Planning Department

Historic Preservation Planning

The Historic Preservation Planning program at the Southwest Georgia RC started in the mid 1970s. Its purpose is to assist the local governments and interested citizens of the region with anything related to the preservation of buildings, places, sites and neighborhoods. Through this program, which is a partnership between the RC and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Division, a variety of services are offered. These include:

National Register nominations

The National Register is an honorary listing of places important to local, state or national history. In general, buildings must be 50 years or older and appear much like they did when first constructed. Listing places no restrictions on property, provided no grant funds or federal monies are being spent on the particular project. All grants for historic preservation require listing in the National Register to be eligible for funds.

Grant writing

There is only limited grant funding available currently. All of these programs are only open to governments and non profit organizations. Funding is extremely competitive and generally cannot be relied upon to undertake entire projects. There are no grants available to private property owners.

Historic Resource Surveys

The survey process is one of the first and most basic steps in the preservation of historic resources. Without knowing exactly what exists, it is impossible to create a logical plan to addresses local needs. Surveys also help insure that limited resources are directed to the places that need them most.

Downtown revitalization strategies

The RC works regularly with Main Street programs and local Downtown Development Authorities to assist them with all aspects of downtown revitalization. We are also available to assist communities in the beginning states of this process develop committees, devise strategies and set goals.

Design assistance

The Historic Preservation Planner will meet with individuals or local governments to assist them in making historically appropriate changes to their buildings. Depending on the need, graphics can be created to illustrate these suggestions.

Tax incentive assistance

The only financial assistance available to private property owners comes in the form of tax incentives. There are several programs which can add up to significant savings on the overall cost of a rehabilitation project. The key to being eligible for these incentives is to get your project approved before work begins.

Historic Preservation Commission guidance

We regularly provide assistance to local HPCs by reviewing applications and attending meetings.

Development of local regulations

For communities that do not have any protection of their important historic areas, we can assist with the process of adopting and implementing local regulations.

Mitigation/documentation guidance

When it is necessary for historic resources to be altered or demolished where grant funding is utilized, we can provide assistance meeting the documentation requirements.

If you have any needs that involve historic (or potentially historic) structures, please contact the RC so we can help.