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Local Government:
Sample Ordinances & Design Review
True protection of historic resources takes place at the local level of government. One of the key components to all Certified Local Governments is the Historic Preservation Ordinance. An ordinance spells out exactly what the local preservation program entails. A model ordinance is available from the State Historic Preservation Office that meets all of the requirements necessary for a local government to become certified. A local ordinance will put in place an historic preservation commission; a local register of historic places; a mechanism for the design review of locally listed properties; as well as any incentives for historic property owners such as Special Tax Valuation.
The purpose of design review is to protect the character of locally listed properties and to ensure that new development, or changes to existing properties, are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. The design review process considers a wide range of design issues. These may include such things as building scale and massing, architectural history and details, signs and advertising features, building materials, and in some cases even paint color. Each local government decides the breadth and scope of its design guidelines, although many communities in Washington simply use the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation as their guidelines.
The University of Georgia, School or Environmental Design maintains a web-based resource library of design guidelines from throughout the country. Many of the guidelines are available electronically.
Ordinance and Design Review Examples from Washington State
- Model State Ordinance (download Word doc)
- Design Guidelines for Oysterville, Washington (download pdf file)
- Design Guidelines for Grandview neighborhood, Wenatchee (download pdf file)
- Design Guidelines for Steilacoom (download pdf file)
- Design Guidelines for Corbin Park neighborhood, Spokane (download pdf file)
Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
1063 South Capitol Way, Suite 106
Olympia WA 98501
Phone: 360-586-3065
Fax: 360-586-3067