Become a Landmarks Commissioner

About the Landmarks Commissioners

The King County Landmarks Commission is made up of 9 members. Each member is appointed by the King County Executive and confirmed by the King County Council. 

In cities that have a preservation agreement (ILA) with the county, a 10th member is appointed by the city called a Special Commissioner.The Special Commissioner is active when the Commission reviews COA projects or landmark nominations within the city boundaries, making the Landmarks Commission a 10-member city commission. 

Both county and city Landmarks Commissioners are appointed for a 3-year term. Commissioners are all volunteer and serve without compensation. Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed if they are incurred completing commission duties.

The typical time commitment for Commission business is between 4 to 8 hours per month. 

Meetings

Landmarks Commission (both county and city)

When: 4th Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.  

Where: Various locations around King County and online over Zoom 

Design Review Committee

3 Landmarks Commissioners form the Design Review Committee.

When:  2nd Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to1:00 p.m.

Where: Online over Zoom

Other events

Each year, commissioners can also expect to attend:

• Occasional site visits
• Tours 
• Training workshops, both online and in-person

Responsibilities

Commissioners are responsible for:

• Reviewing and deciding nominations for landmark designation 
• Reviewing and deciding certificates of appropriateness for new construction within landmark boundaries or alterations to designated properties
• Reviewing and deciding Special Tax Valuation applications for landmark properties
• Advising on National Register nominations within King County 
• Developing policy and planning recommendations for the Historic Preservation Program
• Attending periodic training sessions, workshops, and conferences