Nominating a Property | Application Review | About Local Historic Districts
The Spokane Register of Historic Places is our local government’s official list of properties that have been designated as significant contributors to the historical development of Spokane. The Register was established by ordinance in both the City and County of Spokane in 1981 and 1982, respectively. These ordinances deems the City/County Historic Landmarks Commission responsible for the stewardship of historic and architecturally significant properties. Nominations to the Spokane Register must be accompanied by owner consent.
Eligibility for the Spokane Register is determined by the following criteria:
1) Those structures that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our local history; or
2)That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
3) That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
4) That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important to prehistory or history; and
5) The property is 50 years of age or older
Once a property has been determined eligible for placement on the Spokane Register, a nomination is completed for the property either by the property owner or a consultant. The nomination then goes before the Spokane Historic Landmarks Commission, which meets the third Wednesday of each month. The Commission will make a recommendation, based on the nomination, to the Spokane City Council, which will be heard and voted on at the next available Council Meeting.
Requirements for Application
Spokane Register Nomination Form
DRAFT: A draft nomination to the Spokane Register of Historic Places must be submitted to the Historic Preservation Office thirty days before the Landmarks Commission Meeting in a hard copy and electronically via email to bdsinfo@spokanecity.org . Staff will respond with suggestions or revisions.
FINAL FORM: The final nomination to the Spokane Register must be submitted no later than two weeks before the Landmarks Commission Meeting. Completed final nomination forms and accompanying documents must be submitted electronically and delivered as hard copies to the Historic Preservation Office.
View the Spokane Register Nomination Guide
Management Agreement Form
A completed Management Agreement form, with notarized signature of owner(s). (can be delivered at the hearing)
Maps
Illustrative maps.
Color Photographs
Six to ten color slides or digital photographs and printed copies showing: primary and secondary elevations and landscape; at least one photograph showing the property in the context of its neighborhood; and six to ten representative interior photos of significant interior features.
Spokane Register Nomination Fees – Due Upon Submission of Nomination:
Residential property: $50 Nomination Fee + $62 County Auditor Filing Fee = $112 Total Due
Commercial property: $100 Nomination Fee + $62 County Auditor Filing Fee = $162 Total Due
1) Hearing Schedule: Once staff determines the application is complete, a hearing will be scheduled with the Spokane Historic Landmarks Commission, which usually meets the third Wednesday of each month.
2) Public Notice: Staff will publish a public hearing notice in the Spokesman-Review 14 days prior to the hearing date.
3) Site Visit: A sub-committee of the Landmarks Commission will visit and view the exterior of the property prior to the hearing date.
4) Hearing: Staff will present the nomination. The applicant, or a qualified representative or consultant, should be present and will have an opportunity to offer comments concerning the nomination.
5) Decision: City staff submits the nomination, Management Agreement, and findings of fact to City Council or the Board of County Commissioners for a final decision. Two copies of the final nomination are required for this submission.
6) Notification: Staff for the City Council or the Board of County Commissioners will notify the applicant of the final decision.
Historic Marker Program
The Historic Preservation Office and the Historic Landmarks Commission have long worked toward the establishment of an historic marker program for properties listed in the Spokane Register of Historic Places. Local artist Marcia Smith created a handsome design executed in a 10-inch bronze plaque. The plaques are designed for exterior mounting, and finished with a clear acrylic lacquer for extra protection against the elements.
The Spokane Register Historic Marker Program offers us the opportunity to recognize those residences and commercial properties that contribute significantly to the historic and architectural character of this community. We envision this project as a means of applauding local preservation efforts, as well as an effective educational tool.
Download the Historic Marker Form
Spokane’s “historic neighborhoods” are neighborhoods with a concentration of houses over 50 years old. Eligibility requirements and the application process is the same as that for individual properties listed on the Spokane Register. However, a local historic district requires approval by a majority of the property owners. The Spokane City-County Historic Preservation Office assists neighborhoods in the preservation process through technical services, grant writing, conducting meetings, and hiring consultants.
Learn more about neighborhood preservation
