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Council approves first reading of draft historic preservation ordinance and MOU with Stanwood Historical Society
Summary
Council approved first reading of Ordinance 15 63 to create a five-member Historic Preservation Commission (Chapter 2.34), adopt state-template bylaws, pursue Certified Local Government status, and enter an MOU with the Stanwood Historical Society; public commenters urged a clear appeal path for owners listed on the local inventory.
The City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 15 63, which would create a Stanwood Historic Preservation Commission and establish a voluntary local register and related programs.
Community Development Director Patricia Love told council the draft ordinance uses the state's template and would create a five-member commission (with staggered three-year terms), require at least two members with professional historic or related backgrounds where possible, require residency in the city (with mayor/council exceptions), and authorize inventory work, review of nominations for local/state/federal registers, and administration of tax-incentive applications. Love also presented a memorandum of understanding with the Stanwood Historical Society intended to provide local expertise and administrative support.
Citizen Schmidt objected during closing comments to the draft's inventory process, arguing that (as written) owners could not meaningfully appeal inclusion on a local inventory and that such a label can carry market and permitting consequences. Patricia Love and other staff said the local inventory is voluntary for owners to be added to the register itself, that the ordinance enables grant eligibility (Certified Local Government status) and tax-incentive programs, and that staff will continue to refine implementation details.
"By establishing the Commission, we also are, in effect, establishing a local register of historic places," Love said, noting the designation is voluntary for owners who seek listing or incentives. After discussion and public comments, council moved and approved first reading and the MOU by voice vote.
Why it matters: the ordinance starts a program that could unlock historic-preservation grants and tax incentives but also raises property-rights questions about the mechanics of inventorying and contesting local designations. Several speakers urged clearer appeal language and administrative review options before the second reading.
