§ 8.6. Visual Compatibility Standards.

8.6-1 Buffer Zones. Any land lot proposed to be subdivided or otherwise developed that is contiguous to a designated historic area shall include a vegetative buffer between the lot to be developed and adjacent historic area. The buffer shall be provided by the owner of the property proposed to be developed.

8.6-2 If the lot proposed to be developed is located within the historic area itself, then the buffer shall be between the lot to be developed and other adjacent lots in the historic area.

8.6-3 If the proposed development and adjacent historic area fall within different zoning districts, then the buffer shall be as specified in Article IX, table 9.1 of this Zoning Ordinance.

8.6-4 If the two lots are both within the same zoning district, then the minimum buffer area of 50 feet shall apply. The county board of commissioners may waive this requirement, however, if it is found that:

1.

The proposed new construction will be visually compatible with the Historic Area,

2.

The historic area already has sufficient buffer area to protect it from visual intrusions, and/or

3.

This buffer would adversely affect the character of the historic area, by isolating it from its larger compatible surroundings, for example.

8.6-5 Other Visual Compatibility Standards. In addition to any other provisions of this article, zoning ordinance or other applicable law, anyone who lives in, or owns property within, an existing or proposed historic area may request additional visual compatibility standards for that historic area, relating to new construction within that historic area, landscaping, sign placement, demolition protocols, or other. Any such proposal must originate from a person living in or owning property in the affected historic area.

Such requests shall be submitted to the Troup County Historic Preservation Commission, on forms available at the Troup County Planning and Zoning office. The historic preservation commission will review each request and forward the request (with comments) to the Troup County Planning Commission. The planning commission will then review the request, schedule a public hearing before the Troup County Board of Commissioners, and provide a recommendation at that hearing, prior to decision by the board of commissioners.