Moratorium extended on new historic districts

The Tacoma City Council has unanimously voted to extend the moratorium on new historic districts in residential areas until November 5, 2025. Initially established in April 2024, this temporary measure will allow for a thorough review of the historic district designation process. Concerns about the existing procedures were raised by both the Planning Commission and Landmarks Preservation Commission during a recent evaluation of a proposed district. Council member Sarah Rumbaugh emphasized the necessity of balancing historic preservation with other critical community priorities, such as anti-racist transformation and the expansion of affordable housing. The moratorium is limited to residential areas, focusing on land use designations like Low-Scale Residential and High-Density Multifamily.

An amendment sponsored by Council member John Hines ensures that the moratorium applies solely to these zones. This decision reflects the city’s commitment to thoughtful urban planning that considers diverse community needs. Ultimately, the extension aims to create a more equitable and sustainable approach to historic preservation in Tacoma.