Frequently Asked Questions

about Design Review in

Local Historic Districts

 

 

What's the difference between a National Register Historic District and a Local Historic District?

A National Register Historic District is a federally-designated historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Being designated as a National Register Historic District is a distinction that is reserved for areas that have been determined to be significant to our past and retain a high degree of historic integrity. Historic resources within a NRHP District may be eligile for tax incentives at the state and federal levels. Visit the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Natural Resources at www.gashpo.org for more information on this program.

This designation, however does not provide any protection of historic resources on privately funded projects (if the project is federally funded, more protection is provided) . A local historic district provides real protection of historic resources. Local design review can prevent the demolition of historic buildings and provide guidelines for new construction to fit within the surrounding historic context. All exterior material changes must meet the design standards developed for the area before a building permit is issued.

For more information on the differences between National Register historic districts and local historic districts, click here.

What determines the boundaries of a local historic district? How do I know if I'm in the district?

Generally the boundaries of a local historic district follow the development pattern of the neighborhood or community and contain historic resources that are distinctive to that place defined by similar characteristics. If your neighborhood is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the local district will have similar boundaries.

What if I live in the proposed district but my house is not historic?

All structures within a historic district are evaluated and determined to be "contributing" or "non-contributing." A contributing structure adds to the historic or architectural value for which the district is significant. Typically, contributing structures are older than 50 years. Non-contributing structures do not add to the historic or architectural value for which the district is significant. Typically, non-contributing structures are less than 50 years old.

Alterations to non-contributing structures would have some design standards to meet, but they are to ensure that changes made are compatible with the character of the district and are signficantly different from the design standards for contributing structures. For example, there would be no restrictions on the demolition of non-contributing buildings, while standards would prohibit the demolition of contributing buildings which are historic and define the character of the district.

How do I become a local historic district?

The process begins with an application submitted by you. For the process for becoming a historic district in unincorporated Chatham County click here. The process for designation within the city is currently assessed on a case by case basis. Contact Beth Reiter, Director of Historic Preservation 651.1484, for more information on becoming a historic district within the City of Savannah.

What happens after an area is designated as a local historic district?

After the City Council or County Commission designates an area as a local historic district, all property owners will be notified. A Certificate of Appropriateness will be required for material changes before a building permit is issued. The Historic Preservation Commission or their designee (staff) will review applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness.

What sorts of projects can be reviewed at Staff Level and what projects go before the Historic Preservation Commission?

New construction, additions, and demolition of historic resources are generally the types of projects that would be reviewed by the Commission. This gives the public the opportunity to comment on the project. Staff typically reviews items such as general repairs and minor changes, shutters, awnings, signs, roof repairs, and fences.

What sorts of things require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and what things are excluded?

All material changes visible from the public right-of-way to the exterior appearance of a structure, new construction, demolition, relocation of a building, and some site features (including new fences, significant paving, and signs) require a COA.

Regular maintenance and repair do not require a COA. Color changes do not require a COA. Any changes not visible from the public right-of-way do not require a COA. Any changes to the interior which have no effect on the exterior do not require a COA. Principal Use Signs less than three square feet do not require a COA.

What if something on my property does not meet the standards? Do I have to remove it?

No, design standards would only be reviewed when you want to make a change to your property. Standards are not retroactive and you will not have to un-do any changes already made.

What other communities in Georgia have local historic districts?

As of September 2006, 126 communities in Georgia have historic preservation ordinances. Many of these have multiple historic districts within their community. Please click here for a full list.

What are the economic implications of historic preservation?

Donovan Rypkema, an internationally respected expert in preservation economics, recently gave a lecture entitled Preservation Economics in Coastal Georgia. You can link to a video of his 40 minute talk by clicking here:

http://www.coastalgeorgiardc.org/planning_rypkema_v2_small.html