Welcome
The cornerstone of Clark County’s heritage is its historic structures, residential and commercial, in addition to its cemeteries, bridges, barns, monuments, archaeological and cultural resources. These are the legacies of the Native Americans, early settlers, and residents who shaped the land and the history of the region. The goal of Clark County’s Historic Preservation Program is to protect the historic elements of our community through advocacy, education, and regulation.
Who We Are
Clark County’s Historic Preservation Commission is a body of volunteers dedicated to the protection and preservation of our county’s architectural and historic resources. Through the designation of historic properties and review of proposed alterations to locations of historic significance, the commission ensures that our history is preserved for future generations.
Commissioners each hold a specific expertise in the field of historic preservation and serve on the commission for three years, utilizing city and county regulations and bylaws to protect our historic resources. Click here to meet your current commissioners.
What We Do
The Clark County Historic Preservation Program, which includes the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission (CCHPC), serves as a primary resource on historic preservation for Clark County and its cities. The Preservation Program:
- Advocates for heritage resources throughout the county,
- Raises awareness about historic preservation,
- Provides educational opportunities,
- Offers grants for non-profit and governmental heritage organizations, and
- Provides financial incentives for historic property owners.
The CCHPC oversees the Clark County Historic Register including approving applications for new register listings and reviewing proposed design changes to registered properties.
Staff Contacts
Susan Ellinger, Planner III
susan.ellinger@clark.wa.gov
564.397.4516
Bart Catching, Planner II
bart.catching@clark.wa.gov
564.397.4909
Commission News and Announcements
Historical Promotion Grants
The application period is now open for the 2024 Historical Promotion Grant program. Information about the program can be found on this page, along with links to the application and other related documents.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 15 AT 5 PM.
To assist applicants, the county will hold a virtual informational meeting about the grants program and answer questions regarding 2024 applications on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. via Webex. Find out more here.
CAMP Training
The CCHPC was recently awarded a grant from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). The grant will fund a training called the Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP), offered by The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. The training is scheduled for September and will be attended by commission members, staff and local preservation professionals.
RevitalizeWA
RevitalizeWA is Washington’s annual statewide conference focused on the continued care of place through historic preservation, placemaking, and economic development, sponsored by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. The conference will be held in Vancouver, WA this year. Find out more here.
Join a Meeting
You can help us preserve Clark County’s legacy by attending our meetings to learn about current developments in our community. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. You can join us in person, by video link or phone call.