Seattle, WA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- SMC 25.12
- Board members
- 11 volunteers
- Min age
- 25 years
- Tax break
- 10-yr frozen value
- Listed
- 500+ landmarks
Summary
Seattle SMC 25.12 empowers the Landmarks Preservation Board to designate individual landmarks. Approved landmarks require a Certificate of Approval before any controlled-feature alteration; over 500 landmarks are listed citywide.
City Landmarks — Since 1973, Seattle has designated more than 400 individual sites, buildings, vehicles, vessels, and street clocks as landmarks subject to protection by city ordinance. [...] In the sections below you will find a step-by-step guide to Seattle's landmark process; answers to frequently asked questions; Landmark Preservation Board minutes, schedules, and agendas; staff contacts; and instructions and a printable PDF form to apply for a "Certificate of Approval" to modify a designated landmark.
Full Breakdown
Seattle SMC 25.12 establishes the Landmarks Preservation Board, an 11-member volunteer body of architects, historians, and community members appointed by the Mayor. Owners or third parties may nominate properties at least 25 years old meeting one of six criteria (architecture, association with significant person, etc.). After a public hearing, the Board designates the landmark and negotiates controls listing protected features (commonly exterior and site). Subsequent alteration of controlled features requires a Certificate of Approval. Owners gain property tax incentives via King County Special Valuation (10-year frozen assessment) and federal tax credits. Demolition is rarely granted. Smith Tower, Space Needle, and Paramount Theatre are notable Seattle landmarks.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized alteration: stop-work, restoration ordered, $500-$5,000 fine. Demolition without approval: criminal misdemeanor plus loss of building permits for years and forfeiture of tax incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I oppose landmark designation of my building?
Do all changes to a landmark need approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
Compare Seattle to another location·View the Washington historic preservation overview
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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle historic-cultural monuments.