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. 

Ordinance and Design Review Examples:

• Model State Ordinance (download Word doc)
• Design Guidelines for Oysterville, Washington
• Design Guidelines for Grandview Neighborhood, Wenatchee
• Design Guidelines for Steilacoom
• Design Guidelines for Corbin Park Neighborhood, Spokane
• Design Guidelines for Ebey's Landing National Reserve
• Design Guidelines for City of Rosyln
• Design Guidelines for Downtown Laramine, WY
• Design Guidelines for Downtown Wabash, IN
• Design Guidelines for Downtown Anderson, SC
• Design Guidelines for Downtown Jefferson, WI
• Design Guidelines for New Orleans, LA