Owning an individual landmark, or property within an historic district, is both a privilege and a responsibility. Property owners can benefit from generally increased property values, local and Federal tax incentives for rehabilitation, and protection from the threat of destructive planning. In return, owners are responsible for helping to maintain the distinctive characteristics which make an historic building or district unique.

In order to assist in this effort, the City of Spokane adopted a local preservation ordinance in November 1981; the County quickly followed suit in January 1982. These ordinances established the Spokane City/County Landmarks Commission- a body of private citizens charged with the preservation and protection of Spokane's historic architectural and archaeological resources. This is accomplished through the designation of historic properties to the Spokane Register of Historic Places, and subsequent design review of exterior changes.