Web page revised 1.1.26

What is the purpose of an archaeological review?

The purpose of a review is to determine if cultural resources are present on a property. If they are discovered to be present, the review will also serve to identify and protect them from development impacts.

How does the county determine if archaeological artifacts exist?

The county has a series of three steps to determine if and to what extent resources may exist on a parcel of land.

Step 1. Predictive Mapping Model: This computer model is designed to predict what areas are likely to contain archaeological and cultural resources.

Step 2. Archaeological Predetermination: If the county determines that an archaeological site is likely to be affected by a proposed activity, based upon the predictive model above, an archaeological predetermination is required. 

The predetermination is a tool used to determine whether cultural resources exist on a particular site without the cost or time expenditure of a full Archaeological Survey.

In cases where resources are found, a survey may be needed. If no resources are found, no additional work will be needed and the review will be complete. 

Step 3. Archaeological Survey: A survey is an in-depth professional study of a resource site. They include the analysis of potential impacts from a proposed activity.

When is an Archaeological Predetermination required?

An archaeological predetermination is required for all development applications that are subject to the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) review and:

• Are within a 21-100% predictive probability area as defined on the Statewide Archaeological Predictive Model Map and have a high impact of ground disturbance or are within a 41-100% predictive probability area as defined on the Statewide Archaeological Predictive Model Map and have a moderate impact of ground disturbance; and/or,
• Are within 1320’ of a registered archaeological site or 500’ of a known but not registered archaeological site.

The Archaeological Predictive Model Map is available for viewing on MapsOnline. Find the property you are interested in, then use the Map Sites tab and select Permits and Site Plans. On the left side of the page, choose which of the layers you want shown.

Registered archaeological sites are protected. Therefore, only certain county staff has access to this information.

The applicant will be notified, at the Pre-Application Conference, if an Archaeological Predetermination is required for their project. If a Pre-Application Conference is not required for a project, the applicant will be notified as soon as it is discovered that an Archaeological Predetermination will be required. In such cases, the processing associated permits could be delayed or ceased.

What happens if artifacts are found on my property during the predetermination study?

If artifacts are found during an archaeological predetermination, further archaeological study will be required.

When does archaeological work need to be done?

If a predetermination is required, applicants must hire a private, professional archaeologist to complete the work.

The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) has the technical expertise and regulatory authority to review predeterminations and surveys completed within Clark County. DAHP reviews those reports to ensure they meet technical and regulatory standards. When finished, DAHP will document the completion of the review and in some cases outline necessary steps that need to be taken prior to completion of the project.

If a predetermination is deemed necessary, proof must be provided indicating the predetermination and/or survey have been submitted to DAHP for review. Proof can be via an email confirmation or other conclusive method of proof that DAHP has received the site-specific document for review.

What do I need to know about choosing an archaeologist?

As specified under state law, archaeologists conducting archaeological work within the state of Washington must meet certain educational/training requirements as well as documented experience in the field of archaeology. DAHP provides an up-to-date list of professional archaeologists on their website.