Protecting Historic Residences and Community Character 

The City of Port Townsend is considering adopting regulations to protect the historic homes that contribute so much to our town’s unique character.  These regulations would allow for ongoing maintenance and additions/modifications, but would maintain the current scale of the buildings as seen from public streets. Additionally, the demolition of historic homes would be proposed to be prohibited in most circumstances.

Procedural Next Steps:  On February 25, Planning Commission held a public hearing, deliberated upon the issues and made a recommendation to adopt the proposed amendments.  Their recommendation will be forward to the City Council.  City Council is scheduled to hold a workshop in March.  They will hold a public hearing before issuing a final decision.  For dates, please see:  http://cityofpt.us/CityCouncil/Meetings.asp  

BACKGROUND:  Our community has long recognized that protection of our local historic resources is a key element of Port Townsend’s unique lifestyle, environment, economy and quality of life.  Given that recognition, the City Council has for many years regulated the types of development (and redevelopment) that could occur within the commercial and maritime portions of the National Historic Landmark District (NHLD).¹   

With nationwide awareness of Port Townsend’s unique resources, the need to protect historic residences both within and outside the NHLD has become apparent to many concerned community members and to the City Council.  At present, the demolition or alteration of a historic home is subject to very limited review.²  

Per direction from the Council, the Planning Commission and City Staff have been developing draft regulations for over a year, through meetings involving a task force composed of elected and appointed officials, as well as community members.  The meetings were advertised in both the local newspaper and through City publications.  The meetings were well attended and helped identify a wide array of issues and possible solutions.

In summary, the proposed regulations would preserve our valued historic homes (called “contributing” homes) while still allowing flexibility to alter and adaptively reuse them.

Anonymous display ad.  In the February 24, 2010 Port Townsend Leader an anonymous display ad raised several issues with the proposed regulations. The City staff response is provided in the link below.  

Staff Contact:  
John McDonagh,
Senior Planner Development Services Department
360.344.3070
jmcdonagh@cityofpt.us    

¹ The National Landmark Historic District generally includes the commercial downtown, uptown and uptown residential area.
² Currently, only State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) would apply to previously designated residences.  SEPA review would not prevent significant alteration of a historic residence.