Chapter 2.58
HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD
Sections:
2.58.020 Historic preservation review board.
2.58.030 Terms and qualifications.
2.58.060 Limitation of authority.
2.58.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to outline the qualifications and duties of the historic preservation review board which provides the town with an advisory body to consider and recommend to the council such measures as will encourage and foster preservation of buildings, districts, objects, sites and structures. (Ord. 1592 § 1, 2016; Ord. 1223 § 1, 2003)
2.58.020 Historic preservation review board.
The historic preservation review board (board) shall consist of five members who cumulatively meet the requirements and qualifications addressed in FHMC 2.58.030. The board shall include at least two professionals who have experience in identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources. The required preservation professionals may be waived by the State Historic Preservation Officer if, upon proper public notification of the vacancy, no suitable candidates could be found.
When board seats are vacated, the mayor shall notify staff to announce/publicize board vacancies broadly to the community, and in particular, to relevant preservation, planning and local history organizations. In making appointments, the mayor may consider names submitted from any source. (Ord. 1718 § 1, 2021; Ord. 1592 § 2, 2016; Ord. 1223 § 2, 2003)
2.58.030 Terms and qualifications.
Members of the historical preservation review board shall serve terms of two years. The terms shall be staggered. Members of the board shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the town council.
Board action that would otherwise be valid shall not be rendered invalid by the temporary vacancy of one or both of the professional positions, unless the board action is related to meeting certified local government responsibilities cited in the certification agreement between the town and the State Historic Preservation Officer.
The mayor shall appoint members with qualifications, skills or demonstrated interest in one or more of the following categories:
A. Historic preservationist;
B. Historian;
C. Architect;
D. Architectural historian;
E. Planner;
F. Prehistoric/historic archaeologist;
G. Folklorist;
H. Cultural anthropologist;
I. Curator;
J. Conservationist;
K. Landscape architect or designer;
L. Builder/contractor; or
M. Other related disciplines.
Members shall serve without compensation. Vacancies occurring during a term of office shall be filled for the remaining length of term. Members may be removed by the mayor, with approval of the council, for inefficiency, neglect of duty, misfeasance or malfeasance in office. Unexcused absence from three consecutive meetings shall be grounds for removal. (Ord. 1718 § 2, 2021; Ord. 1592 § 3, 2016; Ord. 1223 § 3, 2003)
2.58.040 Organization.
The historic preservation review board shall be organized as follows:
A. Chairperson. The duties of the chairperson shall rotate between the board members based on a schedule agreed upon by the members during the last meeting of the calendar year.
B. Vice Chair. The vice chair serves in the absence of the current chairperson. The vice chair is the board member who served as the chairperson during the previous rotation.
C. Quorum. No business shall be conducted without a quorum at the meeting. A quorum shall exist when a simple majority of the members, including the chairperson, are present.
D. Voting. All actions of the board shall be represented by a vote of the membership, including the chairperson, if present, or the vice chair in absence of the chairperson. A simple majority of the members present at the meeting in which action is taken shall approve any actions taken. (Ord. 1592 § 4, 2016; Ord. 1223 § 4, 2003)
2.58.050 Powers and duties.
It is the task of the historic preservation review board to identify and actively encourage the conservation of the town of Friday Harbor’s historic resources, including but not limited to the following duties:
A. Maintain and update the Friday Harbor Historic Preservation Technical Manual.
B. Review proposals to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, move, demolish and significantly affect properties on the register or within historic district.
C. Advise the town council on incentives to encourage preservation of inventoried structures or sites within the historic district, and designated landmarks outside the district, but within the boundaries of the town.
D. Review and advise the council on changes to the Friday Harbor Municipal Code, building and land use codes, other municipal improvement and related technical manuals, as well as other types of planning activities and programs undertaken by the town of Friday Harbor and other agencies, including but not limited to San Juan County, the state of Washington and the federal government, as they relate to the preservation of historic buildings, districts, objects, sites and structures within the boundaries of Friday Harbor.
E. Manage and update the comprehensive inventory of historic sites known as the Friday Harbor Inventory of Historic Places. Publicize inventory update results, and list inventory properties on official zoning records with the notation: HI.
F. Initiate and maintain the Friday Harbor Historic Landmarks Register according to the criteria in FHMC 17.64.080. List landmarks with the notation: HL.
G. Review nominations to the Town of Friday Harbor Landmarks Register and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide the review process.
H. Conduct all board meetings in compliance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, the Open Public Meetings Act, as it now exists or is hereafter amended, to provide for adequate public participation and adopt standards in its rules to guide this action.
I. Upon request of the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, review nominations of Friday Harbor historic sites to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
J. When a special tax valuation ordinance is implemented, the HPRB will serve as a local review board for determining eligibility of designated Friday Harbor landmarks as described in FHMC 17.64.080(C) and per Chapter 84.26 RCW as it now exists or is hereafter amended. The board will act as the monitoring agent during the duration of any agreement with a property owner for continued special valuation per requirements of state law. (Ord. 1592 § 5, 2016; Ord. 1223 § 5, 2003)
2.58.060 Limitation of authority.
The historic preservation review board shall have no authority to approve or disapprove development permits. The historic preservation review boards function is advisory only. (Ord. 1223 § 6, 2003)
2.58.070 Staff assistance.
The planning staff shall provide the historic preservation review board with such assistance as is reasonably necessary to enable it to perform its functions and duties. Staff assistance shall include, but not be limited to, staff reports, research, general planning, and instruction. (Ord. 1223 § 7, 2003)