Pin Point Historic Designation

Pin Point Historic District
The Pin Point Historic District was designated on February 27, 2009 by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners.

What are the Pin Point Design Standards?
The Pin Point Design Standards are part of the designation ordinance. MPC Staff worked with Pin Point residents to develop design standards. Click here for a copy.

What are the boundaries of the district? How do I know if I'm in the district?
Please see the map of the historic district boundaries.

What if I live in the district but my house is not historic?
All structures within the historic district have been evaluated and determined to be "contributing" or "non-contributing." A contributing structure adds to the historic or architectural value for which the district is significant. Typically, contributing structures are older than 50 years. Non-contributing structures do not add to the historic or architectural value for which the district is significant. Typically, non-contributing structures are less than 50 years old. Alterations to non-contributing structures do have some design standards to meet, but they are to ensure that changes are compatible with the character of the district and are different from the design standards for contributing structures. For example, there may be no restrictions on the demolition of non-contributing buildings, while there may be restrictions on the demolition of contributing buildings.

What if something on my property does not meet the standards? Do I have to remove it?
No, the standards would only apply when you want to make a change to your property. They are not retroactive and you do not have to un-do any changes already made.

What's the difference between a National Register Historic District and a Local Historic District?
A National Register Historic District is a federally-designated historic district. While it certainly prestigious to be designated as a National Register Historic District, the designation is more of an honorary title that does not provide any protection of historic resources on privately funded projects (if the project is federally funded, more protection is provided). A local historic district provides real protection of historic resources. All exterior material changes must meet the design standards developed for the area before a building permit is issued.For more information on the differences between National Register historic districts and local historic districts, click here.

What sorts of things require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) and what things are excluded?
Additions, alterations which increase liveable space (such a porch enclosures), new construction, demolition, relocation of buildings, signs, and certain site alterations such as a fence, paving, or pools require a COA. Regular maintenance and repair doesl not require a COA. Color changes do not require a COA. Any changes not visible from the public right-of-way do not require a COA. Any changes to the interior which have no effect on the exterior do not require a COA. Signs less than three square feet will not require a COA.

What sorts of projects are reviewed at Staff Level and what projects go before the CCHPC?
Many projects can be reviewed at Staff Level. Only new construction, additions over 500 square feet, and demolition of historic resources go to the CCHPC for review. Thisl gives the public the opportunity to comment on major changes within the district.

What other communities in Georgia have local historic districts?
As of September, 2006, 126 communities in Georgia have historic preservation ordinances. Many of these have multiple historic districts within their community. Please click here for a full list.

What are the economic implications of historic preservation?
Donovan Rypkema, an internationally known expert in preservation economics, recently gave a lecture entitled Preservation Economics in Coastal Georgia. You can link to a video of his 40 minute talk by clicking here:
http://www.coastalgeorgiardc.org/planning_rypkema_v2_small.html

For more information or to comment, please contact Ellen Harris atmailto:harrise@thempc.org or 912-651-1482.