The City of Griffin has a variety and critical mass of contributing buildings which create a sense of place and identity. For this reason, it is important to preserve and restore those remaining contributing buildings that reflect the city's history, character and architecture.

1.

Standards for existing buildings. Buildings being renovated or rehabilitated (exterior only), or buildings falling under the category of substantial rehabilitation, that are less than 50 years old and considered non-contributing, shall conform to the design standards outlined for new construction in Sections 722 D. to 722 K. Buildings, contributing or noncontributing, or that were constructed less than 50 years ago but are not considered a substantial rehabilitation and undergoing renovations, shall conform the requirements established in this section of the ordinance and maintain compatibility with older adjacent buildings.

a.

Buildings being renovated or rehabilitated, which are over 50 years old or which are eligible for listing in the Georgia Register of Historic Places or considered contributing should follow the following standards:

i.

Respect the original character of the building;

ii.

Preserve and repair original materials;

iii.

Uncover intact façades that have had false fronts added;

iv.

Preserve and restore original storefronts including: recessed entries, display areas, kick plates and transoms;

v.

Maintain a building "edge" at the sidewalk or in line with the other adjacent buildings;

vi.

Preserve and restore the size and shape of upper story windows; and

vii.

Preserve and restore the original roof forms.

2.

Site design standards.

a.

Building Façades.

i.

Contributing buildings shall maintain original appearance and design character.

ii.

Contributing building shall maintain the design elements of the building and respect the original character of the building including, but not limited to the following elements:

a.

Cornice or building cap;

b.

Upper façade windows;

c.

Lower façade composed of mostly glass and recessed entry;

d.

Architectural details; and

e.

Materials.

iii.

Non-contributing buildings are allowed to maintain their current design but shall conform to the above regulations for any changes.

3.

Height of buildings.

a.

Contributing buildings shall maintain original height and roof design; and

b.

Non-contributing building shall maintain their existing height or be compatible with the surrounding contributing building but are not allowed to exceed the substantial rehabilitation threshold and still fall under this section.

4.

Setback of buildings.

a.

New building additions to buildings shall conform to the established setback line of the other buildings on the street; and

b.

New building additions shall comply with the zoning ordinance setback requirements unless they are in conflict with this ordinance or a variance is obtained.

5.

Parking.

a.

Existing buildings, at the adoption of this ordinance may continue to provide their current parking spaces without meeting new requirements;

b.

Parking in front of buildings is prohibited unless it is on-street parking;

c.

Multiple curb cuts for parking are prohibited;

d.

Landscaping in and around parking lots is required in Section 519.18 B., unless only on-street parking is provided.

6.

Architectural design standards.

a.

Roof, Window and Door Openings.

i.

Roofs shall maintain their original appearance. If a change is necessary it shall conform to the rooflines of neighboring buildings;

ii.

Original windows and doors shall be maintained, as feasible;

iii.

Commercial or mixed use building doors shall be composed mostly of glass and recessed into the building;

iv.

Storefront windows shall be primarily of glass and fit original openings;

v.

If a glass window is not feasible, the window area shall be developed in a manner that provides interest to pedestrians, such as with a decorative wall sculpture or display area.

7.

Building materials.

a.

Contributing buildings shall maintain original materials where feasible;

b.

Buildings less than 50 years old and considered non-contributing shall conform to materials approved in Section 722 H. such as brick, stone, clapboard or other appropriate materials.

8.

Lighting.

a.

Outdoor lighting shall be provided through both public and private lighting fixtures in conformance with the Griffin LCI Area Design Guidelines;

b.

Lighting shall be used in the storefront display window, around signage, entrance and as an accent for building details.