Preservation

Preservation and the Design Review Process in Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve

In 2011, an agreement between the Town of Coupeville and Island County was drafted and signed, establishing the Historic Reserve Committee made up of appointees from the town, the county, and from the Trust Board of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. This committee reviews construction projects in the Reserve and makes recommendations based on a set of design guidelines to a volunteer, citizen-comprised Historic Preservation Commission. The result of these deliberations, designed to protect the historic character of the Central Whidbey Historic District and the Reserve, is the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a project.

If you own any type of property in Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve and are planning a construction project, then the project may come under review and require a Certificate of Appropriateness. It's strongly recommended that you reach out to the office of the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve for assistance before you file any paperwork on your project.

 

Captain Whidbey Inn, Coupeville

Photo courtesy of Rich Yukubousky.

Understanding the Design Review Process: Levels A, B, and C

Applications are reviewed by town or county staff to ensure there is sufficient information to determine consistency with applicable guidelines and standards. What happens then depends on the level of review the project application falls under - Level A, B or C.

Level A: Review by the town or county planning official, who will then notify you of a decision.
Level B: Review by the Historic Reserve Committee comprised of staff from the County, the Town, and the Reserve. The Reserve Committee, which meets monthly, will review your application. The public will be notified of this application , and allowed the opportunity to comment. After which, you will be formally notified of the committee's decision.
Level C: The Historic Reserve Committee will review the application, and will forward the application to the Historic Preservation Commission in a public hearing. You are welcome to attend the meeting, and all HPC meetings are open to the public. You will be notified when the commission reaches a decision.

Review the Table of Common Projects to see where your project falls in the three levels. Refer to the Quick Guide to Design Review for more information.

You'll find more informaiton on the design review process here.