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City of Stone Mountain Frequently Asked Questions About Local Historic Districts |
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Do I have any say as to whether my property is included in the 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.
Will inclusion in a Local Historic District restrict 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.
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.
Are all buildings in historic districts, such as the Stone Mountain Historic District necessarily historic? No. When the boundaries are drawn for a local 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 character of the entire district. Improvements will often increase property values to both historic and non-historic structures within a district.
Will inclusion in a local historic district prevent me from making changes to my property? No. Designation as a local historic district does not prevent owners from making changes to their properties, but designation does ensure that any 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). |
