Title
Update on Policy and Ordinance Work
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion of the relevant bylaws, municipal code, and comprehensive plan sections related to the Heritage Commission.
Staff Contact:
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8427
Presenter(s):
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer
Background and Analysis:
There have been several identified issues that need to be updated in the Heritage Commission’s bylaws, and Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 18.12 Historic Preservation. This discussion will provide updates on the current status of the Policy Ordinance, and Guidance (POG) Committee work required to inform the Commission’s work plan development.
Climate Analysis:
Updates to the City’s Historic Preservation policy, plans and ordinances provides an opportunity to re-evaluate and prioritize the way preservation work can support climate and sustainability initiatives.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) reports that “…all kinds of historic buildings and neighborhoods, archaeological sites, Tribal sites and resources, and culturally important landscapes (both designed and natural) throughout the country (collectively, “historic properties”), as well as associated intangible cultural heritage, are at risk from a broad range of potential climate impacts, including sea level rise; extreme weather events; increased wildfires; drought; melting permafrost and erosion; and temperature changes. These impacts are both direct and cumulative, and threaten not only historic properties but also the terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna associated with historically and culturally important places. The loss of or damage to historic properties from such climate impacts can irrevocably change a community’s sense of place and erode people’s sense of personal identity and cultural stability…
…About 39 percent of global carbon emissions come from the construction and operation of buildings. This impact can be reduced by reusing existing buildings, thus avoiding the embodied carbon emissions inherent in new construction, including the carbon associated with the manufacturing and transportation of new materials and the removal and disposal of building materials from demolished buildings. Reuse of existing buildings in urban areas also contributes to climate change mitigation by promoting density, helping to combat urban sprawl and its attendant negative environmental impacts… Since approximately 40 percent of America’s building stock is at least 50 years old, it is critical that reuse and energy retrofit of older and historic buildings (including enhanced electrification and increased energy efficiency standards) be fundamental priorities.”
Equity Analysis:
Updates to the City’s Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource policy, plans and ordinances provides an opportunity to re-evaluate and prioritize the way preservation work can promote equity and inclusivity. One of the goals of the updates is to reduce barriers for participation in the civic process and programming to encourage all Olympians to join the conversation. In addition, the City’s boundaries contain multitudes of different tangible (i.e. cultural artifacts) and intangible (i.e. traditions, folklore) representations of heritage from many different communities and the City’s policies should reflect an equitable approach to preserving these resources so that all past Olympians can have their stories told.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Discuss updates on historic preservation policy and ordinance work.
2. Do not discuss updates on historic preservation policy and ordinance work.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments: