The preservation of historic areas and properties provide for local recognition and protection of a city’s unique character. In December 2022, the Douglas Historic Preservation Commission submitted a report to the Douglas Mayor and City Commission recommending the north area of Gaskin Avenue be adopted as a local historic district. The City of Douglas adopted an ordinance designating the Gaskin Avenue Local Historic District on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
Owners and residents within the district should have received a notification letter of the designated Gaskin Avenue Local Historic District. The boundaries of the district and a property owner and address list is on file at the City of Douglas’ Community Development Department and the city website, www.cityofdouglasga.gov/gaskin.
Before any work gets started involving an exterior change and or additions/add-ons, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required from the HPC. This includes new construction, demolition, removal of large trees, and erection of a sign or a fence. A COA is not required for interior changes to a building and routine maintenance (painting, re-caulking windows, landscaping). If a COA is required, the application processing fee is $45. Work requiring a COA may also require a separate building permit. Applications for a COA are available at the Community Development Department office located at 211 S. Gaskin Avenue (Ashley-Slater House) and on the city website. The Historic Preservation Commission will review applications monthly.
Owners and residents may qualify for tax incentives and grants for rehabilitation or renovations on the property. Some incentives include the Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit, the Georgia Preferential Property Tax Assessment, and the State Income Tax Credit for Rehabilitated Historic Property. More details of incentives can be obtained by visiting the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website, www.dca.ga.gov/georgia-historic-preservation-division. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has grants that may be applied for on their website, www.georgiatrust.org/resources/grants-fellowships.
For additional information concerning the district or the review of a project in the district, please contact the Community Development Department Planning Division at (912) 389-3433, email edobson@cityofdouglasga.gov, or visit www.cityofdouglasga.gov/gaskin.