Issaquah, WA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Chapter 18.808 of the Issaquah Land Use Code states its purpose in 18.808.010: to encourage the protection, preservation, and enhancement of historic and archaeological resources tied to important past events, themes, and people, resources that represent periods and types of architecture, possess high artistic value, or are likely to yield valuable information about the past. The chapter is the framework for an interlocal agreement between King County and the City of Issaquah on landmark designation and protection services.

Issaquah does not run its own full landmarks board. Section 18.808.030(A) designates and empowers the King County Landmarks Commission, established under KCC Chapter 20.62, to act as the Landmarks Commission for the City. The Mayor appoints one special member to that commission, subject to City Council confirmation. The special member must have demonstrated interest and competence in historic preservation, serves a three-year term, can be reappointed but cannot serve more than two consecutive three-year terms, and serves without compensation. The position is advisory only and has no authority to bind the City Council without a prior affirmative vote of a majority of the Council. The Commission files its rules and regulations with the City Clerk.

Section 18.808.020 adopts these King County sections by reference: definitions (KCC 20.62.020), designation criteria (20.62.040), nomination procedure (20.62.050), designation procedure (20.62.070), certificate of appropriateness procedure (20.62.080), evaluation of economic impact (20.62.100), funding (20.62.120), special valuation for historic properties (20.62.140), and the review process for historic resources (20.62.150). Issaquah amends two points. The Director is the Planning Director or a designee. Cemeteries, birthplaces or graves of historical figures, properties owned by religious institutions or used for religious purposes, moved structures, reconstructed historic buildings, properties primarily commemorative in nature, and properties that have achieved significance within the past 40 years may not be considered eligible for designation except under certain circumstances. In the certificate of appropriateness process, the building official seeks and considers the comments of the Historic Preservation Officer on mitigating adverse impacts. Section 18.808.040 sends appeals involving historic properties to IMC 18.204.200.