Glynn County, GA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Section 709.7 of the Glynn County Zoning Ordinance treats demolition inside the Village Design Review Overlay as a design review application in its own right. An applicant must file a site plan showing all existing structures, a narrative on why the building cannot be retained, documentation of the building's age from deeds or tax records, and, if the building's condition is the stated reason for demolition, a structural report sealed by a certified structural engineer (§ 709.7(h)(1)-(4)). The Planning Division reviews that file and prepares a report for the Islands Planning Commission addressing four factors: whether the building's removal would harm the public interest because of its architectural or historical interest; whether it is 50 years or older and of an old, unusual or uncommon design that could only be reproduced with great difficulty; whether keeping it preserves a historic place; and whether keeping it promotes the general welfare by protecting real estate values, tourism, or the study of American history and culture (§ 709.7(h)(6)(a)-(d)).

The Commission can then approve the demolition, recommend the Building Official approve the permit, or delay a recommendation for up to 180 days so preservation-minded buyers or groups can try to save the structure (§ 709.8(c)(5)). A denial locks out any new application for the same property for six months (§ 709.8(d)).