Landmarks Design Review
The Landmarks Preservation Commission reviews projects for historic compatibility at its regular public meetings, and, if the work meets the standards for historic treatment, issues a certificate of approval. In general, any exterior work on City Landmarks that is visible from public rights of way requires design review. In the North Slope Historic District, exterior changes that require building permits also require design review.
Historic design review is conducted using the online Accela platform, which offers a number of efficiencies including online permit applications, online payment processing, and permit tracking throughout the entire process.
About Design Review
Design review is a required part of the permitting process for projects involving properties listed on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, including buildings within locally designated historic districts. Many simple projects take two to four weeks for the Commission to review from the point of application. More complex projects can require several meetings, including informational briefings during design development.
Review the Standards and Guidelines for Historic Buildings
The Landmarks Preservation Commission reviews projects according to a set of standards, which include design guidelines for historic districts and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. In some cases, pre-application meetings or Commission briefings are beneficial for larger or more complex projects.
How to Apply
For information or technical assistance pre-register for a Tacoma Permits account, visit tacomapermits.org, email TacomaPermits@cityoftacoma.org or call (253) 591-5030.
Submit Your Plans for Preliminary Review
By submitting your plans through the Accela permitting system you are ensuring your application will be reviewed for applicable codes and avoids delays. Generally, variances and conditional use permits must be obtained prior to Landmarks Commission review.
Submit Your Plans to the Historic Preservation Office
Plans should be submitted electronically through the Accela portal. If you have any questions about the submittal requirements, please contact us by phone or email (see below).
Fee Schedule
On November 20, 2018, City Council approved a general services fee schedule that includes fees for design review and demolition review of historic buildings. The fees are as follows:
Commercial Projects
Residential Projects
Scheduling
Once your application is received, staff will review it for completeness and schedule it for the next available agenda. The Landmarks Commission generally meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Applications must be complete two weeks in advance of the desired meeting date. You will be notified when your application has been scheduled for review.
Present Your Application to the Commission
It is highly recommended that applicant be present to respond to questions or recommendations from the Commission.
Apply for Permits
Once the Commission has granted approval, you may obtain permits. In some cases, land use review or plans review may occur concurrently with the historic design review process.
Contact Us
Historic Preservation Office
Planning and Development Services
747 Market Street
Room 345
(253) 591-5220
landmarks@cityoftacoma.org
For questions about the Accela permitting system, building code, or zoning, please call the Planning Helpline at (253) 591-5030.