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Historic Preservation

Elegant manor house with large columns, surrounded by greenery. Stone staircase leads up to the house, exuding a serene and historic ambiance.

The Historic Preservation Division works to identify, protect, and preserve historic resources in DeKalb County. We provide design review for properties within designated historic districts and assist residents and property owners through the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has established the DeKalb County Historic Preservation Commission to protect historic places within unincorporated DeKalb County. The preservation commission is made up of seven residents of the county, appointed by the Board of Commissioners and the Chief Executive Officer of the county. The preservation commissions are volunteers and receive no compensation.

Historic Review Services

Design Standards

Guidelines for construction, alterations, and rehabilitation for the Druid Hills Historic District and those included neighborhoods:

Design standards help preserve the character of historic districts while allowing compatible improvements.

Standards typically address:

  • Scale & massing
  • Architectural details
  • Materials
  • Roof forms
  • Streetscape

Historic District Maps

Resources and boundary maps for designated districts.

Historic DeKalb Story Map

Land Use and Zoning Maps

Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required before undertaking exterior alterations, construction, or demolition within local historic districts.

COA Review Covers:

  • Additions
  • New construction
  • Rehabilitation
  • Demolition
  • Materials & design
     

Download COA Application

Apply for COA

Historic Nomination

Several criteria are used to determine whether a property is historic, including age (50 years or older), Special Architectural Significance (can be less than 50 years old), and Historic Association (can be less than 50 years old).

Historic Districts

Designated historic districts in DeKalb County include:

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The HPC reviews COA applications and provides recommendations on preservation-related matters. HPC FAQ

Meeting schedules and agendas available under Boards & Councils.

Forms & Documents
Contact & Hours

Location: 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA

Email: plansustain@dekalbcountyga.gov
Phone: 404-371-2155 (option 4)
One-Stop Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

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