NEWS RELEASE

April 3, 2018

For Immediate Release

Public Invited to Provide Input on Historic District Zoning Ordinance

SAVANNAH, GA (April 3, 2018) — The City of Savannah is asking the public to provide additional feedback  to the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Historic Board of Review regarding proposed revisions to the Savannah Historic District Ordinance.

This is the third of three public meetings held on proposed revisions to the Historic District Ordinance. The first two were held March 21 and March 28. City Council is scheduled to vote on the revisions on April 12. Public comment can also be made at this time.

The purpose of the proposed revisions is to:

• Correct typographical errors
• Clarify definitions
• Add/revise standards to address changing technologies
• Allow ‘R’ zoning districts outside the Landmark District to qualify for a bonus story
• Strengthen the bonus story criteria, particularly in regards to the ‘active use’ criterion
• Add additional standards for large scale development
• Provide the Historic District Board of Review (HDBR) some flexibility in the strict application of certain standards
• Strengthen the standards applicable to Monumental Buildings to ensure the protection of the Oglethorpe Plan
• Revise the boundaries of the “Factors Walk Character Area” to reflect the historical boundaries of Factors Walk
• Require that amendments to the Historic District Ordinance are reviewed by the HDBR in addition to MPC and City Council.

WHAT: Special Call Meeting of the Historic District Review Board to Discuss the Proposed Revisions to Savannah Historic District Ordinance

WHEN: Wednesday, April 4, 2 p.m.

WHERE: 112 East State Street, Mendonsa Hearing Room

WHO: The Metropolitan Planning Commission & Historic Board of Review

A copy of the Special Call Meeting of the Historic Board of Review agenda and information on the proposed revisions may be obtained here: http://www.thempc.org/eagenda/x/hrb/2018/april-4-2018-savannah-historic-district-board-of-review-special-called-meeting/april-4-2018-savannah-historic-district-board-of-review-special-called-meeting.pdf

If you cannot attend the meetings but have questions or would like to comment, there are several ways to participate:

• Email comments to harrise@thempc.org
• Mail comments to Historic Preservation Department, 110 East State Street, Savannah, GA 31401
• Call Ellen Harris at (912) 651-1482