Property Owners

What is a facade preservation easement?

A facade preservation easement is a legally enforceable commitment by a property owner to preserve the facade of a particular historically significant structure so that its exterior architectural features remain unchanged forever. At some point in the past, you or a previous owner of your property donated its facade to a non-profit organization called Easements Atlanta, Inc. (EAI), which enforces this agreement to preserve the facade of the building.

Because of this easement, your property will be preserved as part of Atlanta's architectural heritage for future generations to enjoy. An easement is a strong preservation tool; it insures your building's preservation more effectively than zoning or historic designation.

What are the requirements for maintaining the property?

In order to insure your property's historic character, your building needs to be well-maintained and alterations need to be monitored carefully. Once a year, Easements Atlanta inspects the outside of your building. A letter that describes its overall condition and any needed repairs or maintenance is sent to the building owner(s). Most repairs can be completed within a year or before the next inspection, whichever comes first. Occasionally, an urgent repair - one that threatens the structure - will need to be done more quickly.

What are the procedures for modifying the property?

Easements Atlanta must review and approve any alterations to the exterior of the building.

If you wish to make any alterations to the exterior of your property, you must first contact Janet Barrickman, the Director of Easements Atlanta at 404.688.3353 x16 or email EasementsAtlanta@bellsouth.net.

Most reviews are relatively quick and simple: the owner provides a written description of the work, including plans, specifications, and/or photographs, and EAI staff reviews the material and sometimes visits the site before making a recommendation. If a plan is not approved, EAI staff works with the property owner to find a solution that is more appropriate.