Frequently Asked Questions 

Paint

Answer: NO! Despite the persistent myth that paint color is regulated, the Monticello HPC does not do so. In fact, the Georgia Historic Preservation Act prohibits preservation commissions (with the exception of those communities whose commissions were established prior to passage of the Act) from reviewing paint color. However, the Monticello HPC does review proposals for applying paint to buildings which have never been painted before.

Landscape

Answer: NO! Although you may have heard "They even tell you if you can or can't plant an azalea bush!", the Monticello HPC does not review plantings in the historic districts. Plants and trees are very fluid elements of a property and have constantly changed over the years. "Hardscape", nonvegetative elements such as walks, drives, fences, etc., are reviewed however. These have a much more lasting impact on the character of the district and change less often.

Non-historic buildings

Answer: YES. A major goal of local historic districts is maintaining the overall character of the area. Prior to designation most districts have had a certain amount of infill new construction - some sensitive, some not. Reviewing proposed changes to non-historic properties as well as historic properties insures that more recent construction will not become more intrusive and hopefully will become less so.