Getting Started
Do you own a property that is at least 40 years old and has any of the below characteristics? If so, the property may be eligible for designation as a Historic Residence in the City or as a King County Landmark. The easiest way to start learning if your property might be able to be designated as a historic residence or landmark is to contact our Planning staff at 425-587-3600 or submitting a question via Our Kirkland.
Characteristics for Historic Properties Designation
a) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of national, state or local history; or
b) Is associated with the lives of persons significant in national, state or local history; or
c) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, style or method of design or construction, or that represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
d) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history; or
e) Is an outstanding work of a designer or builder who has made a substantial contribution to the art; or,
f) Other special characteristics associated with the historic use, associated people, or time periods.
Why Designate Your Property?
Designated properties may be eligible to take advantage of flexibility provisions in the Zoning Code, that are intended to make it easier to make changes to your property while preserving the historic structure. Designated and/or landmarked structures may also be available for grant funding or property tax exemptions to help you preserve and maintain your property. For more information, visit the 4Culture Grants & Preservation Programs and King County Office of Historic Preservation, or contact City of Kirkland staff to get started!