Historic Preservation

Since becoming consolidated in 1971, the Columbus, Georgia Consolidation Government has been committed to preserving the historical significance of our city. The Planning Department is responsible for establishing development guidelines to protect Columbus' historic architectural heritage.


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Historic Districts of Columbus, Georgia

Ten neighborhoods in Columbus, Georgia have been designated as historic districts in recognition of their importance in the history and character of the city. These neighgborhoods are subject to the design guidelines approved by the Board of Historic & Architectural Review.


Board of Historic & Architectural Review

BHAR Application for Certificate of Appropriateness

The Board of Historic & Architectural Review(BHAR)shall encourage preservation, maintenance and improvements of buildings of historic and/or architectural significance within the Historic Districts. It has eleven appointed and voting members, four, which are appointed exclusively by the City Council. The other seven voting members are also appointed by the Council, but they must be members of and recommended by certain organizations as stated in the ordinance that established the board. There are three other nonvoting members, one of which is a representative of the Columbus Housing Authority, one of which represents the Planning Department and the other represents the Columbus Inspections and Code Enforcement Division.


The Board of Historic & Architectural Review (BHAR) supports and furtherance of its findings and determination that the historical, cultural and aesthetic heritage of the City of Columbus is among its most valued and important assets. The preservation of this heritage is essential to the promotion of the health, prosperity and general welfare of the people.
Its functions include:

  • To stimulate revitalization of the business districts and historic neighborhoods and to protect and enhance local historical and aesthetic attractions to tourists and thereby promote and stimulate business.
  • To enhance the opportunities for federal and/or state tax benefits under relevant provisions of federal or state law.
  • To provide for the designation, protection, preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties and historic districts and to participate in federal or state programs to do the same.

BHAR - Meetings

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Time: 3:30PM
Location: Citizen Services Center - Council Chambers | 3111 Citizens Way Columbus, GA
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Application Deadline* Meeting Date
January 8, 2024
January 22, 2024 February 12, 2024
February 19, 2024 March 11, 2024
March 18, 2024 April 8, 2024
April 22, 2024 May 13, 2024
May 20, 2024 June 10, 2024
June 17, 2024 July 8, 2024
July 22, 2024 August 12, 2024
August 19, 2024 September 9, 2024
September 23, 2024 October 15, 2024 (Tuesday due to Holiday)
October 21, 2024 November 12, 2024 (Tuesday due to Holiday)
November 18, 2024 December 9, 2024

* Applications must be submitted to the Planning Division of the Columbus Consolidated Government before 5:00 p.m. of the deadline date along with all applicable requirements.

No incomplete applications will be accepted after the Application Deadline. If you have questions concerning the completeness of your application please contact Trey Wilkinson, City Planner at (706) 225-3928. We will be happy to review any applications for completeness prior to the Application Deadline.

The applicant or their appointed representative must be present at the Board of Historic and Architectural Review meeting. The case will not be heard without a representative present.


For more information or questions, contact Claire Mitchell at (706) 225-3941 or email Mitchell.Claire@columbusga.org  »


Certificate of Appropriateness

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any change in materials or appearance to the exterior of a designated historic property prior to beginning construction. Common alterations that must be approved include but are not limited to: addition of fences, construction of decks, porches and ramps, and demolition of any structure in the historic districts. Additional information is available by clicking the "Design Guidelines" link below.

To begin the review process, first download and fill out a Certificate of Appropriateness application. To download an application, click the "Review Application" below. Once completed, the application and all supporting documents must be received by the Planning Department no later than 5:00 PM on the applicable application deadline date. Check application deadlines and meeting dates below.


The applicant or their appointed representative must be present at the Board of Historic and Architectural Review meeting. The case will not be heard without a representative present. If your case has been approved by the Board, the Certificate of Approval can be picked up from the Planning Department on the Monday following the meeting.
 

Fees

Application fees for demolitions, new constructions, additions or modifications of existing constructions in any of the Historic Districts.

Type Fee
Demolition Permit Submission Fee $100.00
Staff Approval Request Fee(see Design Guidelines Pg. 2-3) $20.00
Board Review Fee $50.00