There is hereby established a city of Sumner historic preservation commission, consisting of up to seven members, as provided in SMC § 2.95.020.
(Ord. 2275 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2389 § 1, 2012; Ord. 2963, 4/20/2026)
All active appointments to the design commission established pursuant to SMC chapter 2.89, shall also serve as members of the historic preservation commission and any reference to "commission" in this chapter shall mean the design commissioners.
(Ord. 2275 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2389 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2963, 4/20/2026)
The appointment and terms of office shall be the same as the design commission as currently outlined or hereafter amended in SMC§ 2.89.040.
(Ord. 2275 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2963, 4/20/2026)
The major responsibility of the historic preservation commission is to identify and actively encourage the conservation of the city of Sumner's historic resources by reviewing all property owner applications to be placed on a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties; to raise community awareness of the city of Sumner's history and historic resources; and to serve as the city's primary advisory group on matters of history, historic planning, and preservation. In carrying out these responsibilities, the historic preservation commission may engage in the following:
A. 
Create and maintain a comprehensive inventory of historic resources within the boundaries of the city of Sumner and known as the Sumner Historic Register, and publicize and periodically update inventory results. Properties listed on the inventory shall be recorded on official zoning records with an "HI" (for historic inventory designation). This designation shall not change or modify the underlying zone classification.
B. 
Initiate and maintain the Sumner Historic Register. 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 of Sumner and encourage efforts by owners to maintain, rehabilitate, and preserve properties.
C. 
Review nominations to the Sumner Historic Register according to criteria in SMC § 18.39.060 and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide this review.
D. 
Review proposals to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, move, or significantly affect properties or districts on the register as provided in SMC § 18.39.100; and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide this review and the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness.
E. 
Provide for the review by the commission of all applications for approvals, permits, environmental assessments or impact statements, and other similar documents pertaining to identified historic resources or adjacent properties.
F. 
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.
G. 
Participate in, promote and conduct public information, educational and interpretive programs pertaining to historic and prehistoric resources.
H. 
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 Sumner area.
I. 
When requested, 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 of Sumner, other neighboring communities, Pierce County, the state or federal governments, as they relate to historic resources of the city of Sumner.
J. 
When requested, advise the city council and the mayor generally on matters of Sumner history and historic preservation.
K. 
Perform other related functions assigned to the commission by the city council or city staff.
L. 
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.
M. 
As resources allow, officially recognize excellence in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, structures, sites and districts, and new construction in historic areas.
N. 
Be informed about and provide information to the public and city of Sumner departments on incentives for preservation of historic resources including legislation, regulations and codes which encourage the use and adaptive reuse of historic properties.
O. 
Review nominations to the State and National Registers of Historic Places, when requested.
P. 
Investigate and report to the city council, when requested, on the use of various federal, state, local or private funding sources available to promote historic resource preservation in the city of Sumner.
Q. 
Serve as the local review board for special property tax valuation and:
1. 
Make determination concerning the eligibility of historic properties for special valuation;
2. 
Verify that the improvements are consistent with the Washington State Advisory Council's Standards for Rehabilitation and Maintenance;
3. 
Enter into agreements with property owners for the duration of the special valuation period as required under WAC 254-20-070(2);
4. 
Approve or deny applications for special valuation;
5. 
Monitor the property for continued compliance with the agreement and statutory eligibility requirements during the 10-year special valuation period; and
6. 
Adopt bylaws and/or administrative rules and comply with all other local review board responsibilities identified in chapter 84.26 RCW.
R. 
The commission is encouraged to adopt rules of procedure to address subsections C, D, F, and Q, inclusive, of this section.
(Ord. 2275 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2963, 4/20/2026)
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.
(Ord. 2275 § 1, 2008)