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Commission weighs changing historic-preservation appeals, requiring post-demolition concept plans and updating pre-approved materials
Summary
A workshop presentation on the Historic Preservation Commission recommended sending appeals back to the commission before mediation, requiring post-demolition concept plans (not full drawings), and updating the pre-approved materials list; commissioners asked staff for workload counts before adopting ordinance language.
Augusta-Richmond County commissioners discussed proposed clarifications to the historic-preservation ordinance after a workshop convened at the end of 2024. Director Delaney and community stakeholders presented three areas for decision: whether appeals should go to the Historic Preservation Commission before mediation, whether post-demolition plans should be required, and whether the preapproved materials list (venting, windows, roofs, siding, shingles) should be updated.
Key points raised: Staff said the current ordinance sends applicants to mediation after an unsuccessful HPC decision, a process that may delay time-sensitive repairs and push applicants into legal fees. Some commissioners argued appeals should come to the HPC before mediation so homeowners have an opportunity to present to the commission without immediately incurring mediation or attorney costs.
On post-demolition plans, commissioners asked for flexible language: several members favored requiring a concept plan that indicates intent for the site (example estimate discussed: a $600–$700 concept plan rather than full architectural construction drawings), while also recognizing the cost burden for small homeowners doing do-it-yourself work.
On materials, HPC members had requested clearer documentation (spec sheets, sample materials) to reduce delays; commissioners favored updating the preapproved list so applicants would know allowable options in advance.
Workload and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to quantify the number of appeals and how many items would reach commission if the appeals change were adopted, so the commission could understand workload impacts. Dave Barbee (HPC chair) and Eric Montgomery (Historic Augusta) advised caution and said many applications are approved; Montgomery recommended policies that reduce attorney-fee burdens, including mediators provided by staff if needed. The committee voted to return the item for additional information and to revisit next week’s committee cycle with counts and proposed ordinance language.
