Question 1

How is a neighborhood association run?

Accepted Answer

The Bigelow Neighborhood Association is supported by the work of the BNA Board, made up of elected officers and members-at-large, who meet throughout the year to discuss projects, events, concerns, and resident requests.

Question 2

What is a neighborhood association?

Accepted Answer

Neighborhood associations are groups of residents who collaborate to improve their area, focusing on issues like safety, beautification, and community events, often acting as a liaison between residents and local government. Membership and attending meetings is optional, and serving on the board or as an officer is voluntary. 
The Bigelow Neighborhood Association has no specific authority over residents within its boundaries and serves only to encourage compliance with existing city regulations.
Learn more on the city’s website about neighborhood associations and see a list of Recognized Neighborhood Associations in the city of Olympia.

Question 3

How can I find out what the BNA is up to?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to sign up for email updates using the signup form on the homepage, check our events and news page for updates, review our meeting minutes, and attend our annual meeting/block party.

Question 4

When is the BNA annual meeting?

Accepted Answer

The BNA annual meeting is a block party and potluck held in August. It’s a great time to meet neighbors, renew your membership, and hear the latest.

Question 5

How can I contact the BNA board with a concern?

Accepted Answer

The board can be reached by emailing bigelowneighborhood@gmail.com - but for more urgent safety matters, residents should call the relevant number on our safety page, and city code violations should be submitted to the city (see below).

Question 6

When and where can I pay member does, and what do they go toward?

Accepted Answer

Member dues can be paid by cash or check at our annual meeting in August. Fees are $10 for an individual or $20 for a household of two or more.
Member dues go to our operating budget which can go toward (but is not limited to) neighborhood safety improvements, park improvements, community events, signage, outreach, and more.

Question 7

I have a problem with a neighbor who is doing something against city code. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Report city code violations to the city online through the Olympia code enforcement portal https://www.olympiawa.gov/services/code_enforcement.php.

Question 8

There is graffiti or vandalism on my property. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Learn more on the city of Olympia’s graffiti information page. Homeowners are encouraged to take photos and send the photos and the date that the graffiti was added to the property and send them to graffiti@ci.olympia.wa.us to help authorities in tracking taggers.

Question 9

What is the Olympia Heritage Register?

Accepted Answer

The Olympia Heritage Register is a historic property register. In effect since 1983, this register showcases and protects over 600 buildings and 6 districts of historic importance around the city. The Olympia Avenue Historic District is on the Heritage Register, as well as many individual homes in the Bigelow Neighborhood.

Question 10

Who determines whether a property is listed on the Olympia Heritage Register?

Accepted Answer

An application to have a building, site, object, or district added to the register can be submitted to the city anytime at no cost. The application is reviewed by the Olympia Heritage Commission, a board of 15 volunteer citizens who determine which properties are eligible for the Olympia Heritage Register, and review proposed changes to Register properties. Navigate to the heritage register section of the city’s website for more information. https://www.olympiawa.gov/community/arts,_culture___heritage/historic_preservation/join_the_heritage_register.php

Question 11

What are the benefits of being on Olympia’s historic home register and how can I join?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the pride of living or working in a piece of Olympia history, owners of properties listed individually or in a historic district have access to these benefits:
Bronze markers for buildings listed individually
Building code relaxation
Free advice and educational program
Tax incentives
https://www.olympiawa.gov/community/arts,_culture___heritage/historic_preservation/join_the_heritage_register.php

Question 12

Is my house registered individually or part of a group register?

Accepted Answer

Visit the historic properties map on the city website to see if your home is either an individual register home, part of a historic district register, or both. Homeowners should note that whether a home is on a register individually or as part of a district, it is subject to the same review process for all exterior alterations.

Question 13

What if I want to alter the exterior of my historic register house?

Accepted Answer

Any remodeling or significant changes to the exterior of a property listed on the Olympia Heritage Register or within a designated historic district requires review by the Heritage Commission. This review ensures that proposed changes don't negatively impact the historic character of the property or district. See the chart below to determine what kind of Heritage Design Review your property would need prior to exterior renovation.

If you are interested in a design consultation, the Olympia Heritage Commission offers free, informal design guidance for compatibility with historic preservation best practices. Reach out to the Commission’s Staff Liaison for more information.

Question 14

What if I want to alter the interior of my historic register house?

Accepted Answer

Interior alterations are not subject to historic preservation review unless the historic home listing distinctly calls out interior features as part of the reason for nomination, or, if the home has received a Special Tax Valuation for work done to the interior of the home. Otherwise, the alteration is subject to the same typical permitting processes for non-historic homes. Every project varies and could require staff level review, or review by the Heritage Commission if the project is substantial. See the chart here to determine what level of heritage design review your project might need:

It is understandable that today’s homeowner may need to make reasonable alternations to a century-old historic home to accommodate twenty-first century life. However, we encourage those who live in historic homes with original features in the interior to keep and maintain them where possible, and if not, to make historically sympathetic renovations that honor the era and character of the home. If you are interested in a design consultation, the Olympia Heritage Commission offers free, informal design guidance for compatibility with historic preservation best practices. Reach out to the Commission’s Staff Liaison for more information.

Question 15

What is Special Tax Valuation?

Accepted Answer

Historic properties that are registered individually or are within historic districts may qualify for property tax relief for significant improvements that meet historic preservation standards. This program is administered by the City of Olympia, in coordination with the County Assessor’s office, and under the guidance of the State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. The intent of the program is to take away the disincentive of increased property taxes created when an owner substantially improves a property.
Learn more about Special Tax Valuation on Washington's Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation.

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