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Historic District

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1. How do I know if I am located in the Historic District?

All properties located within the Historic District Boundary can be found on the Historic Properties Map

2. How are properties classified on the Historic Properties Map?

Historic: structures, buildings, or objects that are more than 50 years old and contribute to the historic character of the community
Historic-obscured: structures, buildings, or objects that are more than 50 years old but do not contribute to the historic character of the community due to unsympathetic but not irreparable alterations
Non-historic: structures, buildings, or objects that are less than 50 years old but contribute to the historic character of the community by possessing architectural character
Intrusion: structures of any age which detract from the historic character of the district
Vacant

3. When is HPC review required?

When property owners or occupants make changes including the construction of new buildings, any change in the exterior architectural appearance of existing buildings, demolition or moving of buildings, or any change in external environmental features.

4. How do I get started with the HPC review process?

When you know that you will be performing any new construction, alteration or addition to an existing building’s exterior or site, you should call the Planning and Zoning Department at 770-641-3774 to discuss your project. Staff will review your proposal with you to determine what kind of review will be necessary.

5. Will my location in the Historic District prevent me from making changes to my property?

Location in the 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 the Historic District must receive prior approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Division prior to beginning any work at 770-641-3774.

6. Is HPC review required for interior changes?

No HPC review is required for interior changes; interior work may require a building permit.

7. 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.

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 Mayor and City Council and then to Fulton County Superior Court.

9. When do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)?

A Certificate of Appropriateness is a document approval a proposal to make a material change in the appearance of a property, structure, site, or work of art designated “historic” or “historic-obscured” on the Historic Properties Map. A COA must be obtained from the HPC before any material change may be undertaken.

10. What is the difference between a minor and major application?

The biggest difference is that minor application can receive approval administratively while a major application requires the review of the full HPC. Minor applications typically refer to smaller alterations while major projects are more significant. Examples of work that may be considered “minor” include:

• Repainting of an existing building to a similar color.
&bull Adding compatible building area up to an additional 10% of major design plans originally approved by the HPC.
&bull Adding compatible landscaping up to an additional 25% of major approved design plans originally approved by the HPC.
&bull An increase or decrease in the number of parking spaces of 10% from the number originally approved, provided that the parking lot alteration meets the requirements for parking lot landscaping specified in Article 16, “Landscaping,” of the Zoning Ordinance.
&bull Repair or reconstruction of existing freestanding retaining walls, decorative walls, and fences, when repaired or replaced with materials that are the same or substantially similar to those originally approved.
&bull Modifications to outdoor lighting fixtures.
&bull The relocation of an access driveway or curb cut which does not affect or interfere with the approved placement of buildings or structures
&bull The addition of a temporary use that is permitted in the zoning district in which the subject property is located.
&bull Revisions of window or door placement.
&bull Other similar minor changes as determined by the Zoning Director with the consent of the Chair of the HPC.

** For a full list, please see Section 31.8.9 of the Roswell Zoning Ordinance

11. Is HPC review required for ordinary maintenance or repair?

Ordinary Maintenance and Repair does not require HPC review and would include any work which is done in order to prevent or correct deterioration, decay or damage which does not result in a change to historic appearance or materials or alter the character-defining features of the property.

12. What is the difference between Roswell’s National Register District and Historic District?

The Historic District is locally designated under the Roswell Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of the District and accompanying regulations is to safeguard the heritage of Roswell by preserving the City’s historic and architecturally worthy properties, monuments, streetscapes and squares. Local procedures and review criteria are set forth in the Zoning Ordinance and the HPC was established so that these purposed can be achieved. The HPC reviews and comments on projects affecting buildings located in the Historic District and owners of designated properties cannot demolish, move or change exterior features of the structure without permission from the HPC.

The National Register of Historic Places is a form of recognition which makes individually listed structures eligible for federal tax incentives and provides for a review for some federal- and state-funded undertakings. Roswell’s National Register District is a small section of the larger locally designated Historic District which includes the Mill Village, Park Square, Bulloch Avenue, Barrington Hall, and the southern portion of Mimosa Boulevard.

13. Which properties in Roswell are listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

&bull Roswell Historic District
&bull Bulloch Hall
&bull Barrington Hall
&bull Smith Plantation