The Historic Preservation Commission of College Place, Washington, convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss key aspects of the state special tax valuation program aimed at incentivizing the preservation of historic properties. The meeting focused on the eligibility criteria and benefits of the program, which has been in place since 1985.

A representative explained that property owners can qualify for a property tax reduction if they invest at least 25% of the assessed value of improvements—excluding land—within a 24-month period. Eligible expenditures include construction costs, design work by engineers or architects, property taxes during the project, utilities, and financing costs. However, additions and site work, except for utility connections, do not qualify.

Once the expenditure threshold is met, the Walla Walla County Assessor will deduct the total qualified rehabilitation expenditures from the assessed value of the property for a period of ten years. This reduction can significantly lower property taxes, with some owners potentially seeing their taxes drop to nearly zero, while others may experience modest reductions.

The program aims to alleviate the financial burden on property owners maintaining historic properties, preventing them from facing higher taxes immediately after completing upgrades. To participate, property owners must enter into an agreement with the city, and typically, properties must be listed on the local register and undergo design review for any work affecting the exterior.

The commission emphasized that while the exterior of the building is protected under local historic designation, interior spaces generally are not. However, any work done on the interior must still comply with the Secretary of Interior standards as part of the tax valuation application process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further review the city’s ordinance regarding the program and to ensure that property owners are informed about the benefits and requirements of participating in the tax reduction initiative.