Columbia City Landmark District
The Columbia City Landmark District is one of Seattle's eight historic districts. It is a collection of commercial buildings, churches, apartments and houses.
At its center is a "village green" with a 1914 Andrew Carnegie library branch of the Seattle Public Library. The area preserves the small town atmosphere of its turn-of-the-century roots as a mill and railroad town. In 1978, Columbia City was designated a landmark district in Seattle to preserve the area's unique character and to encourage rehabilitation of areas for community use, housing and pedestrian-oriented businesses. Columbia City was designated a National Register Historic District the same year although the boundaries are slightly different.
Both Columbia City and its neighbor, Seattle, first boomed as mill towns. But, while Seattle became dominant in the region, Columbia City was annexed by its larger neighbor just fourteen years after its incorporation. Nonetheless, Columbia City maintained its identity and remains a distinct and historic part of Seattle.
From the time of its incorporation in 1893 until its annexation by Seattle in 1907, Columbia City prospered from logging and the railroad. The Seattle, Renton, and Southern Railway stretched the seven miles from Seattle to Columbia City in 1890, establishing a profitable two-way freight business. Columbia City shipped surplus lumber to a Seattle that was rebuilding after the 1889 fire and Columbia City needed the finished goods Seattle could provide. Much of Columbia City's lumber, as well as goods from Seattle, went into its own buildings and lakeshore summer residences.
Columbia City's growth increased when C. D. Hillman used the railway to hasten real estate sales. From 1900 to 1907, Seattle and the surrounding areas grew rapidly and brought good economic times to Columbia City. Many new buildings were built along Rainier Avenue South, most of which still stand.
These buildings had stores on the ground floor and a meeting hall or dance floor upstairs. The rent supplied by the meetings, dances, and occasional apartments made construction of many of the buildings possible. As the forests around Columbia City fell under the loggers' axes, the people of Columbia City made plans to drain Wetmore Slough and make the town into a seaport as part of the 1917 Lake Washington Ship Canal development farther north. The port never developed, and the slough was filled by 1920.
With money donated by Andrew Carnegie, a branch public library was built in 1914 above a ravine deeded to the City in 1892 as a park.
Although the ravine's creek now flows through sewer lines, the park remains, providing Columbia City with its "village green."Although community concern for safety resulted in the removal in 1936 of the railway from the center of Rainier Avenue South, Columbia City continued to grow along with Seattle.
The Columbia City Application Review Committee and the City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board are charged with maintaining the historic character of Columbia City, ensuring that the architectural integrity and aesthetics of the buildings and landscape are preserved. The Review Committee consists of five members, two that are appointed by the Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Board and three that are appointed by the Chair of the Columbia City Business Association. The Review Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board. The Board is responsible for the final review and approval of applications for Certificates of Approval for any change to the exterior appearance of buildings or structures, streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces in the District.
Submit Public Comment to the Columbia City Review Committee
2023 Columbia City Review Committee Agendas
- 4914 Rainier Avenue S: Presentation | Staff Report
Meeting Materials Archive
2023 Meeting Schedule | 2023 ARC Meeting Schedule
2023 Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
2022 Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
2022 Meeting Schedule | 2022 ARC Meeting Schedule
January 5, 2022 Agenda | January 5, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
January 19, 2022 Agenda | January 19, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
January 28, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 2, 2022 Agenda | February 2, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 11, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 16, 2022 Agenda | February 16, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 25, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 2, 2022 Agenda | March 2, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 11, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 16, 2022 Agenda | March 16, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 1, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 6, 2022 Agenda | April 6, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 15, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 20, 2022 Agenda | April 20, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 29, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 4, 2022 Agenda | May 4, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 13, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda
May 18, 2022 Agenda | May 18, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda
May 27, 2022 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda
June 1, 2022 Agenda I June 1, 2022 Minutes
June 15, 2022 Agenda | June 15, 2022 Minutes
July 6, 2022 Agenda | July 6, 2022 Minutes
July 29, 2022 ARC – CANCELLED
November 11, 2022 No ARC - Holiday
December 2, 2022 ARC Cancelled
2021 Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
2021 Meeting Schedule | 2021 ARC Meeting Schedule
January 6, 2021 | January 6, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
January 15, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
January 20, 2021 Agenda | January 20, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
January 29, 2021 ARC Cancelled
February 3, 2021 Agenda | February 3, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 12, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 17, 2021 Agenda | February 17, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
February 26, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 3, 2021 Agenda | March 3, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 12, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
March 17, 2021 Agenda | March 17, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 2, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 7, 2021 Agenda | April 7, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 16, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 21, 2021 Agenda April 21, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
April 30, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 5, 2021 Agenda | May 5, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 14, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 19, 2021 Agenda | May 19, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
May 28, 2021 ARC - CANCELLED
June 2, 2021 Agenda | June 2, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
June 11, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
June 16, 2021 Agenda | June 16, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
June 25, 2021 ARC - CANCELLED
July 7, 2021 Agenda | July 7, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
July 16, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
July 21, 2021 Agenda | July 21, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
July 30, 2021 ARC - CANCELLED
August 4, 2021 - CANCELLED
August 13, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
August 18, 2021 Agenda | August 18, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
August 27, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 1, 2021 Agenda | September 1, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 10, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 15, 2021 Agenda | September 15, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 1, 2021 ARC - CANCELLED
October 6, 2021 Agenda | October 6, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 15, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 20, 2021 Agenda | October 20, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 29, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 3, 2021 Agenda | November 3, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 12, 2021 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 17, 2021 Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 1, 2021 Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 10, 2021 Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 15, 2021 Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
2020 Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
2020 Meeting Schedule | 2020 ARC Meeting Schedule
January 15, 2020 | January 15, 2020 Minutes
February 5, 2020 Agenda | February 5, 2020 Minutes
February 19, 2020 Agenda | February 19, 2020 Minutes
March 4, 2020 Agenda | March 4, 2020 Minutes
March 13, 2020 ARC Cancellation
March 18, 2020 - CANCELLED
April 1, 2020 - CANCELLED
April 10, 2020 ARC - CANCELED
April 15, 2020 - CANCELLED
May 1, 2020 ARC - CANCELLED
May 6, 2020 - CANCELLED
May 15, 2020 ARC - CANCELLED
May 20, 2020 - CANCELLED
May 29, 2020 ARC - CANCELLED
June 3, 2020 - CANCELLED
June 12, 2020 ARC - CANCELLED
June 17, 2020 ARC - CANCELLED
June 26, 2020 ARC - CANCELLED
July 1, 2020 Agenda
July 10, 2020 ARC - CANCELLED
July 15, 2020 Agenda
July 31, 2020 ARC - CANCELLED
August 5, 2020 Agenda | August 5, 2020 Minutes
August 14, 2020 ARC Cancelled
August 19, 2020 Agenda | August 19, 2020 Minutes
August 28, 2020 ARC Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 2, 2020 Agenda | September 2, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 11, 2020 ARC Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
September 16, 2020 Agenda | September 16, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 2, 2020 ARC Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 7, 2020 Agenda: | October 7, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 16, 2020 ARC Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 21, 2020 Agenda | October 21, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
October 30, 2020 ARC Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 4, 2020 Agenda | November 4, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 13, 2020 ARC Agenda: In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
November 18, 2020 Agenda | November 18, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 2, 2020 Agenda December 2, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 11,2020 ARC Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
December 16,2020 Agenda In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.
2019 Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
2019 Meeting Schedule | 2019 ARC Meeting Schedule
January 2, 2019 Agenda | January 2, 2019 Minutes
January 16, 2019 Agenda |January 16, 2019 Minutes
February 6, 2019 Agenda | February 6, 2019 Minutes
February 20, 2019 Agenda | February 20, 2019 Minutes
March 6, 2019 Agenda | March 6, 2019 Minutes
March 20, 2019 Agenda | March 20, 2019 Minutes
April 3, 2019 Agenda | April 3, 2019 Minutes
April 17, 2019 Agenda | April 17, 2019 Minutes
May 1, 2019 Agenda | May 1, 2019 Minutes
May 15, 2019 Agenda | May 15, 2019 Minutes
June 5, 2019 Agenda | June 5, 2019 Minutes
June 19, 2019 Agenda | June 19, 2019 Minutes
July 3, 2019 No Meeting
July 17, 2019 Agenda | July 17, 2019 Minutes
August 7, 2019 Agenda | August 7, 2019 Minutes
August 21, 2019 Agenda | August 21, 2019 Minutes
September 4, 2019 Agenda | September 4, 2019 Minutes
September 18, 2019 Agenda | September 18, 2019 Minutes
October 2, 2019 Agenda | October 2, 2019 Minutes
October 16, 2019 Agenda | October 16, 2019 Minutes
November 6, 2019 Agenda | November 6, 2019 Minutes
November 20, 2019 Agenda | November 20, 2019 Minutes
2018 Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
2018 Meeting Schedule | 2018 ARC Meeting Schedule
January 3, 2018 Agenda | January 3, 2018 Minutes
January 17, 2018 Agenda | January 17, Minutes
February 7, 2018 Agenda | February 7, 2018 Minutes
February 21, 2018 Agenda | February 21, 2018 Minutes
March 7, 2018 Agenda | March 7, 2018 Minutes
March 21, 2018 Agenda | March 21, 2018 Minutes
April 4, 2018 Agenda | April 4, 2018 Minutes
April 18, 2018 Agenda | April 18, 2018 Minutes
May 2, 2018 Agenda | May 2, 2018 Minutes
May 16, 2018 Agenda | May 16, 2018 Minutes
June 6, 2018 Agenda | June 6, 2018 Minutes
June 26, 2018 Agenda | June 26, 2018 Minutes
July 18, 2018 Agenda | July 18, 2018 Minutes
August 1, 2018 Agenda | August 1, 2018 Minutes
August 15, 2018 Agenda | August 15, 2018 Minutes
September 5, 2018 Agenda | September 5, 2018 Minutes
September 19, 2018 Agenda | September 19, 2018 Minutes
October 3, 2018 Agenda | October 3, 2018 Minutes
October 17, 2018 Agenda | October 17, 2018 Minutes
November 7, 2018 Agenda | November 7, 2018 Minutes
November 21, 2018 Agenda | November 21, 2018 Minutes
December 5, 2018 Agenda | December 5, 2018 Minutes
December 19, 2018 Agenda | December 19, 2018 Minutes
2017 Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
2017 Meeting Schedule | 2017 ARC Meeting Schedule
January 4, 2017 Agenda | January 4, 2017 Minutes
January 18, 2017 Agenda | January 18, 2017 Minutes
February 1, 2017 Agenda | February 1, 2017 Minutes
February 15, 2017 Agenda | February 15, 2017 Minutes
March 1, 2017 Agenda | March 1, 2017 Minutes
March 15, 2017 Agenda | March 15, 2017 Minutes
April 5, 2017 Agenda | April 5, 2017 Minutes
April 19, 2017 Agenda | April 19, 2017 Minutes
May 3, 2017 Agenda | May 3, 2017 Minutes
May 17, 2017 Agenda | May 17, 2017 Minutes
June 7, 2017 Agenda | June 7, 2017 Minutes
June 21, 2017 Agenda | June 21, 2017 Minutes
July 5, 2017 Agenda | July 5, 2017 Minutes
July 19, 2017 Agenda | July 19, 2017 Minutes
August 2, 2017 Agenda | August 2, 2017 Minutes
August 16, 2017 Agenda| August 16, 2017 Minutes
September 6, 2017 Agenda | September 6, 2017 Minutes
September 20, 2017 Agenda | September 20, 2017 Minutes
October 4, 2017 Agenda | October 4, 2017 Minutes
October 18, 2017 Agenda | October 18, 2017 Minutes
November 1, 2017 Agenda | November 1, 2017 Minutes
November 15, 2017 Agenda | November 15, 2017 Minutes
2016 Landmarks Preservation Board Agenda and Minutes
January 6, 2016 Agenda | January 6, 2016 Minutes
January 15, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
January 20, 2016 Agenda | January 20, 2016 Minutes
January 29, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
February 3, 2016 Agenda | February 3, 2016 Minutes
February 12, 2016 Agenda Archtiectural Review Committee
February 17, 2016 Agenda |February 17, 2016 Minutes
March 2, 2016 Agenda | March 2, 2016 Minutes
March 11, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee NOTE LOCATION CHANGE
March 16, 2016 Agenda | March 16, 2016 Minutes
March 25, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
April 6, 2016 Agenda | April 6, 2016 Minutes
April 20, 2016 Agenda | April 20, 2016 Minutes
May 4, 2016 Agenda | May 4, 2016 Minutes
May 13, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
May 18, 2016 Agenda | May 18, 2016 Minutes
May 27, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
June 1, 2016 Agenda | June 1, 2016 Minutes
June 10, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
June 15, 2016 Agenda | June 15, 2016 Minutes
June 24, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee NOTE LOCATION
July 6, 2016 Agenda | July 6, 2016 Minutes
July 20, 2016 Agenda | July 20, 2016 Minutes
July 29, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
August 3, 2016 Agenda | August 3, 2016 Minutes
August 12, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
August 17, 2016 Agenda | August 17, 2016 Minutes
September 2, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
September 7, 2016 Agenda REVISED | September 7, 2016 Minutes
September 16, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee - Revised
September 21, 2016 Agenda | September 21, 2016 Minutes
September 30, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee NOTE LOCATION
October 5, 2016 Agenda | October 5, 2016 Minutes
October 14, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
October 19, 2016 Agenda | October 19, 2016 Minutes
October 28, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
November 8, 2016 Meeting Cancellation Notice
November 16, 2016 Agenda | November 16, 2016 Minutes
December 2, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
December 7, 2016 Agenda | December 7, 2016 Minutes
December 16, 2016 Agenda Architectural Review Committee
2015 Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
January 7, 2015 Agenda | January 7, 2015 Minutes
January 21, 2015 Agenda | January 21, 2015 Minutes
February 5, 2015 Agenda | February 5, 2015 Minutes
February 18, 2015 Agenda | February 18, 2015 Minutes
March 4, 2015 Agenda | March 4, 2015 Minutes
March 18, 2015 Agenda | March 18, 2015 Minutes
April 1, 2015 Agenda | April 1, 2015 Minutes
April 10, 2015 Agenda - Architectural Review Committee
April 15, 2015 Agenda | April 15, 2015 Minutes
May 1, 2015 Agenda - Architectural Review Committee
May 6, 2015 Agenda | May 6, 2015 Minutes
May 20, 2015 Agenda | May 20, 2015 Minutes
May 29, 2015 Agenda - Architectural Review Committee
June 3, 2015 Agenda | June 3, 2015 Minutes
June 12, 2015 Agenda - Architectural Review Committee
June 17, 2015 Agenda | June 17, 2015 Minutes
June 26, 2015 Agenda - Architectural Review Committee
July 1, 2015 Agenda | July 1, 2015 Minutes
July 15, 2015 Agenda | July 15, 2015 Minutes
July 31, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
August 5, 2015 Agenda | August 5, 2015 Minutes
August 14, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
August 19, 2015 Agenda | August 19, 2015 Minutes
August 28, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
September 2, 2015 Agenda | September 2, 2015 Minutes
September 11, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
September 16, 2015 Agenda | September 16, 2015 Minutes
October 2, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
October 7, 2015 Agenda | October 7, 2015 Minutes
October 16, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
October 21, 2015 Agenda | October 21, 2015 Minutes
October 30, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
November 4, 2015 Agenda | November 4, 2015 Minutes
November 13, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
November 18, 2015 Agenda | November 18, 2015 Minutes
December 2, 2015 Agenda | December 2, 2015 Minutes
December 11, 2015 Agenda | Architectural Review Committee
December 16, 2015 Agenda | December 16, 2015 Minutes
2014 Landmark Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
November 5, 2014 Agenda | November 5, 2014 Minutes
November 19, 2014 Agenda | November 19, 2014 Minutes
December 3, 2014 Agenda | December 3, 2014 Minutes
December 17, 2014 Agenda | December 17, 2014 Minutes
» Archived Landmarks Preservation Board Agendas and Minutes
A Certificate of Approval must be issued before changes can be made to individually designated City Landmarks or to properties within the City's eight historic districts.
Refer to the District Guidelines and other relevant resources for information regarding design standards and other considerations.
Please consult the Guide to Acing the Certificate of Approval Process before starting the online application process. For online application help, watch this How-To video.
The following changes require that the Board issue a Certificate of Approval before the City will issue any permits:
- Any change to the outside of any building or structure.
- Installation of any new sign or change to any existing sign.
- Installation of a new awning or canopy.
- Any change to an interior that affects the exterior.
- New addition, construction, and/or remodel.
- Any change in a public right-of-way or other public space, including parks and sidewalks.
- Demolition of any building or structure.
- Exterior painting
1. What is the Columbia City Application Review Committee and City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board?
The Columbia City Application Review Committee and the City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board are charged with maintaining the historic character of Columbia City, ensuring that the architectural integrity and aesthetics of the buildings and landscape are preserved. The Review Committee consists of five members, two that are appointed by the Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Board and three that are appointed by the Chair of the Columbia City Business Association. The Review Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board. The Board is responsible for the final review and approval of applications for Certificates of Approval for any change to the exterior appearance of buildings or structures, streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces in the District.2. What must be reviewed by the Review Committee and Board?The following changes require a Certificate of Approval to be issued by the Landmarks Preservation Board before the City will issue any permits:
- Any change to the outside of any building or structure
- Installation of any new sign or changes to existing signs
- Installation of any new awning or canopy
- Any change to the interior that affects the exterior
- New addition, construction and/or remodel
- Any change in public rights-of-way or other public spaces, including parks and sidewalks
- Demolition of any building or structure
- Exterior painting
3. When are Review Committee and Board Meetings?
The Review Committee typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 S. Alaska Street. The meeting schedule can be found under the Meeting Schedules, Agendas/Minutes link on this page. The Board conducts regular meetings at 3:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4060. All meetings are open to the public.
4. What is a Certificate of Approval?
A Certificate of Approval is an official notice of approval issued by the Columbia City Review Committee and the City of Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board. To get your project reviewed and approved, a completed Application for Certificate Approval needs to be submitted to the Landmark District Coordinator.A Certificate of Approval is not a permit. An applicant is still responsible for obtaining relevant permits after receiving approval from the Review Committee and Board. The Department of Construction and Inspections issues permits after an applicant has received a Certificate of Approval.
5. What is the Approval Process?
Step 1
Submit a completed application and the appropriate fee to the Historic Preservation Program, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, PO Box 94649 Seattle, WA 98124-4649.
Step 2
The Landmark District Coordinator will review the application and plans for completeness and compliance with the regulations.
Step 3
After the application is determined to be complete, it will be placed on the agenda for the next public meeting of the Review Committee.
Step 4
The Review Committee will recommend to the Landmarks Preservation Board whether to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application.
Step 5
The Landmarks Preservation Board Coordinator will schedule your application to be reviewed by the Board at one of its meetings.
Step 6
A Notice of Decision to approve, approve with conditions or deny the application for Certificate of Approval will be issued.
Step 7
You or any interested party of record may appeal a decision to the City Hearing Examiner within 14 days of the issuance of the Notice of Decision.
6. How Do I Schedule for Review Committee Consideration?
If you are starting a new business or service, changing the location of your business within the District, or making physical changes to the outside of your property, building, or business, call the Columbia City Landmark District Coordinator at (206) 684-0226 for assistance in reviewing your plans and in scheduling for Committee review.