recommendations, a Certificate of Alteration will be granted by the HPC according to standards established in the HPC’s rules.

(iii) The HPC recommendations and, if granted, the Certificate of Alteration will be transmitted to the Building Official. If a Certificate of Alteration is granted, the Building Official may then issue the permit.

(a) Application Materials. Applications for a Certificate of Demolition will include the following information and materials:

(i) the applicant’s name and address, and the owner’s name, address, and written consent if the applicant is not the owner;

(ii) proof of ownership of the property;

(iii) a legal description of the property;

(iv) comprehensive exterior and interior photographs of the property;

(v) a scaled plot plan exhibiting dimensions and orientation of the property; location and dimensions of existing structures, with an indication of which structure(s) is proposed to be demolished; and location and layout of parking areas, walkways, and landscaping; and

(vi) an application fee, the amount will be set by resolution of the Council.

(b) Exemption. Emergency measures, as defined in PCC 17.15.030, do not require a Certificate of Demolition or review by the HPC.

(i) The HPC will meet with the applicant in an attempt to find alternatives to demolition. Unless legally required, there will be no notice, posting, or publication requirements for action on the application, but all such actions will be made at regular or special meetings of the HPC. Negotiations between the HPC and applicant may last no longer than 45 calendar days from the initial meeting of the HPC, unless the applicant requests an extension of time. If no request for an extension is made and there is no agreement on an alternative to demolition, the HPC will act to approve or deny the Certificate of Demolition.

(ii) The HPC’s decision to approve or deny a Certificate of Demolition will be in writing and will state the findings of fact and reasons relied upon in reaching its decision. When issuing a Certificate of Demolition, the board may require the owner to mitigate the loss of the structure(s) by means determined by the HPC at the meeting including the possible requirement to deconstruct and salvage building materials as part of the demolition process.

(iii) The HPC’s decision and, if granted, the Certificate of Demolition will be transmitted to the Building Official. If a Certificate of Demolition is granted, the Building Official may then issue the permit.

(iv) After the demolition is accomplished, the HPC will review the property to determine if it should be removed from the register.

(4) HPC Rules. The HPC is authorized to establish rules to guide its review of applications for a Certificate of Alteration or Certificate of Demolition.

(5) Appeal of Decisions on Certificates of Alteration or Demolition. Any aggrieved party may appeal a decision of the HPC regarding a Certificate of Alteration or Certificate of Demolition to the Council within 10 calendar days after the date of the decision being appealed. The appeal must state the grounds upon which the appeal is based. The appeal will be reviewed by the Council solely on the appeal documentation and the records of the HPC. Appeal of the Council’s decision regarding a Certificate of Alteration or Certificate of Demolition may be made pursuant to Chapter 36.70C RCW, the Land Use Petition Act, in compliance with the statute and through the Whitman County Superior Court. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025; Ord. 21-15 §6, 2021; Ord. 14-5 §1, 2014; Ord. 10-26 §8, 2010. Formerly 16.60.060).

17.15.070 Demolition Permit Applications for Properties 45 Years Old or Older.

(1) Images Required. For properties that require a demolition permit and are not listed on the Register as provided in PCC 17.15.060, any application for a demolition permit must be accompanied by digital images as specified below, unless the property has been previously inventoried through the City’s Comprehensive Inventory of Historic Resources as described in PCC 17.15.040(3)(a).

Images of each entire elevation must be focused and of sufficient resolution so that details of the building or structure are clear.

(2) Evaluation. Eligibility for local register listing of buildings or structures proposed for demolition must be determined by the HPC, or on its behalf by individuals with professional qualifications that meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Criteria for evaluation will be those defined in PCC 17.15.050(1). Eligibility for listing at the State and/or National levels will be evaluated by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, unless the property has been previously inventoried through the City’s Comprehensive Inventory of Historic Resources as described in PCC 17.15.040(3)(a).

(3) Environmental Review. Per WAC 197-11-800(2)(g), a property that is eligible for listing on a Local, State, or National Historic Register may be considered to have recognized historic significance and demolition thereof potentially subject to State Environmental Policy Act Environmental Review.

(4) Mitigation. Options such as allowing the structure to be moved, salvaging historic and/or reusable building materials, and documentation and interpretation of the structure may be required as conditions of approval for a demolition permit.

(5) Exemption. Emergency measures, as defined in PCC 17.15.030, are exempt from this procedure. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025).

17.15.080 Special Property Tax Valuation.

(1) Eligible Property. To be eligible to apply for special valuation in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, a property must be individually listed on the Register or must be certified by the HPC as a contributing property within an historic district on the Register and said property must have undergone qualifying rehabilitation work within the standards described in this Section. The actual cost of rehabilitation work will be calculated based on expenses incurred for improvements or work elements completed during the 24-month period prior to the date of application. Properties subject to ongoing or phased rehabilitation work will be eligible for special valuation so long as the property meets the criteria of subsection (3)(a) of this section.

(2) Application Requirements. The requirements below will apply to applications for special valuation.

(a) The owner of an historic property desiring special valuation will apply to the Whitman County Assessor on forms provided by the Department of Revenue and supplied by the County Assessor.

(b) To be eligible for special valuation, applications must be filed by October 1 of the calendar year prior to the assessment year for which special valuation is sought.

(c) Applications for special valuation must be accompanied by fees established for such applications, provided a resolution and/or interlocal agreement(s) has been approved by the Council for this purpose.

(d) Applications for special valuation will include the following information and materials:

(i) the applicant’s name and address, and the owner’s name, address, and written consent if the applicant is not the owner;

(ii) proof of ownership of the property;

(iii) a legal description of the property;

(iv) comprehensive exterior and interior photographs of the property before and after rehabilitation;

(v) architectural plans or other legible drawings, drawn to scale, depicting the completed rehabilitation work, including a description of applicable building materials and colors; and

(vi) documentation as to the actual cost of the rehabilitation project and the period during which the rehabilitation took place, and a notarized affidavit attesting to the accuracy of this information.

(e) The HPC is authorized to examine the applicant’s records and may require the applicant to provide information in addition to the material required in subsection (2)(d) of this section to assist in its review.

(3) Application Procedures. The procedures below will be followed regarding applications for special valuation.

(a) Following receipt of an application for special valuation from the county assessor, the HPC will conduct a public meeting to review the application consistent with the provisions of this Section and the HPC’s rules. At said public meeting, the HPC will determine if the application is complete and if the property in question meets the following criteria:

(i) the property is historic property;

(ii) the property is included within a class of historic property determined eligible for special valuation by the provisions of this Section;

(iii) the property has been rehabilitated at a cost which meets the definition of “cost” described in PCC 17.15.030; and

(iv) the property has not been altered in any way that adversely affects those elements that qualify it as historically significant, utilizing for this purpose the Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties described in WAC 254-20-100.

(b) If the HPC determines that the application for special valuation is complete and the property in question satisfies all the criteria described in subsection (3)(a) of this section, it will, on behalf of the City, enter into an agreement with the owner that meets the specifications of WAC 254-20-120. Upon execution of said agreement between the HPC and the owner, the HPC will approve the application for special valuation.

(c) If the HPC determines that the property in question does not meet all of the requirements for special valuation, including the criteria described in subsection (3)(a) of this section, it will deny the application.

(d) The HPC will certify its decision in writing and state the facts upon which the approval or denial is based. Within 10 days of issuing a decision, the HPC will file a copy of its certified written decision, all application materials, and any pertinent agreement(s) with the county assessor for recording. The HPC will also transmit a copy of the certification to the applicant. If the HPC has approved an application for special valuation, the HPC will notify the State Review Board of such approval.

(e) Complete applications for special valuation filed on or before October 1 will be approved or denied by the HPC before December 31 of the calendar year in which the application is made.

(a) Following the execution of a special valuation agreement between the HPC and the property owner, no changes in standards of maintenance, public access, alteration, report requirements, or any other provisions of the agreement will be allowed during the special valuation period without the approval of all parties to the agreement.

(b) The HPC will monitor properties for which special valuation has been approved and, if it suspects any irregularities, it will conduct a public meeting in accordance with its rules to determine whether or not a property is disqualified from special valuation due to:

(i) the owner’s failure to comply with the terms of the agreement; or

(ii) a loss of historic value resulting from physical changes to the building or site, utilizing for this purpose the Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties described in WAC 254-20-100.

(c) In the event that the HPC concludes that a property is no longer qualified for special valuation, it will notify the owner, the county assessor, and the State Review Board in writing and state the facts supporting its findings.

(a) Any decision of the HPC acting on an application for classification as historic property eligible for special valuation may be appealed to Superior Court of Whitman County under RCW 34.05.510 through 34.05.598 through in addition to any other remedy of law.

(b) Any decision on the disqualification of historic property eligible for special valuation, or any other dispute, may be appealed to the County Board of Equalization in accordance with RCW 84.40.038.

(6) Intergovernmental Agreement. The City may enter into an agreement with Whitman County to establish specific procedures by which applications for special valuation will be processed. This agreement may include, but will not be limited to, provisions regarding fees and administrative responsibilities. (Ord. 25-08 §1 (Att. A), 2025; Ord. 10-27 §9, 2010. Formerly 16.60.070).