Help/Assistance

For assistance information and materials please visit https://dahp.wa.gov/archaeology/archaeological-permitting.

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Helpdesk phone:

(564) 669-0899

Subject matter expert contact information:

(564) 669-0899

james.macrae@dahp.wa.gov

Archaeological Site Alteration and Excavation Permit

Description/Purpose

A permit from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) must be obtained prior to any excavation or other actions that will alter, dig into, deface, or remove archaeological resources, Native Indian graves, cairns, or glyptic records. DAHP should be contacted before beginning a project. The agency can help determine if historic or archaeological sites or graves would be affected. A historic/archaeological excavation assessment may be required. In addition, the status of any sites or structures listed in or eligible for listing in the State or National Register of Historic Places or Local Landmark designation may need to be determined. Plans for protection or mitigation measures may be a condition of any permit issued.

Triggers and activities which would require this permit

Excavating, altering, defacing, or removing archaeological objects, resources or artifacts from archaeological sites or Native Indian graves, cairns or glyptic records, or non-Indian historic archaeological resources.

Costs/Fees
0
0

There is no permit fee for this DAHP Permit

Statutory Details: N/A

Prepared from information and data submitted for calendar year 2024.

Application Information

The application is called 'Archaeological Site Alteration and Excavation Permit' is online and can be accessed at https://dahp.wa.gov/archaeology/archaeological-permitting.

Applications are not accepted online; however, application forms may be downloaded online. The full list of requirements to be submitted with the application can be found at WAC 25-48-060.

DAHP is required to notify the affected Indian Tribes when a permit is received, and allow the Tribes 30 days to comment upon the application. DAHP must consider comments received from Tribal representatives when issuing or denying the permit and the issuance of terms and conditions. Tribes can request mitigation measures (WAC 25-48-070). DAHP must also consider the past record of previous civil or criminal penalties against the applicants (RCW 27.53.060 (6)).

Submit your application directly to DAHP. The applications are reviewed for 30 days by the affected tribes, the archaeological community, DAHP, the landowner, the local jurisdiction, any involved state agencies, and any other affected party.

Varies according to how much time the applicant needs to do the work.

Appeals are sent to the Director of the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

Agency Analysis
78
n/a
n/a
30
n/a
44
n/a
3
0

There are two pending permits where we received a coversheet but no associated application.

There is one pending permit where we are waiting on project design changes following a request made by Lummi Nation.

This is for a campground on Lummi Island.

Prepared from information and data submitted for calendar year 2024.

Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 9.6
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 334

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 38.1
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 136


(Summary results based on 76 submittals in 2024)

Published Decision Time
n/a

Typically around 45 days, including a statutory 30 day review period for tribes and stakeholders

Statutory Details: RCW 27.53 requires a 30 day review period for affected tribes and stakeholders. Therefore the minimum review time is 31 days. This excludes emergency permits, which can be issued immediately.

Prepared from information and data submitted for calendar year 2024.

Legal authority
Contacts
Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
Headquarters
PO Box 48343
1110 Capitol Way S., Ste. 30
Olympia WA 98504-8343
Website: http://www.dahp.wa.gov/
Telephone: (360) 586-3065
Fax: (360) 586-3067
Triggering Questions
  • Will the project include excavation or another activity that alters or removes archaeological artifacts, resources, or Native Indian or non-Indian grave sites? Such activities can include excavation, capping, bulkheading, or placing fill onto an archaeological site or grave.
* Credential details last updated 4/4/2023
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