Cedar Creek Grist Mill

About Historic Registers

The federal National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 includes a provision to designate certified local governments (CLG’s). These CLG’s are local historic preservation commissions that have been “certified” by the National Park Service and, among other responsibilities, have the authority to establish a local heritage register. In Clark County, Washington, both the county and the city of Vancouver are Certified Local Governments (CLG). Historic registers are official listings of sites and properties that are considered to be historically significant to the city, county, state, or nation. Registers can include buildings, structures, sites, districts, objects, and archeological resources. 

In Clark County, the county heritage register offers the most protection to a historic listing, while the national and state registers offer limited or no protection. All three registers provide property owners access to benefits for listing their property, such as grant opportunities, tax incentives and access to other funding sources. A site may be listed on one, two or even three of the registers at once. The CCHPC reviews and approves heritage register nominations from all of the cities and the unincorporated areas of Clark County. 

An overview of the heritage registers in Clark County is provided below.
 

County Register - Offers the Most Protection

Clark County Heritage Register

The Clark County Heritage Register is the official listing of sites and properties in Clark County that have been determined to be historically significant in the history and development of the county.  The list includes residential and commercial structures, cemeteries, bridges, barns, and monuments along with archeological and cultural resources. The Clark County Heritage Register is managed and maintained by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission. Once listed, proposed changes or alterations to properties may require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission in order to ensure the proposed changes to the site maintain its historical integrity.

Find a listing on the Clark County Heritage Register 
Learn more about listing a property in Clark County 
 

Washington State Registers – Offer Limited Protection

The Washington Heritage Register

The Washington Heritage Register is an official listing of historically significant sites and properties in Washington State. The list is maintained by the Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). The list includes districts, sites, structures, and objects that have been identified and documented as being significant in local or state history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture.  Listing on the Washington Heritage Register is an honorary designation that raises awareness about historic and cultural values. This register offers limited protection for its listed sites. Sites may be on the state register in addition to the local or national register.

• Historic Districts/Neighborhoods
  The National Register of Historic Places and The Washington Heritage Register allow neighborhoods and districts to be designated as “historic”.  Clark County’s historic preservation code does not include provisions for designating historic neighborhoods or districts; however, the City of Vancouver’s preservation code allows the designation of historic districts including neighborhoods. View the City of Vancouver Code
   

• Hough Neighborhood (Vancouver, WA) The Hough Neighborhood in Vancouver is listed on the Washington Heritage Register as a neighborhood historic district. It is not listed on the Clark County Heritage Register. Review Hough’s Washington Heritage Register Nomination

Find out more information about The Washington State Register

The Washington Heritage Barn Register

The Washington Heritage Barn Register commemorates barns as historically significant resources representing the agricultural, economic, and cultural development of Washington State. The Barn Registry is honorary and offers no protection from demolition nor does it require DAHP review of alternations or changes in use. 

Find a barn listing on the Washington Heritage Barn Register 
Explore grant opportunities for heritage barn preservation

National Register of Historic Places - Offers Limited Protection

The National Register of Historic Places is an official list of historically significant sites and properties throughout the country.  The list includes districts, sites, building, structures, and objects that have been identified and documented as being significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture. The list is managed by the National Park Service, but the processing and review of applications is done at the state level by the Washington State Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP).  Listing in the National Register is an honorary designation and does not impose an obligation on the property owner or restrict the owner’s right to use and dispose of the property.

Find out more information about The National Register of Historic Places

City of Vancouver Heritage Tree Program - Offers Protection for Trees

The City of Vancouver’s Heritage Tree Program, overseen by Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Commission, was established to recognize, preserve, and protect trees that possess a high level of historical, cultural, and personal significance. Heritage Trees are formally recognized for their unique size, age, historical and/or horticultural significance. 

Find a Vancouver Heritage Tree