Introduction
Georgetown’s nineteenth-century buildings in the downtown area have been preserved as a result of community efforts spanning many years. Strategies for preserving Georgetown’s historic and cultural structures in the historic downtown are incorporated into the City’s planning process. Three historic overlay districts are associated with special guidelines for modification of existing structures and for new construction.
Town Square Historic District: This is the nine-block area around the Williamson County Courthouse that includes buildings on the historic Square (Refer to the Downtown Overlay Map).
Downtown Overlay District: This is a 40 – 50 block area that surrounds the Square and contains many historic commercial and residential structures. This overlay includes the downtown area from the south fork of the San Gabriel River on the north side to University Avenue on the south side (Refer to the Downtown Overlay Map).
Old Town Overlay District: This is a larger area encompassing much of Old Town. The Old Town District includes residential and commercial areas (Refer to the Old Town Overlay Map). Due to the historic value of these areas, the City has taken extra steps to ensure that their identity continues to prosper for generations to come.
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The Preservation of structures within the Overlay Districts are regulated through the submission of construction plans to the City’s Historic and Architectural Review Commission for a Certificate of Design Compliance:
Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC): Plans for new construction or renovation of existing structures in the Downtown Historic Overlay must be submitted to the Planning department. This includes changes to the building’s exterior, the building site, or signs. Approval of plans results in the issuance of a Certificate of Design Compliance. For Commercial or planned Commercial in the Old Town Overlay District, a Certificate of Design Compliance is also required.
Detailed information on submission requirements for a Certificate of Design Compliance application can be found in Section 3.13 of the Unified Development Code (UDC).
Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC): This Commission reviews plans for changes to buildings, sites, and signage within the Historic Overlay Districts prior to those changes being made. The Commission issues a Certificate of Design Compliance to approved modifications that are consistent with the Downtown Design Guidelines.
Downtown Design Guidelines: Special guidelines for changes to buildings, sites, and signage within the Downtown and Old Town Historic Overlays. These are the rules that the Historic and Architectural Review Commission uses to approve or not approve modifications.
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Other groups involved in historic preservation in Georgetown include the Georgetown Main Street Program and the Georgetown Heritage Society. More information on these items can be found by clicking on the appropriate link to the left.
If you are a prospective applicant within one of our Overlay Districts or have any questions, please contact the Historic District Planner.
2 Responses to “Introduction”
As a new resident to Georgetown, I see that the Town Square has the potential to become quite the attraction if the plans are well implemented. The square and its buildings are more charming than any in the area, and many businesses are already established in the arts, antiques, and music sector. What needs to be done now, is to only allow retail shops, restricting office use, as well as to transform the little used monument in the center (the courthouse) into an art exhibition and sales center. Restaurants should be allowed on the streets extending from the corners. And, one more little detail – repave the sidewalks with local stone and add a few trees. With Georgetown’s close proximity to Austin, it could become a place for a pleasant afternoon escape from the city and a tourist destination.
I attended a play at the theatre downtown recently and was pleasantly surprised at the accommodations made throughout that area for disabled individuals. As a result of that visit, I am seriously considering moving to Georgetown. It has medical facilities with specialists that will enable me to be seen without going to Austin. My next study will be apartments near the downtown area as well as transportation options.
Having moved to the Austin area from Galveston after Hurricane Ike, I feel isolated where I now live and miss being able to be involved in community activities.
I hope that Georgetown will provide the amenities and options to enable me to become an active community member.