Chapter 20.146
CONVERSION OR DEMOLITION OF HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Sections:
20.146.010 Purpose.
20.146.020 Application and review criteria.
20.146.030 Permitted uses.
20.146.040 Demolition of historic structures.
20.146.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a means by which the beauty and authenticity of Walla Walla’s historic structures may be conserved as reminders of the community’s heritage. Properties listed on the Walla Walla inventory of historic places (HI) or Walla Walla register of historic places (HR) are subject to the requirements set forth in the city of Walla Walla historic commission bylaws, rules and procedures for design review and special valuation. (Ord. 2004-17 § 6, 2004).
20.146.020 Application and review criteria.
A. Structures in any residential district may be converted to nonresidential uses provided in this Chapter.
1. Conversion of historic structures requires a Level III Conditional Use Permit as specified in Chapter 20.216.
2. The Site Plan Review Committee shall review the proposal and provide a report to the Hearing Examiner prior to the public hearing on the application.
3. The Hearing Examiner shall make findings (related to the proposed use) which support each of the following criteria:
a. The subject structure possesses sufficient community-wide historic and architectural significance that it warrants special treatment under the Zoning Code.
b. Conversion of the structure is an effective means of preserving these values and features.
4. The Hearing Examiner shall make findings related to the proposed use which support each of the following criteria:
a. The proposed use is compatible with the historic and architectural values of the structure;
b. The use is generally compatible with the neighborhood as regards traffic flow, hours of operation, noise and light;
c. Off-street parking is provided which is generally but not necessarily fully in compliance with the standards prescribed for that use in Chapter 20.127, Table of Off-Street Parking Standards;
d. Parking and traffic maneuvering areas shall be effectively buffered from adjacent residential uses by fences, hedges, retaining walls, or other sight-obscuring structures. All such buffers shall be architecturally and aesthetically compatible with the adjacent properties. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 97-14 § 60, 1997: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).
20.146.030 Permitted uses.
A. Uses to which historic structures may be converted are as follows:
1. Restaurant;
2. Tea or coffee house;
3. Professional offices, including doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, real estate, insurance companies, and such other like uses as may be determined by the Hearing Examiner;
4. Art gallery;
5. Other uses similar to those above which capitalize on and enhance the historic and architec-
tural values of the structure. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 97-14 § 70, 1997).
20.146.040 Demolition of historic structures.
A. A ten (10) day holding period shall be observed, following notification to the local newspaper, prior to issuance of a Development Authorization for demolition of structures over fifty (50) years old, or places of historic value, during which time staff will invite comments from the Washington State Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and local interest groups having on file a request for notification of such applications, on the possible historic or architectural significance of the structure or place to the community.
B. If, based on comments received from the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation or local interest groups notified as per Subsection A, staff determines that the subject structure or place possesses sufficient community-wide historic or architectural significance that further public input is warranted, the proposal will be subject to the following:
1. A sixty (60) day staff level stay during which the Director may consult with local and/or state organizations concerned with historic or architectural values. If the structure or place is found to be significant, staff or the concerned group(s) or agency(s) may petition the Planning Commission for a public hearing to consider significance of the structure or place and options available to preserve the public interest.
2. Based on input received at the public hearing, the Planning Commission may:
a. Authorize issuance of a Development Authorization; or
b. Issue a continuance of the stay for no longer than one (1) year to provide opportunity for acquisition, easement, or other preservation mechanism to be negotiated; or
c. Take other action as required by State statutes or administrative code as advised by authorized representatives of the Archaeology and Historic Preservation Division of the State Department of Community Development.
C. Accessory structures on single-family or multi-family residential lots are exempt from the requirements of this Section. (Ord. 2000-6 § 2(part), 2000: Ord. 97-14 § 71, 1997: Ord. 95-5 § 1(part), 1995).