Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning: Design Review Districts

Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning staff, the Design Review Board and the Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning Commission work together to guide development and promote local preservation within the community.

Planning & Zoning receives many types of applications from the community regarding any development or changes within Macon-Bibb County. P&Z employees review each certificate of appropriateness application. This application is related to all design review districts and is regulated by the design guidelines found under historic preservation on the P&Z website.

Employees determine if the proposed change or new construction is visible from the public right of way. If so, the application is prepared and scheduled for a Design Review Board meeting.

The establishment of the design review district, the design review process and the Design Review Board provide valuable public benefits in preserving and protecting the aesthetics, integrity and historic character for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents — current and future. The boundaries of any such district shall, in general, be drawn to include all land closely related to and bearing upon the character of the area to be protected.

The area or parcel of land possessing one or more structures, landmarks or sites that are themselves of unique, historical, cultural or architectural significance may be designated as a design review district.

The Design Review Board was established to help the Planning & Zoning Commission make decisions regarding applications related to a design review district. It is recognized that such districts are of a unique character, possessing special qualities, and that certain individuals possess special skills and qualifications that are useful to the commission in making decisions concerning the application of such district regulations. The intent is to obtain special expertise and knowledge as guidance for the commission.

The Design Review Board will review the information provided during a public meeting held on Mondays at 4 p.m. Applicants explain their proposals to the board. The board provides feedback and suggestions to the applicants to help meet the requirements within the design guidelines. The board forwards a recommendation to the commission based on findings of fact.

The application carries over to the commission hearing held the following Monday at 1:30 p.m. The commission possesses the jurisdictional role prescribed by law and by resolution. The commission reviews the board recommendation and may choose to impose additional conditions or approve/deny the board’s recommendation.

If you have any questions about this process, you can reach Planning & Zoning at (478) 241-2554 or you can contact Maryam Yarahmadi by email at myarahmadi@mbpz.org.