FAQs • Athens-Clarke County, GA • CivicEngage

May I make changes to my property if it is included in a local historic district?: Designation as a local historic district does not prevent owners from making changes to their properties, but ensures that the changes do not detract from the architectural, historical, and/or aesthetic qualities of the district. Alterations to the exteriors of properties within local historic districts must receive prior approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. Owners must apply to the commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). COA applications are submitted to the Planning Department and are due the first Wednesday of each month. A report on the COA application is presented by Planning Department staff to the commission at its regular meeting on the third Wednesday of each month.
A COA is not required for minor repair or maintenance work, such as painting or plantings. However, a COA would be required for work that physically alters the property, such as enclosing a porch or adding a fence or retaining wall.

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Planning - Historic Preservation

1. Are all buildings in historic districts necessarily historic?: No. When the boundaries are drawn for a local historic district, it will often include non-historic properties as well. Changes made to non-historic properties can often be done in a way that will enhance or be in keeping with the integrity of the entire district. Often improvements will increase property values to both historic and non-historic structures within a district.

2. May I make changes to my property if it is included in a local historic district?: Designation as a local historic district does not prevent owners from making changes to their properties, but ensures that the changes do not detract from the architectural, historical, and/or aesthetic qualities of the district. Alterations to the exteriors of properties within local historic districts must receive prior approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. Owners must apply to the commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). COA applications are submitted to the Planning Department and are due the first Wednesday of each month. A report on the COA application is presented by Planning Department staff to the commission at its regular meeting on the third Wednesday of each month.
A COA is not required for minor repair or maintenance work, such as painting or plantings. However, a COA would be required for work that physically alters the property, such as enclosing a porch or adding a fence or retaining wall.

3. What might happen to the value of my property if it is included in a local historic district?: Designation of an area as a historic district will not directly affect property values. Because local historic district properties have some protection and tax incentives available, owners may be more inclined to make improvements to their properties, and this may increase the value of all property in a given district.

4. Will inclusion in a local historic district affect how I may use my property?: No. Historic district designations do not restrict zoning or land use. There are no new restrictions placed on how properties in historic districts may be used.

5. Do I have any say as to whether my property is included in a local historic district?: Yes. Before a local historic district is designated, all residents and owners of property in the proposed local district have the opportunity to express their views at public hearings with the Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission and the Mayor and Commission.

6. If my property is included in a local historic district, will I have an opportunity to request that it be removed?: Yes. Owners will be able to make requests at public hearings with both the Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission and the Mayor and Commission if they are not content with being in a district.

7. Where can I go for assistance in developing design changes that will be appropriate for the historic district?: Historic district property owners who want assistance in planning historically appropriate designs may contact the historic preservation planner at the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department or the Historic Preservation Commission. The planner and commission cannot develop plans or designs but can offer some suggestions based on the Athens-Clarke County Design Guidelines. Consultations in the early design stages are especially encouraged.

8. If I am unhappy with a decision made by the commission concerning my Certificate of Appropriateness Application, may I appeal?: Yes. Appeals may be made to the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission and then to the County Superior Court.