CLG Program
The Historic Properties Register for Snohomish County
The Register of Historic Places was created to identify historic buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts within the county. Listing on the local register is an honorary designation, and indicates a significant association with the historic, architectural, archaeological, engineering or cultural heritage of the community. Placement on the Snohomish County Register encourages preservation of our heritage and honors those who have cared for Snohomish County’s oldest structures. Any person may nominate a building; however, placement on the register requires owner approval. The register is used to honor not regulate a property. The register does offer protection from inappropriate changes through the Historic Preservation Commission’s design review process
Snohomish County Register Criteria.
Several criteria are used to determine a property's historic significance
- The property shall be at least 50 years, or, in the event exceptional historical significance has been determined by the commission, at least 40 years
- The property is significant and represents an important association with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or cultural heritage of the county
- The historical integrity of location, design, materials, and/or workmanship reflects the history of Snohomish County
A property nominated for the Snohomish County Register must meet at least one of the following criteria
- Association with events that, in the judgment of the commission, made an important contribution to national, state, or local history
- Embody the architectural characteristics of a distinctive and defined type, period, style or method of design or construction, as documented in professional architectural and historic preservation publications, or representing a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction
- Be an outstanding work of a recognized designer, builder, or architect whose work has been documented in professional publications as having made a substantial contribution to the artistic and aesthetic values of the community
- Exemplify or reflect elements of Snohomish County's cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, or architectural history
- Be associated with the life of a person of documented importance in national, state, or local history
Other Considerations
- Yield or being likely to yield important archaeological information related to history or prehistory
- A building or structure removed from its original location but which has significant and documented architectural value, or which is the only surviving building or structure associated with an historic person or event
- A birthplace or grave of an historical figure of documented importance which is the only surviving building, structure or site associated with that person
- A cemetery which derives its primary significance from age, design features, or association with historic events or cultural patterns
- A building that has been reconstructed in a historically accurate manner on the original site
- An example of folk architecture and design which, in the judgment of the commission, is creative and unique, but which does not fit into formal architectural or historical categories
The application process involves researching a property’s history and submitting a completed application to the Historic Preservation Commission for review. Placement on the register obligates the owner to consult with the Historic Preservation Commission prior to the commencement of any physical alteration or rehabilitation of the exterior of a registered property.