What are the requirements after approval?
  • Agreement: The building must be protected during the ten-year exemption period by a historic preservation agreement which must include the following provisions:
    • The building must be in sound structural condition and maintained according to Washington State standards.
    • The owner must obtain approval from the Historic Preservation Commission prior to making improvements.
    • The property must be visible from a public right-of-way or made available for public view one day a year.
    • If the property is sold, the new owner must sign a new agreement to continue the special valuation.
  • Appeals:
    • Any decision of the Commission acting on any application for classification as a historic property, eligible for special valuation, may be appealed to Superior Court under Chapters 34.05.510 RCW and 34.05.598 RCW in addition to any other remedy of law.
    • Any decision on the disqualification of historic property eligible for special valuation, or any other dispute, may be appealed to the City of Aberdeen Council.
    • Standing to appeal the Commission's decision shall be limited to the following person(s) pursuant to the Washington State Land Use Petition Act (36.70C.060 RCW):
      • The applicant and/or the owner of the property to which the Commission's decision is directed
      • Person(s) aggrieved or adversely affected by the Commission's decision, or who would be aggrieved or adversely affected by a reversal or modification of the commission's decision
  • Penalties: Owners who fail to comply with their agreement or other program requirements must pay:
    • All back taxes which would have been otherwise owed
    • Interest on back taxes
    • A penalty equal to 12% of back taxes and interest

Show All Answers

1. What is the Aberdeen Historic Register?
2. What qualifies a property for the Historic Register?
3. What is the process for designation?
4. What are the benefits of Register placement?
5. What is not affected by placement and what is not reviewed?
6. What buildings are eligible?
7. What are the requirements after approval?
8. What is the special valuation review procedure?
9. What are the submittal requirements for Aberdeen Historic Tax Applications?
10. What is the criteria for review by the commission?
11. Now that I am listed on the Historic Register what do I need to know about the future repairs, upgrades, and additions to my home or building?
12. What do I do now? My property is listed on the Historic Register and it needs to be demolished.
13. What if I do not agree with the commission’s findings?