HomeMy WebLinkAboutCHAPTER 10-Historic Preservation
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CHAPTER 10
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Introduction Unlike many cities within the Puget Sound Region, Auburn has a long and
established history. Auburn has been a vibrant and freestanding
community for over 100 years. As a result, Auburn developed its own
downtown as the focus of business and community life. The downtown in
particular, and the community as a whole, were linked to the railroads,
which were the major mode of transportation throughout the region for
decades.
In the past several decades, the region has experienced significant
population growth. Due to the nature of this growth, the differences
between one community and another have blurred and communities are
becoming more and more alike. If Auburn is to retain its identity as a
unique community, it must seek to emphasize its differences and celebrate
them. Auburn's history is a part of its identity that is unique to Auburn.
Through the recognition and preservation of its past, Auburn can ensure
its uniqueness and strengthen its identity as it moves into the future.
The City recognizes the importance of maintaining this connection with its
past by including policies which address the enhancement and
maintenance of historic resources within this Comprehensive Plan. This
importance is also recognized by both the State and the County by the
inclusion of historic preservation as one of the goals of the GMA and in
the King County Countywide policies.
GOAL 20 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
To maintain, preserve and enhance the City's historic, cultural and
archaeological resources to provide a sense of local identity and history to
the visitors and residents of the community.
Objective 20.1. To enhance and maintain the quality of historical resources in the region.
Policies:
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HP-1 The City shall encourage the protection, preservation, recovery and
rehabilitation of significant archaeological resources and historic
sites.
HP-2 The City should develop an Historic Preservation Plan to identify
and protect City historic resources. An historic site and building
inventory should be completed as part of this plan. The City
should adopt historic preservation codes and incentives as needed
to implement the Historic Preservation Plan.
HP-3 The City shall consider the impacts of new development on
historical resources as a part of its environmental review process
and require any appropriate mitigating measures.
HP-4 The City should assist appropriate efforts to rehabilitate sites and
buildings with unique or significant historic characteristics.
HP-5 Future development in the Downtown area should be sensitive to
the character of surrounding buildings and the historical context of
the area. Modifications of existing buildings shall consider the
incorporation or restoration of historic architectural features.
HP-6 The White River Valley Historical Museum is recognized as the
primary repository of historic artifacts which relate to the City's
historic and cultural heritage.
HP-7 The City recognizes that the region's history began before the
arrival of settlers to the area and should accord the same levels of
promotion and protection to Native American sites and artifacts as
to those of the more recent past.
HP-8 The City should work with the White River Valley Historical
Museum and other interested organizations and agencies to
educate the public about the area’s cultural and historic heritage
through the promotion of walking tours, festivals and other means.
HP-9 Development projects proposing modifications to or demolitions of
historic buildings or resources shall mitigate such impacts.
Historical archival documentation shall be required when a
building, on an inventory of historic places, cannot be preserved
or cannot have significant architectural/historical features retained.
Buildings eligible for landmark status shall require the most
detailed level of archival documentation and/or measured
drawings.