By Abbey DeWeese

Developers in the City of Seattle typically need a special written approval called a Certificate of Approval in order to construct a new building or make changes to the external appearance of any existing structure in a historic district. Seattle’s historic districts include Ballard Avenue, Columbia City, Fort Lawton, Harvard-Belmont, the International District, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and Sand Point Naval Air Station. Changes requiring a Certificate of Approval can include even minor changes like installation of new signs and painting. Depending on the particular historic district, the application for the Certificate of Approval is either reviewed by a special local review board or by the City’s Landmarks Preservation Board. The applicable board will consider the proposed changes in light of any adopted design guidelines, the district’s character, and other standards.