Atlanta, GA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Categories
- 5 (Landmark to Conservation District)
- Reviewing body
- Urban Design Commission
- Permit needed
- Certificate of appropriateness
- Max fine
- $1,000 per day
- Interim protection
- Up to 180 days during nomination
Summary
Atlanta protects culturally significant buildings, sites and districts through five formal categories, from Landmark Building to Conservation District, administered by the Urban Design Commission.
(a)Establishment of Categories: There shall be five (5) categories of protection for historic properties in the City of Atlanta, as follows:(1)Landmark Building or Site;(2)Historic Building or Site;(3)Landmark District;(4)Historic District; and(5)Conservation District.
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 20 sets up five categories of historic protection: Landmark Building or Site, Historic Building or Site, Landmark District, Historic District and Conservation District. Nomination requires council resolution or owner application, then Urban Design Commission review against integrity and significance criteria (historic, architectural or cultural). Once designated, exterior changes, additions, demolition or moving of a protected building or site require a certificate of appropriateness from the commission before the bureau of buildings may issue a permit.
Violations & Fines
Altering, demolishing or building without a required certificate of appropriateness is a Code violation punished under Sec. 1-8: a fine up to $1,000, up to six months imprisonment, or both. Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides if a building becomes an Atlanta landmark?
Can I demolish a designated historic building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
Compare Atlanta to another location·View the Georgia historic preservation overview
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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle historic-cultural monuments.