Certificate of Appropriateness

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Summit Grove Lodge, Ridgefield Washington

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Design Review

Design Review is the process through which the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission (CCHPC) reviews proposed changes to Clark County's listed historic and cultural resources (40.250.030.F). Design review helps ensure any alterations to a listing do not adversely affect its historic character or appearance. Once the design review is complete the commission will either approve or deny a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). A COA must be awarded before work may begin on the property. Proposed changes for a historic listing that require a COA include:

  1. Reconstruction, modification, restoration, or alterations 
  2. New construction 
  3. Demolition or partial demolition
  4. Relocation 

Follow guidelines below to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness. 

Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)

The Certificate of Appropriateness is the official notice of approval issued by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission (CCHPC) who has jurisdiction for permitting or denying the appropriateness of proposed changes or additions to historic structures. A COA indicates that the commission or commission staff has reviewed the proposed changes to a property on the Clark County Heritage Register, or within a historic district/overlay, and has certified the changes as not adversely affecting the historic characteristics of the property. Commission reviews are considered during a public hearing and are conducted at no cost to the property owner. 

Ordinary repair and maintenance generally do not require a certificate of appropriateness from the commission, but they do require an administrative staff review (see Type I – Administrative Review below). Property owners must consult with the Historic Preservation Commission staff listed below before proceeding with any maintenance or repair work. 

There are two types of COA reviews: 

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Type I – Administrative/Staff Design Review is completed by Clark County or City of Vancouver staff. Staff review proposals for small repairs and replacements-in-kind as listed below, but not limited to: 

  1. Repairs (other than ordinary repair and maintenance) using the same materials and design as the original;
  2. Reroofing using the same type and color of material;
  3. Replacement of sidewalks and driveways using the same type and color of materials; 
  4. Replacement of foundations or major portions thereof, using the same type and color of materials;
  5. Replacement of utility systems if contributing interior features of significance are present;
  6. Structural or seismic upgrades which do not alter or affect significant features.

Please contact staff for procedural guidance and information based on the location of your property. Please see "Applying for a COA" section below.

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Type II - Commission Design Review is required when there is a proposal for alterations in appearance, replacement of historic material (other than in-kind), new construction or additions, alteration in the appearance of a significant contributing feature, the replacement of historic material (other than in-kind) in a significant feature, additions to a CCHR structure, or new construction on a CCHR property or in a historic district. These reviews are considered during a public hearing. Reviews are conducted at no cost to the property owner. COA application guidance is outlined below. 

Please contact staff for procedural guidance and information based on the location of your property. Please see "Applying for a COA" section below.

Applying for a COA

The process for applying for a COA varies based on the location of the property. For help determining the appropriate jurisdiction, please use Maps Online and the directions for using Maps Online webpage.

Applying for a COA - WITHIN the City of Vancouver
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For properties located within the Vancouver city limits, please refer to the webpages linked below and contact city staff for additional information.

Historic Preservation Overview
City of Vancouver Historic Preservation Ordinance 
City of Vancouver Land Use Applications  

City Staff:
Please contact the planning department to work with a case manager

Applying for a COA - OUTSIDE the City of Vancouver
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For properties located OUTSIDE the City of Vancouver (i.e.-within unincorporated Clark County or within Clark County cities other than Vancouver), the first step is to contact county staff for procedural guidance. They will help assess which COA review is necessary and will advise accordingly: 

  • Type I – Administrative Review; or 
  • Type II – Commission Review

After talking with staff, use the Certificate of Appropriateness application form to begin your submittal.

County staff:
Bart Catching, Planner III
Clark County Community Planning
bart.catching@clark.wa.gov 
564.397.490

Susan Ellinger, Planner III
Clark County Community Planning
susan.ellinger@clark.wa.gov
564.397.4516 

Preparing Your Application

 Application Tips
  • Use the Preservation Briefs published by the National Park Service to guide the methods and materials used in your proposed work.
  • In your project description specifically address how the proposed changes adhere to the relevant Secretary of Interior Standards and the Preservation Briefs.
  • To help the commission understand each proposed change in an application, address each proposed element (such rehabilitating a porch, replacing siding, or adding an addition) individually within the proposal.
  • Refer to the original nomination form to understand the significant elements of the property and address how they will be impacted by the proposal (if at all).
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