Historic Preservation

Yes. Section 6.1 of Ordinance No. 375 identifies that any person adversely affected by any determination made by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) relative to the issuance or denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness, or by the Zoning Administrator in the administration, interpretation, or enforcement of the ordinance, may appeal such determination to the City Council.

 No.  Section 2.2 of Ordinance No. 375 identifies exterior paint as alterations which are not identified as a “material change in appearance”, thus no Historic Preservation Commission approval is necessary to paint your home or business. 

No. Section 5.4 (a) of Ordinance No. 375 identifies that certain projects may require elevation drawings by an architect. However, Section 5.4 (f) allows a waiver of this requirement depending on the scope of the proposed project. If projects are less complicated or minor in scope they will require less complicated plans (i.e. porches, decks, sheds or patios). Regardless of project scope, the City will make every effort to assist home and business owners, design professionals, and/or contractors in keeping costs as low as possible. 

It should also be noted that the adopted local and State building codes often require that plans be prepared by an architect or engineer.  Plans that are clear and concise are easier to review for compliance with these codes. These codes exist to protect the life, safety and welfare of the general public. Currently, the City has adopted the following codes with certain Georgia Amendments:

• International Building Code (IBC).
• National Electric Code (NEC).
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC).
• International Mechanical Code (IMC.
• International Plumbing Code (IPC).
• International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings (IRC).
• International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
• International Fire Code (IFC).

 No.  Any property owner wishing to change their property in a way that would be considered a “material change in appearance” will be required to apply to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Designation under the Flowery Branch Historic Preservation Ordinance does not prevent owners from making changes to their properties but ensures that changes do not detract from the architectural, historical, and/or aesthetic qualities of the district. In addition, there are certain exemptions that do not require an owner to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (see Section 5.2 of Ordinance No. 375).