Pierce County, WA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing body
- Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission
- Designation criteria
- 4 criteria under PCC 2.88.029
- Hearing notice
- 10 days by mail and newspaper
- Commission recommendation window
- 45 days after hearing
- Demolition/alteration review window
- 60 days
- Geographic reach
- Unincorporated Pierce County only
- Appeals
- Chapter 1.22 PCC
Summary
Pierce County designates cultural and historic landmarks through its Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission under PCC 2.88.029. A property qualifies only if it meets one of four criteria tied to historic events, notable persons, distinctive design or archaeological potential, then goes through public hearing and County Council adoption.
A historic property that possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and/or association may be designated for inclusion in the Register based on the criteria below, which are based on those used for the National Register of Historic Places.
A. It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history;
B. It is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
C. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
D. It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in pre-history or history.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
029: association with significant historic events, association with significant persons, distinctive design/construction type or high artistic value, or likelihood of yielding important historic or pre-historic information. 030, the Commission holds a public hearing after mailing notice to record owners and the nominator at least 10 days ahead and publishing notice in a local newspaper at least 10 days ahead. Owners, abutting property owners and other interested parties may testify. Within 45 days of the hearing, the Commission recommends approval, rejection or modification to the County Council by simple majority vote; for historic districts, two-thirds owner consent within the district counts as adequate consent.
The Council then adopts, rejects or refers the recommendation back to the Commission by ordinance. Once designated, the property is marked on official County maps, recorded with the County Auditor, and reported to the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. 040, the Planning and Public Works Department cannot issue or validate a permit to demolish or alter a designated building, structure, place or district until the Commission has reviewed it, a process the Commission must complete within 60 days. Emergency repairs, disaster response and ordinary maintenance/painting are exempt, and the chapter does not reach historic properties inside incorporated cities unless an intergovernmental agreement extends it. 045 using the same nomination-hearing-Council procedure used to create it.
Violations & Fines
PCC 2.88.040.A bars the Planning and Public Works Department from issuing or validating any demolition or alteration permit for a designated landmark before Commission referral: proceeding without that referral leaves the permit invalid even if issued. If the Commission flags adverse effects during its 60-day review, it can recommend avoidance, minimization or mitigation, and any conditions the applicant agrees to become binding conditions of permit approval. Administrative appeals run through Chapter 1.22 PCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a property eligible as a Pierce County landmark?
Can I demolish a building once it's on the Register?
Does this ordinance cover landmarks in Tacoma or Puyallup?
How does a building get added to the Register?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington historic preservation overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.