§ 16-20.002. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless specifically stated otherwise, the following terms shall mean and include:

Alteration: Any change of any kind whatsoever to the exterior of a building, structure or site, or any change of any kind whatsoever to a designated interior of a building, structure or site, or any change of any kind whatsoever to a nondesignated interior of a building, structure or site which is visible from the public way, except ordinary repair and maintenance, and except demolitions. An alteration shall be deemed to be a "minor alteration" if it is an alteration which does not significantly affect the historic, cultural or architectural integrity, interpretability or character of a building, structure, site or district. In general, minor alterations would include the kind of work which is normally done without the aid of a professional drafter or professional quality plans. An alteration shall be deemed to be a "major alteration" if it is an alteration which does affect the historic, cultural, or architectural integrity, interpretability, or character of a building, structure, site or district. In general, major alterations would include the kind of work which is normally done with the aid of a professional drafter or professional quality plans. All variances as defined herein shall be deemed to be "major alterations."

Archaeological: Relating to the science or study of the material remains of past life or activities and the physical site, location or context in which they are found, as delineated in the Department of the Interior's Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979.

Area: Any geographic division of real property.

Building: Any structure.

Commission: The Atlanta Urban Design Commission.

Contributing Building, Structure or Site: A building, structure or site which reinforces the visual integrity or historic interpretability of a district, historic area or historic zone.

Demolition: An act or process that destroys or razes in whole or in part a building, structure or site, including an interior space within a district, or permanently impairs its structural integrity.

Designated Interior: An interior, or portion of an interior, of a Landmark Building or Site which is accessible to the public and which meets the criteria for nomination and designation to a Landmark Building or Site provided for in this chapter.

Director: The Executive Director of the Atlantic Urban Design Commission.

District: A combination or combinations of a building, structure or site whose boundaries are specifically delineated and which have a unifying theme.

Economic Return: A profit, capital or other appreciation that accrues from investment or labor from use or ownership of a building, structure, site or district.

Historic Area: An historic zone, as defined herein.

Historic Zone: Any structure, site, building or district which, individually or collectively, meets the criteria for nomination and designation to any category of historic protection provided for in this chapter.

Integrity: A characteristic of a building, structure, site or district in which a sufficient amount of the character-defining materials and design features survives in a manner that allows the observer to interpret how the building, structure, site or district looked during its significant period of history.

Interpretability: The ability to recognize or visualize, through appearance, the historic significance or character of an historic resource.

Inventory: A systematic listing of cultural, historical, architectural or archaeological resources following standards for inclusion on said listing set forth in this chapter.

Noncontributing Building, Structure or Site: A building, structure or site which detracts from the visual integrity or the historic interpretability of an historic district, area or historic zone.

Ordinary Repair and Maintenance: Any work, the purpose or effect of which is to correct any deterioration or decay of, or damage to, a building, structure or site, or any part thereof, and to restore the same, as nearly as may be practicable, to its condition prior to such deterioration, decay or damage, using the same materials, or, where the same materials are not available, those materials available which are as similar as possible to the original.

Person: Any individual, firm, association, authority, organization, club, partnership, trust, company, corporation, owner, or authorized agent.

Property: Any building, structure, site, district or other real estate of any kind.

Public Way: Any public right-of-way, or other place, whether privately or publicly owned, upon which the public is regularly allowed or invited to be.

Site: Real property upon which is or was located a significant event, a park, an open space, a landscaped area, a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity, or a building or structure, whether standing, ruined or vanished, where the location itself maintains an historical or archaeological value and integrity, regardless of the value of any existing structures.

Structure: Anything existing, constructed or erected with a fixed location in or on the ground or attached to something having a fixed location in or on the ground.

Variance: Any nonuse change to the requirements contained in this chapter except for those changes which otherwise require a certificate of appropriateness. Provided, however, that for regulatory purposes and not definitional purposes, all variances from this chapter shall require a type III certificate of appropriateness.

(Code 1977, § 16-20.002)