This chapter may be cited as the “Tacoma Landmarks and Historic Special Review Districts Code.”
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15)
[1]
Note: Chapter 13.07 was repealed and reenacted by Ord. 27429, 2005-11-15. Prior legislation; Ord. 26611, 2000-04-04; Ord. 26556, 1999-12-14; Ord. 26386, 1999-03-23; Ord. 26144, 1997-10-28; Ord. 25747, 1995-08-05; Ord. 24877, 1991-04-02; Ord. 24505, 1989-12-12; Ord. 23694, 1986-09-09; Ord. 23005, 1983-09-06; Ord. 22303, 1981-02-03; Ord. 21283, 1978-03-07; Ord. 20806, 1976-07-13.
The City finds that the protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and continued use of landmarks, districts, and elements of historic, cultural, architectural, archeological, engineering, or geographic significance located within the City are required in the interests of the prosperity, civic pride, ecological, and general welfare of its citizens. The City further finds that the economic, cultural, and aesthetic standing of the City cannot be maintained or enhanced by disregarding the heritage of the City or by allowing the destruction or defacement of historic and cultural assets.
The purpose of this chapter is to:
A.
Preserve and protect historic resources, including both designated City landmarks and historic resources which are eligible for state, local, or national listing;
B.
Establish and maintain an open and public process for the designation and maintenance of City landmarks and other historic resources which represent the history of architecture and culture of the City and the nation, and to apply historic preservation standards and guidelines to individual projects fairly and equitably;
C.
Promote economic development in the City through the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, structures, and districts;
D.
Conserve and enhance the physical and natural beauty of Tacoma through the development of policies that protect historically compatible settings for such buildings, places, and districts;
E.
Comply with the state Environmental Policy Act by preserving important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage; and
F.
To promote preservation compatible practices related to cultural, economic and environmental sustainability, including: conservation of resources through retention and enhancement of existing building stock, reduction of impacts to the waste stream resulting from construction activities, promotion of energy conservation, stimulation of job growth in rehabilitation industries, and promotion of Heritage Tourism;
G.
To contribute to a healthy population by encouraging human scale development and preservation activities, including walkable neighborhoods; and
H.
Integrate the historic preservation goals of the state Growth Management Act and the goals and objectives set forth in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and regulatory language.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27772 § 4, 2008-12-09; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
(Definitions. Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14; Ord. 28611 Ex. C, 2019-09-24; repealed and relocated to § 13.01.070 by Ord. 28613 Ex. G, 2019-09-24)
A.
Tacoma Register of Historic Places is established. In order to meet the purposes of this chapter and Chapter 1.42 of the TMC, there is hereby established the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. Historic resources and districts designated to this Register pursuant to the procedures and criteria listed in this chapter are subject to the controls and protections of the Landmarks Preservation Commission established by TMC Chapter 1.42 and pursuant to the design review provisions of this chapter.
B.
Criteria for the designation to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places.
1.
Threshold criteria. The Commission may determine that a property is eligible for consideration for listing on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places if it:
2.
Designation criteria for individual property nominations. In addition to the above, a property may be individually designated to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places if it:
a.
Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
b.
Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
c.
Is associated with culturally significant events, individuals or historical themes that are associated with underrepresented communities on the existing Tacoma Register of Historic Places; or
d.
Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
e.
Has yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history; or
f.
Abuts a property that is already listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places and was constructed within the period of significance of the adjacent structure; or
g.
Is already individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places; or
h.
Owing to its unique location or singular physical characteristics, represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or City.
3.
Additional criteria for considering designation of interior spaces. The Commission may include interior spaces in its designation recommendation if the Commission determines:
a.
The interior space meets the definition of “significant interior spaces” as defined in § 13.01.070S and contributes to the historic character of the property, and
b.
That the protection of the interior space would provide broad public benefit.
C.
Special criteria for the designation of Historic Special Review Districts and Conservation Districts. The City Council may find it appropriate to create Historic Special Review or Conservation Districts for the purposes of encouraging the preservation of character within established neighborhoods and districts, protecting such areas from adverse effects to their cultural and historic assets resulting from unsympathetic development activities, and for the purpose of promoting economic development and neighborhood identity.
1.
Historic Special Review Districts. Historic Special Review Districts are areas that possess a high level of historic integrity in existing architecture, development patterns and setting, in which these characteristics should be preserved. In addition to the threshold criteria listed in Section 13.07.040B.1, a proposed Historic Special Review District should possess a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development, and meet one or more of the following specific designation criteria for historic special review districts:
a.
It is associated with events or trends that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
b.
It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity from its surroundings; or
c.
It is associated with a culturally significant history that is underrepresented in the Tacoma Register of Historic Places and/or is being sponsored by a community organization associated with that history.
2.
Conservation Districts. Conservation Districts should be established in areas in which there is a clearly established existing character related to historical development patterns and/or the overall appearance of building types that were constructed in a defined period of time, generally prior to 50 years before the present. In conjunction with or independent of the establishment of a historic district it may be warranted to consider the establishment of a Conservation District. A proposed Conservation District should meet one of the following specific criteria:
a.
The area is part of, adjacent to, or related to an existing or proposed historic district or other distinctive area which should be redeveloped or preserved according to a plan based on a historic, cultural, or architectural motif; or
b.
It possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.
c.
Although it shall possess historic character based upon an intact development pattern and a prevailing historic architectural character expressed through its assemblage of buildings, a Conservation District is not required to meet the criteria for landmark designation as outlined above.
3.
The boundaries of Historic Special Review Districts and Conservation Districts should be based upon a definable geographic area that can be distinguished from surrounding properties by changes such as density, scale, type, age, style of sites, buildings, structures, and objects or by documented differences in patterns of historic development or associations. Although recommended boundaries may be affected by other concerns, including underlying zoning, political or jurisdictional boundaries and property owner sentiment, to the extent feasible, the boundaries should be based upon a shared historical or architectural relationship among the properties constituting the district.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-01-14; Ord. 28611 Ex. C, 2019-09-24; Ord. 29063 Ex. C, 2025-10-21)
A.
Process for the nomination of individual properties, generally.
1.
Any resident of Tacoma or City official, including members of the City Council, City staff, or members of the Planning Commission, may request consideration by the Landmarks Preservation Commission of any particular property for placement on the Tacoma Register of Historical Places.
2.
A written request, which shall be in the form of a completed nomination to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, shall be made to the Historic Preservation Officer. For properties that are individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the National Register nomination form may be submitted in lieu of a Tacoma Register form. At a minimum, the nomination form shall contain the following:
a.
A narrative statement which addresses the historical or cultural significance of the property, in terms of the Designation Criteria listed in this chapter; and
b.
A narrative statement which addresses the physical condition assessment and architectural description; and
c.
Specific language indicating which improvements on the site are included in the nomination, including any significant interior spaces; and
d.
A complete legal description; and
e.
A description of the character-defining features and architectural elements that are worthy of preservation.
f.
For nominations that are not sponsored by the property owner, the nomination sponsor must provide evidence that attempts to contact the property owner have been made prior to submittal, and provide contact information for the owner. For nominations of non-City owned properties that are under 125 years of age, written confirmation from the property owner affirming consent for the nomination is required to proceed with review of the nomination.
3.
The Historic Preservation Officer or staff may amend, edit, or complete a nomination form submitted to the City for the purposes of clarity, but may not expand the boundaries of the legal description in the nomination nor make editorial changes beyond minor formatting and proof reading without the consent of the nominating individual. Staff must note recommended amendments that have been rejected by the applicant in staff reports to the Commission.
B.
Landmarks Preservation Commission preliminary meeting on nomination.
1.
When a nomination form is found by the Historic Preservation Officer to be complete as indicated in this section, the Historic Preservation Officer shall:
a.
Schedule the nomination for preliminary consideration at the next available regularly scheduled meeting of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and shall serve the taxpayer(s) of record written notice 14 days in advance of the time and place of the meeting. If the taxpayer of record is not the sponsor of the nomination, the taxpayer of record may request an additional 30 days to respond to the nomination.
b.
Notify other City Departments and Divisions, as appropriate, of receipt of the nomination.
2.
No person shall carry out or cause to be carried out any alteration of any building, site, structure, or object under consideration by the Landmarks Preservation Commission for designation as a City Landmark, without a Certificate of Approval pursuant to TMC § 13.05.040D.
3.
At this meeting, the Landmarks Preservation Commission shall, by quorum vote, find that the application appears to meet the designation criteria contained in this chapter, that it does not meet the designation criteria, or the Commission may defer the decision if additional information is required. The Commission may also, by quorum vote, amend or edit a nomination that is under review at the preliminary meeting.
4.
If the Landmarks Preservation Commission finds that the nomination appears to meet the designation criteria, the Commission shall:
a.
Schedule the nomination for consideration and public comment at a subsequent public meeting at a specified time, date, and place not more than 90 days from the date of the preliminary meeting.
b.
Give written notice, by mail, of the time, date, place, and subject of the Commission’s meeting to consider designation of the property as a City landmark.
c.
This notice shall be given not less than 14 days prior to the meeting to all taxpayers of record of the subject property, as indicated by the records of the Pierce County Assessor, and taxpayers of record of properties within 400 feet of the subject property.
5.
If the Commission finds that the property does not meet the designation criteria at its preliminary meeting, the application is rejected and the Commission may not consider the property for designation for a period of one calendar year. Once a calendar year passes, the process may be restarted.
6.
If the Commission, following the preliminary meeting, fails to act on the nomination or schedule it for further consideration within 45 days or by its next meeting, whichever is longer, the application is rejected as above.
C.
Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting on nomination.
1.
At the meeting to consider approval of a nomination to the Register of Historic Places, the Commission shall receive information and hear public comments on whether the property meets the criteria for designation.
2.
The Commission may, by a vote of a majority of the quorum, find that the property meets one or more of the criteria for designation and should be placed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, and recommend the property for designation as a City landmark, find that the property does not meet any of the criteria or that inclusion on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places would not further the objectives of the Historic Preservation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan or this chapter, and reject the nomination, or it may defer the decision if additional information is required. The Commission shall base its recommendation on the criteria and public comment received during its review and set forth findings of fact for its decision.
3.
If the Commission finds that the property appears to meet the criteria for designation and recommends the property for designation as a City landmark, the Historic Preservation Officer shall transmit the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council for its consideration within 30 days of the decision.
4.
No proposed nomination may be extended beyond the boundaries of the land described in the original proposal unless the procedures set forth above are repeated for the enlarged boundaries.
5.
If the Commission fails to act within a 45-day period or by its next meeting, whichever is longer, the designation shall be deemed to have been rejected and the designation procedure terminated.
6.
If a nomination is rejected, the subject property shall not be considered again for historic designation for a period of at least one calendar year from the date of rejection. Once a calendar year passes, the process may be restarted.
D.
City Council review of designation.
1.
Upon receipt of a recommendation from the Commission, the City Council may place the nominated property on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places by adoption of a resolution designating the property as a historic landmark or building, as the Council may deem appropriate.
2.
If the City Council approves the designation, the designating resolution shall contain the following:
a.
Location description, including legal description, parcel number, and street address of the City landmark;
b.
Criteria under which the property is considered historic and therefore designated as a landmark;
c.
Elements of the property, including any significant interior spaces if so nominated, that the Council determines shall be subject to Landmarks Preservation Commission regulation.
3.
Upon adoption of a resolution approving the designation of a historic building as a City landmark, the City shall place the City landmark designation on the subject property’s records under its jurisdiction.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27893 Ex. A, 2010-06-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14; Ord. 28109 Ex. O, 2012-12-04; Ord. 28611 Ex. C, 2019-09-24; Ord. 28725 Ex. A, 2020-12-08; Ord. 29063 Ex. C, 2025-10-21)
A.
The City Council, Landmarks Preservation Commission, or the owner of property listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places may request removal of said property from the Register.
B.
Such a request shall be made in writing to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and shall include a statement of the basis for removal from the Register, based on the following criteria:
1.
Economic hardship. The property cannot be maintained as a City Landmark without causing undue economic hardship to the owner.
a.
This criterion shall only apply if a determination of economic hardship has been made by the Commission. See Economic Hardship, TMC § 13.05.040D.
b.
This criterion shall not apply in the case of proposed demolitions that have not been before the Commission through the normal Demolition Review process.
2.
Catastrophic loss. Due to circumstances beyond the control of the owner, such as fire, earthquake, or other catastrophic occurrence, the property has been damaged to the extent that its historic character has been irrecoverably lost.
3.
Procedural error. A property may be removed from the Historic Register if there is clear evidence that the Landmarks Preservation Commission or City Council committed any procedural errors during the consideration of the designation. This criterion does not include dissenting opinions regarding the findings or interpretations of the Commission during the designation process or the Commission’s application of the Criteria for Designation.
C.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission may itself also request removal of a property from the Historic Register in instances where:
D.
When a request for removal from the Historic Register is received, or when the Landmarks Preservation Commission resolves to request removal of a property from the Historic Register, the Commission shall:
1.
Set a date for Public Hearing within 60 days.
2.
Send written notice via mail of the date, time and location of the Public Hearing. This notice shall be given not less than 14 days prior to the meeting to all taxpayers of record of the subject property, as indicated by the records of the Pierce County Assessor, and taxpayers of record of properties within 400 feet of the subject property. For properties proposed for removal under Criterion C1, a public hearing is not required.
3.
Following the public hearing, the Commission may leave the comment period open for up to 10 days.
4.
At its next meeting, following the close of the comment period, the Commission may, by a vote of a majority of the quorum, find that the property meets one or more of the criteria for removal from the historic register and recommend the same to City Council, find that the property does not meet any of the criteria and reject the request, or it may defer the decision if additional information is required. The Commission shall set forth findings of fact for its decision.
5.
If the Commission finds that the property appears to meet the criteria for removal from the Historic Register, and recommends the property for removal from the Historic Register, the Historic Preservation Officer shall transmit the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council for its consideration within 30 days of the decision.
(Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
A.
Procedures for the nomination of Historic Special Review Districts and Conservation Districts, generally.
1.
Historic Special Review Districts are administered as overlay zones and require review by both the Landmarks Preservation Commission and Planning Commission. The Landmarks Preservation Commission, generally, is charged with evaluating the historic merits of a proposed historic district. The Planning Commission is charged with determining whether establishing a proposed district is compatible with the City’s land use policy framework.
2.
Any resident of Tacoma or City official, including members of the City Council, City staff, or members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission may propose consideration of a Historic Special Review or Conservation District. Such requests should be evaluated using the following criteria:
a.
Appropriate documentation of eligibility is readily available. Survey documentation is already prepared or could be easily prepared by an outside party in a timely manner; and
b.
For proposed historic districts, the area appears to possess a high level of significance, based upon existing documentation or survey data; or
c.
For proposed conservation districts, preliminary analysis indicates that the area appears to have a distinctive character that is desirable to maintain; and
d.
A demonstrated substantial number of property owners appear to support such a designation, as evidenced by letters, petitions or feedback from public workshops; and
e.
Creation of the district is compatible with and supports community and neighborhood plans; or
f.
The area abuts another area already listed as a historic district or conservation district; or
g.
The stated objectives of the community cannot be adequately achieved using other land use tools.
h.
The proposal, or a proposal substantially similar in location, size and other characteristics, has not been reviewed by the Commission in the previous 5 years. If the proposal is substantially similar to proposals considered within the past 5 years, the Commission may decline to consider the proposal.
i.
For historic district resubmittals that have been considered within the previous 5 years, applicants are encouraged to identify changes from previous submittals in the application materials.
3.
Private applications as defined by TMC § 13.05.030B for establishing a historic special review district shall include:
a.
A completed nomination to the Tacoma Register of Historic Places. For districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the National Register nomination form may be submitted in lieu of a Tacoma Register form. At a minimum, the nomination form shall contain the following:
i.
A narrative statement which describes how the district has changed over time and addresses the historical or cultural significance of the district, in terms of the Designation Criteria listed in this chapter; including:
• | The indigenous history of the area generally, and any specific known history of activities or settlement within geography of the proposed district; and |
• | The social and demographic history of the proposed district, including any known racial restrictions including “redlining” and or neighborhood covenants; and |
• | A description of the predominant physical and architectural features of the district that are worthy of preservation; and |
ii.
A map and description of the proposed boundary for the district and rationale for why that boundary was selected; and
iii.
A building inventory and map showing which properties within the district boundary are considered to contribute to the district’s historic or cultural significance; and
iv.
A statement of the community objectives of the historic district nomination.
b.
An application for an area-wide zoning reclassification, as described by TMC § 13.05.030B.
4.
The Historic Preservation Officer or staff may amend, edit, or complete a nomination form submitted to the City for the purposes of clarity, but may not expand the boundaries of the legal description in the nomination nor make editorial changes beyond minor formatting and proof reading without the consent of the nominating individual. Staff must note recommended amendments that have been rejected by the applicant in staff reports to the Commission.
B.
District designation – Landmarks Preservation Commission.
1.
Upon receipt of a historic district nomination, the Historic Preservation Officer shall make a preliminary determination as to whether or not the nomination is complete, and conduct a preliminary staff assessment of the nomination according to TMC § 13.07.060A.
2.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission will review the assessment and make its decision as to:
3.
Public hearing. Following a request by the City Council or by a quorum vote of the members of the Landmarks Preservation Commission to proceed with the consideration of a historic district request, Planning and Development Services staff shall:
a.
Notify other City Departments and Divisions, as appropriate, of the proposed designation.
b.
Schedule a public hearing.
c.
Give written notice, by first-class mail, of the time, date, place, and subject of the Commission’s meeting to consider designation of the district as a Historic Special Review District.
d.
This notice shall be given not less than 14 days prior to the meeting to all taxpayers of record of the subject property, as indicated by the records of the Pierce County Assessor, taxpayers of record of properties within 400 feet of the subject property, and to the Neighborhood Council of the affected area. Notice shall also be submitted for publication to the newspaper of record.
e.
Conduct the public hearing in accordance with the notice given, at which the owner or owners of the property involved, the owners of all abutting property, and other interested citizens or public officials shall be entitled to be heard.
4.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission shall, by a majority vote of quorum, recommend to the Planning Commission approval, disapproval, or approval with modification of a proposed Historic Special Review or Conservation District based upon the criteria for designation listed in this chapter, the goals and purposes of this chapter and the goals and policies contained within the Preservation Plan element of the Comprehensive Plan. The recommendation shall include:
C.
District designation – Planning Commission.
1.
Each proposal for a new Historic Special Review District or Conservation District and the respective Landmarks Preservation Commission recommendation shall then be considered by the Planning Commission of the City pursuant to the procedures for area-wide zoning in TMC § 13.05.030B.
2.
Upon receipt of a recommendation for a new Historic Special Review District, the Planning Commission shall consider it for inclusion in its next work program cycle according to its procedures.
3.
In making a recommendation to the City Council, the Planning Commission shall defer to the Landmarks Preservation Commission on findings of historical significance and shall consider the proposal’s conformance or lack of conformance with the Comprehensive Plan of the City. The Planning Commission may recommend approval of, approval of with modifications, or denial of the proposal, and shall promptly notify the Landmarks Preservation Commission of the action taken.
4.
The Planning Commission shall transmit the proposal, together with a copy of its recommendation and the recommendation of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, to the City Council.
D.
District designation – City Council.
1.
The City Council shall have final authority concerning the creation of Historic Special Review or Conservation Districts in the same manner as provided by the City Council in TMC § 13.02.053.
2.
Pursuant to the aforementioned procedures, the Council may, by ordinance, designate a certain area as a Historic Special Review District and/or Conservation District. Each such designating ordinance shall include a description of the characteristics of the Historic Special Review or Conservation District which justifies its designation, and shall include the legal description of the Historic Special Review District.
3.
Within ten days of the effective date of an ordinance designating an area as a Historic Special Review or Conservation District, the Historic Preservation Officer shall send to the owner of record of each property within said district, and to Planning and Development Services, a copy of the ordinance and a letter outlining the basis for such designation, and the obligations and restrictions which result from such designation, in addition to the requirements of the building and zoning codes to which the property is otherwise subject.
4.
Historic District property inventories, identifying contributing and noncontributing properties, shall be adopted upon designation of each historic district and maintained and reviewed annually by the Commission. Such inventories shall be kept on file and available to the public at the Historic Preservation Office.
E.
The City Council may request to amend or rescind the designation of a Historic Special Review District or Conservation District pursuant to the same procedure as set forth in this chapter and Section 13.05.030B for original designation and area-wide rezones. Amendments or de-designations that are requested by Council shall be transmitted to Council for final determination.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27466 § 36, 2006-01-17; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27893 Ex. A, 2010-06-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14; Ord. 28109 Ex. O, 2012-12-04; Ord. 28725 Ex. A, 2020-12-08; Ord. 29063 Ex. C, 2025-10-21)
A.
Community Heritage Register is established. To provide an avenue for recognizing historically and culturally significant sites that may not meet the designation criteria for the Tacoma Register of Historic Places or for which design review is not appropriate, there is hereby established the Community Heritage Register. The purpose of the Community Heritage Register is to highlight, celebrate and commemorate locations of community importance. Sites designated to the Community Heritage Register are exempt from any controls and protections of the Landmarks Preservation Commission established by TMC § 13.05.040 or to the design review provisions of this chapter. Generally, sites that are listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, or the National Register of Historic Places, are not appropriate for the Community Heritage Register.
B.
Criteria for the designation to the Community Heritage Register. The Commission may determine that a site is eligible for consideration for listing on the Community Heritage Register if it is at least 25 years old at the time of nomination and:
1.
Is associated with events significant to Tacoma’s history, including culturally significant events or patterns of events that are currently underrepresented on the Tacoma Register; or
2.
Is associated with the lives of persons significant in Tacoma’s history, including communities that are currently underrepresented on the Tacoma Register; or
3.
Owing to its unique location or singular physical characteristics, represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or City.
C.
Process for the nomination of sites, generally.
1.
Any resident of Tacoma or City official, including members of the City Council, City staff, or members of the Planning Commission, may request consideration by the Landmarks Preservation Commission of any particular property for placement on the Community Heritage Register.
2.
A written request, which shall be in the form of a completed nomination to the Community Heritage Register, shall be made to the Historic Preservation Officer. At a minimum, the nomination form shall contain the following:
a.
A narrative statement which addresses the significance of the site, in terms of the Designation Criteria listed in this chapter; and
b.
A clear description of the site location, including a complete legal description if available and a location map; and
c.
Representative photographs of the site; and
d.
For nominations that are not sponsored by the property owner, the nomination sponsor must provide evidence that attempts to contact the property owner have been made prior to submittal, and provide contact information for the owner.
3.
The Historic Preservation Officer or staff may amend, edit, or complete a nomination form submitted to the City for the purposes of clarity, but may not expand the boundaries of the legal description in the nomination nor make editorial changes beyond minor formatting and proof reading without the consent of the nominating individual. Staff must note recommended amendments that have been rejected by the applicant in staff reports to the Commission.
D.
Landmarks Preservation Commission preliminary meeting on nomination.
1.
When a nomination form is found by the Historic Preservation Officer to be complete as indicated in this section, the Historic Preservation Officer shall:
a.
Schedule the nomination for preliminary consideration at the next available regularly scheduled meeting of the Landmarks Preservation Commission and shall serve the taxpayer(s) of record written notice 14 days in advance of the time and place of the meeting. If the taxpayer of record is not the sponsor of the nomination, the taxpayer of record may request an additional 30 days to respond to the nomination.
b.
Notify other City Departments and Divisions, as appropriate, of receipt of the nomination.
2.
At this meeting, the Landmarks Preservation Commission shall, by quorum vote, find that the application meets the criteria for designation contained in this chapter, that it does not meet the criteria, or the Commission may defer the decision if additional information is required. The Commission may also, by quorum vote, amend or edit a nomination that is under review at the preliminary meeting.
3.
If the Landmarks Preservation Commission finds that the nomination appears to meet the criteria, the Commission shall:
a.
Schedule the nomination for consideration and public comment at a subsequent public meeting at a specified time, date, and place not more than 90 days from the date of the preliminary meeting.
b.
Give written notice, by mail, of the time, date, place, and subject of the Commission’s meeting to consider designation of the property as a Community Heritage Register Site.
c.
This notice shall be given not less than 14 days prior to the meeting to all taxpayers of record of the subject property, as indicated by the records of the Pierce County Assessor, and taxpayers of record of properties within 400 feet of the subject property.
4.
If the Commission finds that the property does not meet the criteria, the application is rejected and the Commission may not consider the property for designation for a period of two calendar years. Once two calendar years pass, the process may be restarted.
5.
If the Commission, following the preliminary meeting, fails to act on the nomination or schedule it for further consideration within 45 days or by its next meeting, whichever is longer, the application is rejected as above.
E.
Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting on nomination.
1.
At the meeting to consider approval of a nomination to the Community Heritage Register, the Commission shall receive information and hear public comments on whether the site meets the criteria for designation.
2.
The Commission may, by a vote of a majority of the quorum, recommend the property for designation as a Community Heritage Site, reject the nomination, or defer the decision if additional information is required. The Commission shall set forth findings of fact for its decision.
3.
If the Commission finds that the property appears to meet the criteria for designation and recommends the property for designation as a Community Heritage Site, the Historic Preservation Officer shall transmit the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council for its consideration within 30 days of the decision.
4.
No proposed nomination may be extended beyond the boundaries of the land described in the original proposal unless the procedures set forth above are repeated for the enlarged boundaries.
5.
If the Commission fails to act within a 45-day period or by its next meeting, whichever is longer, the designation shall be deemed to have been rejected and the designation procedure terminated.
6.
If a nomination is rejected, the subject property shall not be considered again for historic designation for a period of at least one calendar year from the date of rejection. Once a calendar year passes, the process may be restarted.
F.
City Council review of designation.
1.
Upon receipt of a recommendation from the Commission, the City Council may adopt a resolution designating the property as a Community Heritage Site.
G.
Community Heritage Sites – Management.
1.
Placement of a site on the Community Heritage Register does not obligate the City to maintain, improve, manage or repair any aspect of the site, or to provide funds or resources. Responsibility for care and maintenance is the property owner’s responsibility.
2.
On site interpretive materials are encouraged but not required for Community Heritage Sites, and such materials, including markers or plaques, are the responsibility of the property owner. For sites that are City owned, listing on the Community Heritage Register does not obligate the City to provide or fund interpretive materials, but may accept community donations of such materials subject to the City’s discretion and requirements for accepting such donations.
3.
Alterations to Community Heritage Sites do not require any prior approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
(Ord. 29063 Ex. C, 2025-10-21)
A.
The Commission shall adopt and maintain a Rules of Procedure document that provides for the following:
1.
Application submittal requirements for nominations to the historic register.
2.
Design guidelines for historic special review and conservation districts.
3.
The above shall be amended in accordance with the procedures and standards provided in Section 13.07.120B.
B.
Historic District inventories. The Commission shall adopt and maintain historic building inventories for buildings within Historic Special Review Districts that identify “Contributing” and “Non Contributing” properties. Architectural integrity, as it relates to materials, space, and composition in various periods of architecture, shall be respected and, to the extent possible, maintained in contributing properties. Historic. The absence of a property on a historic inventory shall not preclude the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s authority to review changes to such a property. If a property is not listed on the historic inventory for the district, the property shall be assumed to be contributing.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; repealed and replaced by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-01-14, (previously “District landmarks regulation”))
Pursuant to TMC Chapter 1.42 and authorized pursuant to WAC 254-20 (hereinafter referred to as the “State Act”), the Landmarks Preservation Commission is hereby designated as the Local Review Board to exercise the functions and duties of a local review board as defined and until such time as the City Council may either amend or repeal this provision or designate some other local body or committee as the Local Review Board to carry out such functions and duties.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The class of historic property which shall be eligible for special valuation in accordance with the State Act shall be property which is a historic property meeting the criteria or requirements as set forth and defined in the State Act, and which is designated as a City landmark by resolution of the City Council in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, or is a contributing property within a locally administered Historic Special Review District, or is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a contributing property within a National Register Historic District. Landmarks Preservation Commission shall act as the Local Review Board and enter into the agreements referred to in WAC 254-20.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14; Ord. 29063 Ex. C, 2025-10-21)
(Certificates of approval. Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27466 § 37, 2006-01-17; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27893 Ex. A, 2010-06-15; repealed by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
A.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission shall use the following as guidelines when evaluating the appropriateness of alterations to properties listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, excepting applications for demolition:
1.
For properties listed individually on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, the most current version of the Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties published and maintained by the United States National Park Service, is the primary resource for evaluating appropriateness of rehabilitation projects. The Standards pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes, and occupancy and encompass the exterior and the interior, related landscape features and the building's site and environment as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction. The Standards are to be applied to specific rehabilitation projects in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility. The basic standards are:
a.
A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment.
b.
The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.
c.
Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.
d.
Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.
e.
Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved.
f.
Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.
g.
Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
h.
Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken.
i.
New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.
j.
New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.
2.
For specific projects that involve Restoration, Preservation, or Reconstruction, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, Restoration, Preservation, and Reconstruction, may be applied as appropriate to the proposed project.
3.
For properties located within a Historic or Conservation District, the Commission shall give weight the proposed project’s potential impact to the surrounding district and base decisions on the district rules, policies, or design guidelines for Historic or Conservation Districts as described in this chapter.
4.
For technical preservation and conservation matters, the Commission may refer to Preservation briefs, and professional technical reports published by the National Park Service on various conservation and preservation practices.
B.
Intent and applicability.
1.
With regard to individually designated City Landmarks, the Standards are to be applied to ensure that any proposed development will neither adversely affect the exterior architectural features of the resource nor adversely affect the character or historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of such resource and its site.
2.
With regard to any property located within a historic district, Design Guidelines are to be applied to ensure that the proposed development conforms to the prescriptive standards for the district adopted by the commission and does not adversely affect the character of the district.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27893 Ex. A, 2010-06-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14; Ord. 29063 Ex. C, 2025-10-21)
(Criteria for the Relocation of a City Landmark. Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; repealed by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
Relocating a historic structure usually diminishes its integrity, because the association with the original site is a key feature, and therefore it is not permitted in most cases. However, there may be extreme circumstances, in which a building is threatened in its present location and alternatives for preservation on site do not exist. In such a case, the following criteria should apply:
A.
The structure is threatened by further deterioration or loss in its present location.
B.
All alternatives to relocation have been reasonably considered.
C.
The original building and site condition will be accurately recorded before removing the structure from the existing site.
D.
Moving procedures are sufficiently planned to protect the key features of the structure.
E.
The relocation site provides an appropriate context similar to that of the original.
F.
A commitment is in place to complete the relocation and subsequent rehabilitation of the building.
G.
There is adequate protection to assure continued preservation of the building at its relocated site.
(Ord. 28077 Ex. C, 2012-06-12)
In addition to the stated purposes and findings located in this chapter, the Landmarks Preservation Commission shall address the following issues when considering an application for historic building demolition:
A.
The reasonableness of any alternatives to demolition that have been considered and rejected, that may meet the stated objectives of the applicant;
B.
The physical, architectural, or historic integrity of the structure in terms of its ability to convey its significance, but not including any damage or loss of integrity that may be attributable to willful neglect;
C.
The importance of the building to the character and integrity of the surrounding district; and
D.
Any public or expert commentary received during the course of the public comment and peer review periods.
E.
Economic hardship. A City Landmark may be demolished if the Landmarks Preservation Commission finds, pursuant to the Criteria for Economic Hardship located in TMC § 13.05.040D, that maintenance, use and/or alteration of the resource in accordance with the requirements of this chapter would cause immediate and substantial hardship on the property owner(s) because of rehabilitation in a manner which preserves the historic integrity of the resource:
1.
Is infeasible from a technical, mechanical, or structural standpoint, and/or
2.
Would leave the property with no reasonable economic value because it would require an unreasonable expenditure taking into account such factors as current market value, permitted uses of the property, the value of transferable development rights and the cost of compliance with applicable local, state, and federal codes.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-12-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27893 Ex. A, 2010-06-15; previously 13.07.140, relocated to 13.07.110 by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-01-14; Ord. 29063 Ex. C, 2025-10-21)
A.
Design guidelines.
1.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission shall adopt and maintain Guidelines for Building Design and Streetscape Review for historic special review districts and conservation districts, to be used as the basis for design review for rehabilitation, new development, and public amenities within the districts. Such guidelines are intended to ensure a certainty of design quality within each district, protect the historic fabric of the districts, enhance the economic viability of the districts through the promotion of their architectural character, and provide a clear set of physical design parameters for property owners, developers, designers, and public agencies.
2.
Guidelines at a minimum should address the following subjects: height, scale, massing, exterior cladding and materials, building form and shape, roof shape, fenestration patterns and window materials, architectural details, storefronts (within commercial areas), awnings and signs, additions, parking, main entrances, rhythm of openings, accessory structures, mechanical equipment, streetscape and sustainable design.
3.
In instances where design guidelines have not yet been adopted for historic special review or conservation districts, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation may be used.
4.
For certain common types of City-managed projects, and for certain projects within the City right-of-way, including streetlighting, sidewalk repair and similar alterations within the right-of-way, the City Public Works Department may propose “standard specifications” for programmatic review and adoption by the Commission, in lieu of case-by-case reviews. Any such standards, rules or policies shall be adopted by quorum vote and, once adopted, shall be made available to the public in electronic and printed formats.
5.
Design guidelines as adopted and maintained by the Commission shall not supersede the scope of authority defined by this chapter, TMC Chapter 1.42 and Sections 13.05.040D and E.
B.
Amending the design guidelines.
1.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission shall possess the authority to review and approve changes to historic district design guidelines.
2.
District design guidelines shall be amended not more than once annually, concurrent with the Commission’s review of its Administrative Bylaws.
3.
When proposed changes have been drafted, the Commission shall approve the draft and conduct a public hearing to receive comment on the proposed changes.
4.
The Commission shall notify property owners within 400’ of the historic district for which the guidelines are being amended, not less than 14 days prior to the date of the hearing. The notice shall indicate the date, time and location of the hearing.
5.
Following the close of the Public Hearing, the Commission shall review public testimony and take action to approve, amend, or deny the proposed changes no sooner than its next regularly scheduled meeting.
C.
District exemptions. The following actions within historic districts are exempt from the requirements imposed pursuant to this chapter:
1.
Any alterations to non-contributing properties as defined by the District Inventory adopted by the Commission and kept on file at the Historic Preservation Office; provided, that the demolition of such structures is not exempt from the provisions of this Chapter.
2.
Exterior alterations to contributing buildings in local historic special review districts that are not on prominent facades or located on prominent parcels, as defined in Section 13.01.050P.
3.
Within historic special review districts that are primarily within residential zones, including UR1, UR2, UR3, R4 and R5, changes to windows and cladding that are not on prominent facades or located on prominent parcels.
4.
Interior alterations to existing properties, unless those modifications affect the exterior appearance of the property.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27466 § 38, 2006-01-17; Ord. 27893 Ex. A, 2010-06-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-01-14; Ord. 28725 Ex. A, 2020-12-08; Ord. 29063 Ex. C, 2025-10-21)
A.
In order that the Old City Hall area and buildings within the area may not be injuriously affected; to promote the public welfare; and to provide for the enhancement of this area and its structures, thereby contributing to the social, cultural, and economic welfare of the citizens of Tacoma by developing an awareness of its historic heritage, returning unproductive structures to useful purposes, and attracting visitors to the City; and in order that a reasonable degree of control may be exercised over the site, development, and architecture of the private and public buildings erected therein, there is hereby created the Old City Hall Historic Special Review District, the boundaries of which are more particularly described in Section 13.07.120 hereof.
B.
Said district and the buildings and structures therein possess significant aspects of early Tacoma history, architecture, and culture. Historic, cultural, and architectural significance is reflected in the architectural cohesiveness of the area. For the foregoing reasons, many of the features contained in the buildings and structures in said district should be maintained and preserved.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27893 Ex. A, 2010-06-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
A.
The area encompassed by the Old City Hall Historic Special Review District has played a significant role in the development of the City of Tacoma, the Puget Sound region, and the state of Washington. The district was the location of the early governmental and commercial center of the City. The focus of commerce and transportation was located in this district.
B.
The Old City Hall Historic Special Review District is associated with the lives of many Tacoma pioneers through property, business, and commercial activities which were concentrated in the area.
C.
Many buildings within the Old City Hall Historic Special Review District embody distinctive characteristics of late 19th Century Eclectic architecture, which reflects Greco-Roman and Renaissance architectural influences. For these and other reasons, the buildings and structures combine to create an outstanding example of an area of Tacoma which is significant and distinguishable in style, form, character, and construction representative of its era.
D.
The restoration and preservation of objects, sites, buildings, and structures within the Old City Hall Historic Special Review District will yield information of educational significance regarding the way of life and the architecture of the late 19th century, as well as add interest and color to the City. Restoration of the Old City Hall Historic Special Review District will preserve the environment which was characteristic of an important era of Tacoma’s history, and will be considerably more meaningful and significant educationally than if done on the basis of individual isolated buildings and structures.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The legal description for the Old City Hall Historic Special Review District is described in Ordinance No. 24877, and shall be kept on file in the City Clerk’s Office. The approximate boundaries are described in Map A below.
Map A: Approximate Boundaries of the Old City Hall Historic Special Review District  |
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
Pursuant to Section 13.07.120, the Landmarks Preservation Commission shall adopt and maintain Guidelines for building design and streetscape improvement to ensure a certainty of design quality within the Old City Hall Historic District, protect the historic fabric of the district, enhance the economic vitality of the district through promotion of its architectural character, and provide a clear set of physical design parameters for property owners, developers, designers, and public agencies. These guidelines shall be made available to the public in electronic and printed formats.
(Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The following actions are exempt from the requirements imposed pursuant to this chapter:
A.
Any alterations to non-contributing properties as defined by the District Inventory adopted by the Commission and kept on file at the Historic Preservation Office; provided, that the demolition of such structures is not exempt from the provisions of this chapter; and
B.
Interior alterations to existing properties, unless those modifications affect the exterior appearance of the property.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
(Appeals to the Hearing Examiner − Factors to be considered. Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; repealed by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
In order that the area and buildings within the area may not be injuriously affected, to promote the public welfare, and to provide for the enhancement of the area and its structures, thereby contributing to the social, cultural, and economic welfare of the citizens of Tacoma by developing an awareness of its historic and architectural heritage, returning unproductive structures to useful purposes, and attracting visitors to the City, and in order that a reasonable degree of control may be exercised over the site, development, and architecture of the private and public buildings erected therein, including certain infrastructure, there is hereby created the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Special Review District.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
A.
The area encompassed by the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Special Review District has played a significant role in the development of the City of Tacoma, the Puget Sound region, and the state of Washington. The district was the location of the early railroad, industrial, and commercial center of the City. The focus of early manufacture and commerce was identified with this district.
B.
The Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Special Review District is associated with the lives of many Tacoma pioneers through property, railroad, and commercial activities which were concentrated in the area. Many of the buildings within the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Special Review District embody the distinctive characteristics of the late 19th and early 20th century Eclectic architecture, which reflects Greco-Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural influences. For these and other reasons, the buildings and structures combine to create an outstanding example of a historic district in Tacoma dating from circa 1887–1930, which is significant and distinguishable in style, form, character, and construction representative of its era.
C.
Restoration and preservation of objects, sites, buildings, and structures within the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Special Review District will yield information of educational significance regarding the way of life and the architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as add interest and color to the City. Restoration of the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Special Review District will preserve the sense of place and time and the environment which was characteristic of an important era of Tacoma’s history, and such district planning will be considerably more meaningful and significant educationally than if done on the basis of individual isolated buildings and structures.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The legal description for the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Special Review District is described in Ordinance No. 24505, and shall be kept on file in the City Clerk’s Office. The approximate boundaries are described in Map B below.
Map B: Approximate Boundaries of the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic Special Review District  |
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
There is hereby created the Union Station Conservation District, the physical boundaries of which are described in Ordinance No. 24877, and kept on file in the City Clerk’s Office. The approximate boundaries are described in Map C below.
Map C: Approximate Boundaries of the Union Station Conservation District  |
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
Pursuant to Section 13.07.120, the Landmarks Preservation Commission shall adopt and maintain Guidelines for building design and streetscape improvement to ensure a certainty of design quality within the Union Depot/Warehouse Historic District and Union Station Conservation District, protect the historic fabric of the district, enhance the economic vitality of the district through promotion of its architectural character, and provide a clear set of physical design parameters for property owners, developers, designers, and public agencies. These guidelines shall be made available to the public in electronic and printed formats.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
A.
In order that the North Slope Neighborhood and buildings within the Neighborhood may not be injuriously affected; to promote the public welfare; to provide for the enhancement of the North Slope Neighborhood and its structures, thereby contributing to the social, cultural, and economic welfare of the citizens of Tacoma by developing an awareness of Tacoma’s historic heritage, maintaining productive and useful structures, and attracting visitors to the City; and in order that a reasonable degree of control may be exercised over the siting, development and architecture of public and private buildings erected in the North Slope Neighborhood so that the goals set forth in this section and in this chapter may be realized, there is hereby created the North Slope Historic Special Review District, the boundaries of which are more particularly described in Section 13.07.240 hereof.
B.
The North Slope Neighborhood and the buildings therein reflect significant aspects of Tacoma’s early history, architecture, and culture. Such historic, architectural, and cultural significance is also reflected in the architectural cohesiveness of the neighborhood. For the foregoing reasons, many of the features contained in the buildings and structures in the Neighborhood should be maintained and preserved.
C.
Except where specifically exempted by TMC § 13.07.095 and TMC § 13.07.250, all visible alterations and construction within the historic district boundaries, including alterations to elements and spaces within the public right of way, are subject to the review and approval of the Landmarks Preservation Commission prior to the initiation of work.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The architectural, cultural, historical, and educational value of the North Slope Neighborhood is such that the protection and enhancement of its built environment and streetscape is important to the public welfare. In particular, the District is important for its association with the follow themes:
A.
Role in the development of Tacoma. The area north of Division Avenue from the bluff to Sprague Street was one of several residential neighborhoods that developed after Tacoma was selected to be the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. New Tacoma and the North End were considered to be a desirable place to live, near downtown Tacoma. The community was settled irregularly over its history in a fairly dense residential pattern, and it is common to find structures from the late 1800s next to houses built in the 1930s.
B.
Association with Tacoma pioneers, property, business and commercial activities. The New Tacoma and North End community is predominantly residential, although there are scattered pockets of small commercial buildings that served the community. These commercial buildings are concentrated mostly along Division Avenue and K Street. The residents of the community represented a complete cross-section of different classes and occupations, from a United States ambassador to France to a Slovakian boat builder.
C.
Architectural characteristics. The architectural characteristics of the New Tacoma and North End community are variable, although there is a remarkable number of architect-designed houses in the neighborhood. Most homes built in the earliest period of growth from 1880 to the crash in 1893 were Queen Anne and Stick style houses, of both modest and grand proportions. After the turn of the century, more Craftsman and bungalow-style houses were built, as well as a few Colonial Revival structures. Those homes built after the turn of the century tended to be larger and more impressive, until the late 1920s when many one-story bungalows were built. After the Great Depression, another building boom took place in the neighborhood, with considerably smaller brick residences constructed in simple forms, and two- or three-story multi-unit apartment complexes.
D.
Educational uses and preservation of the area’s heritage. Restoration and preservation of objects, sites, buildings, and structures within the North Slope Neighborhood will yield information of educational significance about the way of life of Tacoma’s citizens, and the architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and will add interest and color to the City. Maintaining this neighborhood as a whole will preserve the sense of time, place, and the environment which formed an important characteristic of Tacoma’s history. District-wide planning will be considerably more meaningful and educationally significant than if done on the basis of individual, isolated buildings.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The legal description for the North Slope Historic Special Review District is described in Ordinance No. 26611, and shall be kept on file in the City Clerk’s Office. The approximate boundaries are described in Map D below.
Map D: Approximate Boundaries of the North Slope Historic Special Review District  |
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The following actions are exempt from the requirements imposed pursuant to this chapter:
A.
Any alterations to non-contributing properties as defined by the District Inventory adopted by the Commission and kept on file at the Historic Preservation Office; provided, that modifications to accessory structures and the demolition of noncontributing or accessory structures are not exempt from the provisions of this chapter;
B.
Interior modifications to existing structures, unless those modifications affect the exterior appearance of the structure;
C.
Any alterations to private residential structures that are specifically exempted from permit requirements in the Residential Building Code as adopted by the City (such as painting and minor repairs such as caulking or weather-stripping);
D.
The installation, alteration, or repair of public and private plumbing, sewer, water, and gas piping systems, where no Right of Way restoration is required;
E.
The installation, alteration, or repair of public and private electrical, telephone, and cable television wiring systems, provided that the installation of solar panels, wind generators, and cellular antenna towers is not exempt;
F.
The landscaping of private residences;
G.
The maintenance of existing parking conditions and configurations, including curb cuts, driveways, alleys, and parking lots (new installations are subject to review by the Commission);
H.
Signs not exceeding the limitations for a home occupation permit and those installed by the City for directional and locational purposes.
I.
The following types of projects within the public rights of way: ADA accessibility ramps and installations, in-road work, traffic signaling equipment, utility markers, and equipment required by the United States Postal Service.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
A.
In order that the Wedge neighborhood and residential buildings within the neighborhood may not be injuriously affected; to promote the public welfare; to provide for the enhancement of the Wedge neighborhood and its residential structures, thereby contributing to the social, cultural, and economic welfare of the citizens of Tacoma by developing an awareness of Tacoma’s historic neighborhoods, maintaining productive and useful residential structures, and attracting visitors to the City; and in order that a reasonable degree of control may be exercised over the siting, development and architecture of public and private buildings erected in the Wedge neighborhood so that the goals set forth in this section and in this chapter may be realized, there is hereby created the Wedge Historic Special Review District and the Wedge Conservation Special Review District, the boundaries of which are more particularly described in Sections 13.07.280 and 13.07.290 TMC hereof.
B.
The Wedge neighborhood and the residential buildings therein reflect significant aspects of Tacoma’s early neighborhood history, architecture, and culture. Such historic, architectural, and cultural significance is also reflected in the architectural cohesiveness of the neighborhood. For the foregoing reasons, many of the features contained in the buildings and structures in the neighborhood should be maintained and preserved.
C.
The Wedge Conservation District areas are established in order to encourage new development on the boundaries of the Historic District that is aesthetically and architecturally compatible with the character of the Wedge neighborhood. It is acknowledged that these are primarily commercial areas, and it is anticipated that commercial growth will occur in these areas. However, where there are historically significant structures within the Conservation District, this chapter encourages that these buildings be retained.
D.
Except where specifically exempted by TMC § 13.07.300, all exterior alterations and construction within the historic and conservation district boundaries, including alterations to elements and spaces within the public rights-of-way, are subject to the review and approval of the Landmarks Preservation Commission prior to the initiation of work.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
A.
The Wedge Historic and Conservation Districts are evocative of the broad patterns of Tacoma’s history. A middle class district that was constructed by some of Tacoma’s most prolific builders, and occupied by famous and anonymous residents alike, the Wedge’s development as a neighborhood mirrors that of Tacoma as a historic city.
B.
Historically significant persons who lived in the Wedge Historic district include Silas Nelsen, Aaron Titlow, and Frank and Ethel Mars. Other notable persons who lived in the Wedge Historic District include doctors, attorneys, architects and contractors, engineers, politicians, jewelers, barbers, school, bank, real estate, and insurance personnel as well as seamen, railroad, and shipping and electric company employees.
C.
The Wedge Historic District is an intact middle-class residential district reflecting a period of neighborhood development from Tacoma’s early history until after WWI. Although there are a number of notable homes within the district, most appear to be modest builder interpretations of established architectural styles and forms. Several of these provide good examples of typical residential architects.
D.
The Wedge Historic District is adjacent to the North Slope Historic District and is part of a larger section of the City where historic development patterns prevail (including Wright Park, South J Street historic houses).
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The legal description for the Wedge Neighborhood Historic Special Review District is described in Ordinance No. 27981 and shall be kept on file in the City Clerk’s Office. The approximate boundaries are depicted in Map E below.
Map E: Approximate Boundaries of the Wedge Neighborhood Historic Special Review District  |
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The legal description for the Wedge Conservation Special Review District is described in Ordinance No. 27981 and shall be kept on file in the City Clerk’s Office. The approximate boundaries are depicted in Map F below.
Map F: Approximate Boundaries of the Wedge Neighborhood Conservation Special Review District  |
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
The following actions are exempt from the requirements imposed pursuant to this chapter:
A.
Any alterations to noncontributing properties within the Wedge Historic Special Review Districts, as defined by the District Inventory adopted by the Commission and kept on file at the Historic Preservation Office and any alterations to properties within the designated Conservation District, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter; provided, that alterations to accessory structures within the Historic District and the demolition of any structures in the Historic District and Conservation District, including noncontributing and accessory structures or the construction of new buildings, are not exempt from the provisions of this chapter;
B.
Historically nonresidential and commercial use structures; provided, that the demolition of noncontributing or accessory structures is not exempt from the provisions of this chapter;
C.
Interior modifications to existing structures, unless those modifications affect the exterior appearance of the structure;
D.
Changes to the exteriors of contributing structures that are not visible from adjacent public rights-of-way may be granted an administrative Certificate of Approval by the Historic Preservation Officer, provided that staff is able to determine that the proposed project is consistent with the district design guidelines and applicable Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, all without prejudice to the right of the owner at any time to apply directly to the Commission for its consideration and action on such matters;
E.
Any alterations to private residential structures that are specifically exempted from permit requirements in the Residential Building Code as adopted by the City (such as painting and minor repairs such as caulking or weather-stripping);
F.
The installation, alteration, or repair of public and private plumbing, sewer, water, and gas piping systems, where no right-of-way restoration is required;
G.
The installation, alteration, or repair of public and private electrical, telephone, and cable television wiring systems; provided that the installation of solar panels, wind generators, and cellular antenna towers is not exempt;
H.
The landscaping of private residences;
I.
The maintenance of existing parking conditions and configurations, including curb cuts, driveways, alleys, and parking lots (new installations are subject to review by the Commission);
J.
Signs not exceeding the limitations for a home occupation permit and those installed by the City for directional and locational purposes;
K.
The following types of projects within the public rights-of-way: ADA accessibility ramps and installations, in-road work, traffic-signaling equipment, utility markers, and equipment required by the United States Postal Service.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
Pursuant to Section 13.07.120, the Landmarks Preservation Commission shall adopt and maintain Guidelines for building design and streetscape improvement to ensure a certainty of design quality within the North Slope and the Wedge Historic Special Review Districts and the Wedge Conservation District, protect the historic fabric of the districts, enhance the economic vitality of the districts through promotion of their architectural character, and provide a clear set of physical design parameters for property owners, developers, designers, and public agencies. These guidelines shall be made available to the public in electronic and printed formats.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-01-14 (see also § 13.07.240))
In the event that any section, paragraph, or part of this chapter is for any reason declared invalid or held unconstitutional by any court of last resort, every other section, paragraph, or part shall continue in full force and effect.
(Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-01-14, Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24 (see also § 13.07.250)
(Designation of the Wedge Neighborhood Historic Special Review and the Wedge Neighborhood Conservation Special Review Districts – Purpose. Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27748 Ex. A, 2008-10-14; Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24; relocated to 13.07.260 by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
(Designation of the Wedge Neighborhood Historic Special Review and the Wedge Neighborhood Conservation Special Review Districts – Findings. Ord. 27429 § 3, 2005-11-15; Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24; relocated to 13.07.270 by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
(Wedge Neighborhood Historic Special Review District – Boundary Description. Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24; relocated to 13.07.280 by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
(Wedge Neighborhood Conservation Special Review District – Boundary Description. Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24; relocated to 13.07.290 by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
(Wedge Neighborhood Historic Special Review District and Wedge Neighborhood Conservation Special Review District – Specific Exemptions. Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24; relocated to 13.07.300 by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
(Guidelines for building design and streetscape improvement review for the Wedge Neighborhood and North Slope Historic Special Review Districts and the Wedge Neighborhood Conservation Special Review District. Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24; relocated to 13.07.310 by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)
(Severability. Ord. 27981 Ex. C, 2011-05-24; relocated to 13.07.320 by Ord. 27995 Ex. H, 2011-06-14)