2007-06-14 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesHISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SUMMARY MINUTES
June 145 2007
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Kindness called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:05 p.m. in the 3rd Floor
Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5' Avenue North.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Barbara Kindness, Chair
Christine Deiner-Karr, Vice Chair (arrived at 4:21
p.m.)
Steve Waite
Brian Hall
Deborah Binder (arrived at 4:1 o p.m.)
Norma Bruns
Rob VanTassell
Michael Plunkett, City Councilmember
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Mauri Moore, City Councilmember
READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES
STAFF PRESENT
Rob Chave, Planning Division Manager (arrived at 4:12 p.m.)
Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services
COMMISSIONER BRUNS MOVED THAT THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION MINUTES OF MAY 10, 2007 BE
APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER VANTASSELL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
It was noted that the Joint Planning Board/Historic Preservation Commission Minutes of May 23, 2007 were approved by the
Planning Board on June 131.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA
The agenda was accepted as presented.
REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There was no one in the audience who expressed a desire to address the Commission during this portion of the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
There were no public hearings scheduled on the agenda.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Registration Committee
Ms. Cunningham reported that there are numerous properties already identified on the State or National Register that are
ready to go before the City Council, but staff is waiting for letters from the property owners indicating their desire to move
forward. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to send out a form letter to these property owners, asking them to return a letter
indicating their desire to be included on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places.
Mr. Chave advised that staff is in the process of preparing staff reports for three additional applications so they can be
presented to the Commission for a public hearing on July 121. The Commission agreed it would be helpful for them to
review the status of applications that are in progress each month. Ms. Cunningham agreed to prepare a checklist for the
Commission to use for this purpose.
Education and Outreach Committee
Update on Plaque Program
Commissioner Binder described the proposed design for the Historic Plaques. The words and edging would be the shiny
bronze, with darker bronze elsewhere. The Commission selected the design that uses larger lettering. Commissioner Binder
identified the per plaque cost and indicated the Commission should be able to order more than 10 plaques with the $2,000 the
City Council allocated. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to take a picture of the first plaque being installed
and publish it as part of a news release in the local newspapers.
The Commission discussed that the City would be responsible for installing the plaques, and they would have to work with
property owners to secure the appropriate locations. The Commission reviewed and accepted the draft "License for Display"
document that was provided by the City Attorney at the Commission's request.
Commissioner Binder agreed to obtain a copy of the approved Commission Logo and forward it to staff so it could be used
on all correspondence that goes out from the Commission.
Historic Preservation Brochures
The Commission reviewed the draft brochure. Commissioner Binder noted that some of the photos would be changed to
incorporate new ones she found at the Museum. In addition, the State has requested minor editorial revisions. She asked that
the Commissioners review the document and notify either her or Mr. Chave by June 22nd of any changes that should be made.
Their goal is to get the brochure printed in the near future. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate for
Commissioner Deiner-Karr to mail a copy of the new brochure along with a letter to each of the property owners identified in
the Bola Report.
Commissioner Binder noted that minor changes were made to the Commission's existing brochure. She invited
Commissioners to review the brochure again and forward any changes to her by June 22nd. Their goal is to print another
supply of the existing brochure at the same time the new brochure is printed.
Booth at the Summer Market
The Commission discussed the various opportunities for participating in the Summer Market. They agreed it would be
appropriate to set up a small table at the Saturday Market sometime in July or August to provide information about historic
preservation. Commissioner Binder asked Commissioners to email her the dates they would be available to participate and
she would coordinate a schedule. The Commission also agreed it would be helpful to participate in the Snohomish County
Heritage Society's booth on September 15t1i, which is what they did last year.
Preservation PlanninE Committee
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June 14, 2007 Page 2
Commissioner VanTassell reported on the discussion that took place at the joint Planning Board/Historic Preservation
Commission Meeting. He noted that the Board had not received a copy of the document that was approved by the
Commission at their last meeting and presented to the City Council on May 22nd. Mr. Chave advised that, since the joint
meeting, staff has provided all of the pertinent information to the Planning Board and introduced them to the concepts put
forward by the Commission. The Planning Board invited representatives from the Historic Preservation Commission and
Architectural Design Board to their June 27t' meeting to discuss the issue further. The Board was particularly interested in
learning more about the purpose and goals of the Commission's recommendation.
The Commission discussed their desire to have a meaningful dialogue with the Planning Board regarding their proposal. It
was emphasized that the Commission's goal is to create historic design standards to ensure that future development and
redevelopment represents the historic integrity of the downtown. The Commission discussed what they believed to be
misconceptions on the part of the Planning Board and how they could provide further information to resolve the confusion.
Mr. Chave suggested the Commissioners review the minutes from the last Planning Board Meeting so they are prepared to
participate in the joint meeting on June 27r''. They asked staff to advertise the meeting as a special meeting so that more than
just a few Commissioners could attend.
OTHER REPORTS
Edmonds South Snohomish County Historical Society
Commissioner Bruns said the Museum's new exhibit "50 Years of the Edmonds Arts Festival" is well done and provides a lot
of history. It has been a popular display. She also reported that Jim Wilmer will be working with Jim Underhill to provide a
plaque at Holmes Corner. Chair Kindness said she went to the Museum and viewed the box of brochures that were designed
by Edmonds school children about the history of Edmonds. She said she would highlight these brochures in a future news
release to let the citizens of the community know that children are interested in the history of the City, too.
City -Wide Sign Standards
Commissioner Deiner-Karr said she contacted Frances Chapin, who indicated that the City is working to develop a new set of
sign standards and would keep her up-to-date on what is taking place. However, Ms. Chapin indicated that the Historic
Preservation Commission would not have an opportunity to review and approve the new standards. Mr. Chave said that once
the general sign standards have been developed, the Historic Preservation Commission could determine whether or not
historic signs could fit in. Commissioners Deiner-Karr and Waite agreed to prepare a proposal for the Commission to
consider about whether or not it would be appropriate to pursue historic identification signs in the City, and if so, what the
signs should look like, criteria for signs, where to put signs, etc.
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June 14, 2007 Page 3
WORKSHOP SESSION
Frequently Asked Ouestions
The Commission specifically reviewed the following questions from the list of Frequently Asked Questions:
• Do I have to let the public into my building? The Commission agreed that an owner of historic property would not be
required to let the public into the building. However, it was noted that when making an application for the Register or
requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness, a property owner must allow the Commission to visit the structure.
• What are qualified expenditures if I restore or rehabilitate my building? Mr. Chave answered that qualifying
expenses are those that are incurred when restoring or rehabilitating the historic aspects of the building. Typically, this
means exterior improvements or something that has to do with the integrity of the structure. Renovations to parts of the
structure that are not identified as historic elements would be ineligible. The Commission emphasized that property
owners would not be required to expend money to restore a structure in order to be on the Register, but expenditures must
exceed 25% of the value of the home before the remodel in order to qualify for the tax incentive.
Commissioner Deiner-Karr asked if a property owner would be eligible for the tax incentive for improvements that were
made prior to placing the property on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. Commissioner VanTassell answered that
the brochure states the work must have been conducted within two years of the application. Mr. Chave clarified the time
period refers to the time previous to a property being placed on the Register. Mr. Chave explained that a property owner
would be required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Commission, and this document would be forwarded
to the County for approval of the tax incentive. The Commission agreed that an example should be provided to illustrate
how the tax incentive would be applied to a property. They clarified that eligibility would be based on the assessed value
of the building, not the property. The Commission agreed it would be appropriate to also provide examples of
expenditures that would not qualify.
• What is a Certificate of Appropriateness? Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested the following definition for Certificate
of Appropriateness, which would apply only to those properties that are on the Register: "A Certificate of Appropriateness
is used to insure that any change made to a historic resource preserves the original character and architectural features of
that property. The Historic Preservation Commission reviews applications to determine whether or not proposed certain
changes are appropriate and maintain the original character and features of the historic resource. A Certificate of
Appropriateness is required before any permits can be obtained."
Commissioner Deiner-Karr suggested the following definition for Certificate of Appropriateness that would apply to
demolition: "A Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition is a permit used by the Historic Preservation Commission
for any demolition to an eligible historic resource. A Certificate of Appropriateness would be used to address the impact
to the historic resource and is required before any other permits can be obtained."
The Commission accepted the two defmitions presented by Commissioner Deiner-Karr, but they agreed to add language in
each to indicate the Commission would use the guidelines established by the State. They discussed the need to make it
clear that no Certificate of Appropriateness would be required for ordinary maintenance such as painting or emergency
repairs.
• Does the property owner have to pay for the plaque to identify the property as historic? The Commission noted that
the City Council has provided $2,000 to fund the plaque program. It should be made clear that a property owner would
not have to pay for the plaque, but it would be on loan from the City while a property is on the Register.
• Do properties on the Register have to be visible from a public street? Mr. Chave said that, currently, there is no
requirement that a property must be visible from a public street. Commissioner Waite pointed out that the intent of the
historic preservation program is to provide a public benefit. If a structure is neither visible nor accessible from the street, it
would not provide a public benefit. The Commission agreed this type of situation would be unlikely in Edmonds.
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June 14, 2007 Page 4
• Is there a special building code that can be applied to my project? Commissioner Waite explained that the current
State Historic Building Code would likely be replaced in the near future. However, commercial property owners could
substitute the "alternate methods and design" section of the existing International Building Code. Commissioner Waite
agreed to draft an answer to this question and forward it to Chair Kindness.
• How much of the original home must exist to still be considered for the historical listing? The Commission noted
that the criteria for being listed on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places would address this question.
• Why does the process take so long? The Commission discussed that it really only takes an applicant a few months to
move an application through the process. However, the application time also depends on how quickly an applicant can
provide the required information.
• What are the implications of leaving the Register? The Commission discussed that utilizing tax incentives requires a
property owner to participate on the Register for at least ten years. If a property owner decides to take his property off the
Register, he/she would have to pay all of the taxes that would have been required had the property not be listed on the
Register.
• Is the tax incentive transferable if a property on the Register is sold? Mr. Chave said a change of ownership would
not change the designation.
• Will listing my structure increase its assessed and resale values? Commissioner Deiner-Karr expressed her belief that
the assessed and/or resale value of a structure on the Register could increase if used for commercial purposes.
• How old does a building have to be in order to be identified on the Register? The Commission noted that the code
indicates a building must be 50 years old to be considered for the Register. However, it was emphasized that there is no
guarantee a building that is more than 50 years old would be included on the Register. They noted that eligibility
requirements are identified in the Commission's new brochure.
• Will it be hard to make exterior and interior changes to my structure if it is listed on the Register? The Commission
agreed that it would not necessarily be more difficult to make changes. Again, it was noted that a property owner would
be allowed to make changes to the elements of a property that are not designated as historic without obtaining approval
from the Commission. Only changes to the historic elements of a site or structure would require a Certificate of
Appropriateness. Mr. Chave added that a property owner would not be precluded from expanding or modifying a
building, but it would have to be done in a sensitive way via the Certificate of Appropriateness review process. He
suggested that language could be provided to indicate that the Commission encourages the adaptive reuse of historic
structures.
• What do I need to do to register and does it cost money? The Commission noted that this information is clearly
outlined on their website. Property owners would not have to pay an application fee.
Chair Kindness indicated she would utilize the minutes from the meeting to draft short answers for each of the questions that
were discussed by the Commission. The Commission agreed that all of the questions and answers should be listed on a
single document that could be provided to the public. It was suggested that the questions be grouped under subheadings.
They expressed their desire to complete the document as soon as possible.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business was scheduled on the agenda.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS
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June 14, 2007 Page 5
Chair Kindness announced that the Edmonds Arts Festival is scheduled for July 151 through July 17'. She encouraged the
Commissioners to attend. She also announced that the Sno King Community Chorale will be performing South Pacific on
Saturday Night at the Edmonds Performing Arts Center, and the event is nearly sold out.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner VanTassell encouraged as many Commissioners as possible to attend the Planning Board Meeting on June
271'.
Commissioner Waite announced that the State Building Code Technical Advisory Group that he attends on behalf of the City
is continuing to work on proposed amendments to the Historic Building Code. However, it will likely take another year
before they are ready to present for approval.
ADJOURNMENT
The Commission meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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