The Athens Clarke County Planning Department

A Certificate of Approprateness is required for exterior changes to locally designated landmarks and historic district properties. These exterior changes include building material alterations, additions, new construction and site features such as new driveways, fences, or retaining walls. Use the same application for Staff-reviewed and HPC-reviewed projects.

In April 11, 1990, the Governor of Georgia signed into effect a Local Option Act for a property tax deferment program for historic resources designated under an approved local ordinance and listed either by the State Register or the National Register of Historic Places. This incentive program does not require rehabilitation. The ordinance making this option available in Athens, Georgia was signed in January of 1995.

These guidelines were adopted in conjunction with the designation of a portion of downtown as a local historic district. They provide a set of criteria for the evaluation of proposed changes to the exterior of properties within the local Downtown Historic District.

Architectural drawings for one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom and four bedroom/duplex in-fill houses are available at the Athens-Clarke County Planning Department and on-line. Completed as part of a Certified Local Government grant, the premise of this project is that three goals (in-fill development, affordable housing and historic preservation) can be combined to the benefit of both individual neighborhoods and the community.

These maps include the eight locally designated historic districts that are primarily residential in nature. A poster mapping all eight districts together also provides a brief description of each districts' distinguishing characteristics and an address guide of the designated properties.

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission has officially designated a part of Downtown Athens as a Local Historic District. The purpose of local designation is a formal recognition of the historic value of the area and the important role that it serves in the history of Athens. In order to protect the value and integrity of the district, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be obtained before making exterior alterations to structures in the district.

The proposed Commercial-Downtown Design Guidelines and Alternative Compliance Standards each reference different sections of Downtown Athens by their distinguishing Charater Area. This map illustrates the various Character Areas of the Commercial-Downtown zone.

Distinct from locally designated historic districts, properties located within national register historic districts are recognized by the US Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. These properties may qualify for rehabilitation tax credits. This link will take you to the National Register of Historic Places web pages for Clarke County, Georgia.

Historic preservation is good business. This study by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources explores the financial impact of preservation on three Georgia communities: Athens, Rome, and Tifton. The project examines construction activity in historic districts, property values, and tourism, and illustrates how preservation is helping cities and towns throughout Georgia.

A question and answer guide to ACC's local historic districts, designed as an informational brochure with realtor's client education needs in mind.

There are a number of differences between historic designation types, including the types of protections afforded to the property's historic resources, the financial resourcs available, and the organizations responsible for overseeing designations.