Oysterville has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.  There are not many perks that go with such a status – the most important, perhaps, being that we have kept out trailers, neon lights, and other ‘modern intrusions.’ But there are a number of responsibilities, the most important being that residents within the Historic District follow certain design/construction guidelines when they build or repair the exterior of their homes.

To assist with this process, Pacific County helped us form a Historical District and every building project must go before a Design Review Board for approval before the County issues a building permit.  The kinds of things that are considered are materials (no vinyl windows, for instance, only wood) and the actual design (no flat roofs or big picture windows visible from the street side would be examples.)

The process, of course, works only as well as permitted by the integrity of the property owners.  Sadly, but as might be expected, some people go through the Design Review process and, once they get their building permit, just go ahead and do whatever they want.  Others have been known to make substantive changes without going through the process at all.

Unfortunately, as with every other sort of violation of County rules and regs, there is no automatic enforcement process in place.  So if violations occur, it depends upon neighbors busting neighbors – not a comfortable situation in a small village of fewer than two or three dozen folks.  The process has resulted in serious long-term problems between residents.

Perhaps worst of all are the property owners who just let their historic homes go to hell.  Anyone who has driven through Oysterville within the last few years knows that there is at least one such endangered home here – one of the oldest, biggest, and once-upon-a-time, best.  No amount of talking/pleading with the homeowner has helped.

So, it came as no great surprise that the Design Review Board received from the County a letter which says in part:

…I am writing to let you know that DAHP’s (Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation) Programs Coordinator Michael Houser recently visited the Oysterville Historic District with Chris Moore of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.  From his visit, Michael noted that several of the buildings in the Historic District have undergone additions or alterations not in keeping with the town’s historic and architectural character or the Oysterville design guidelines.

As mentioned above, DAHP does not have any regulatory authority on how privately owned historic properties are managed by their owners.  However, continuing this pattern of incompatible alterations, additions, and new construction, could bring into question the current size and extent of the historic district, and perhaps eventually, Oysterville’s status as a National Register listed historic district…       

The letter goes on to say:  In closing, the Oysterville Historic District is a historic and architectural treasure, unparalleled in Washington.  We urge local leaders to work with partners to strengthen the town’s quality of life, secure its status as a prime tourism destination, plus realize increased property values and economic activity…

All noble thoughts but, bottom line, how do you legislate (and enforce) the ethics, sensibilities, and cooperation of your neighbors?  Or of anyone?