COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
FROM:
Kathi Cook, Community Development Director
Prepared by: Richard McLeod, Senior Planner
SUBJECT:
PH-15-17 Historic Preservation Incentive Zoning Ordinance
PLANNING COMMISSION:
August 6, 2015
CITY COUNCIL:
August 24, 2015
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve PH-15-17 Historic Preservation Incentive Zoning Ordinance.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF
Consideration of adopting a Historic Preservation Incentive Zoning Ordinance
that guides the formation of a Historic Preservation Committee, establishes
guidelines to designate historic properties, and identifies incentives available to
designated historic properties, as well as, policies and procedures for utilizing the
incentive programs.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this ordinance is to further the goal of protecting historic buildings
and the historic character of the City by adopting regulations that encourage the
preservation of historic resources by providing incentives to owners who provide
for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and permanent protection of
historic buildings.
This ordinance is intended to create a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
to aid the City in its effort to preserve historic structures and maintain the historic
character of Downtown Alpharetta. The duties and powers of this body generally
include:
 Research, preparation, and maintenance of an inventory of historic
properties and buildings, funding sources, incentive programs, educational
programs, etc.
 Recommending body to the City Council as it relates to the designation of
historic properties
 Review applications for historic designation, certificates of
appropriateness, and historic preservation plans
February 8, 2016
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The ordinance establishes procedures, regulations, and criteria for designating
historic properties within the City. Designation of historic properties is voluntary,
requiring the consent of the property owner. The HPC makes a recommendation
on the designation of historic properties with final approval by City Council. After
a property is designated, no permit of any kind shall be issued for work which
would constitute a material change in the appearance of a building, structure,
site, or landscaping located on the property until an application for a certificate of
appropriateness has been submitted and approved by the HPC.
Designated historic properties may utilize or are eligible for zoning incentives,
construction code exemptions, and other benefits, including:

Permitted mixed-use within a designated historic structure

Achieving minimum requirements for open space and amenity space

Setback and parking reductions

Non-life safety Building Code exemptions

State and Federal Tax Incentive Programs

Façade grant

HPC design assistance

Bronze historic property plaque
Use of incentives and other benefits are contingent on an approved historic
preservation plan, which outlines the restoration of historic properties and
establishes an ongoing maintenance and preservation program for the property.
Conservation easements, permanent restrictive covenants, and other legal tools
provide the enforcement mechanism to ensure the implementation of the historic
preservation plan.
The ordinance also requires demolition permits for properties identified on the
Historical Society List of Historic Properties & Homes to be approved through a
public hearing of the Planning Commission and City Council. Demolition permits
must be based on an approved plan for development and include a
commencement date.
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