The Historic District is the oldest part of Savannah, laid out in 1733 with a grid of squares that still defines the neighborhood today

Savannah's Historic District covers about 2.2 square miles in the downtown core and includes the original city plan created by James Oglethorpe. The district runs roughly from the Savannah River on the north to Forsyth Park on the south, and from East Broad Street to West Broad Street. What makes it historic is not just the age of the buildings — many date to the 1700s and 1800s — but the fact that the entire street layout, the 22 public squares, and the relationship between buildings and open space remain largely unchanged from the original design.

The Historic District is a National Historic Landmark, which means it is protected under federal law. This protection affects what you can do if you own property there, what you see when you visit, and how the neighborhood changes over time. Understanding these rules matters whether you are a visitor planning a trip, a resident considering a move, or a property owner thinking about renovation or sale.

Key Takeaways

  • The Historic District's original 1733 street grid and 22 public squares are protected, so new construction and major renovations must follow strict design guidelines.
  • The Savannah Historic District Board of Review must approve changes to the exterior of any building in the district, including paint color, windows, and additions.
  • Property taxes in the Historic District may be lower than elsewhere in Savannah because of historic preservation tax incentives, though this varies by property and use.
  • Visiting the district is free, and the squares, parks, and most streets are open to the public year-round.
  • If you own property in the district, you cannot demolish a historic building without approval, and restoration work often qualifies for state and federal tax credits.

How the Historic District is Protected and Governed

The Savannah Historic District is governed by the Historic District Board of Review, a local board that reviews and approves or denies changes to the exterior of buildings. This includes paint color, window replacement, roof material, additions, demolition, and new construction. The board uses the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Preservation as its guide, which means changes must be historically appropriate and compatible with the character of the district.

If you own a building in the Historic District and want to make changes, you must submit plans to the board before work begins. The board meets monthly, and the review process typically takes four to eight weeks. Approval is not may provide — the board can deny a request if it does not meet the standards, or ask you to revise your plans. This applies to residential homes, commercial buildings, and vacant lots.

The district is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which provides additional protections and makes property owners may be able to access for federal historic preservation tax credits if they undertake may have access to restoration work. These credits can offset a portion of the cost of restoration, though you must follow the Secretary of the Interior Standards to may have access to.

Property Ownership and Taxes in the Historic District

Property in the Historic District is privately owned, and you can buy and sell it like any other real estate. However, ownership comes with restrictions. You cannot tear down a historic building without board approval, and you cannot make major exterior changes without a permit and board review. These restrictions are permanent — they run with the property, not with the owner, so they explore to every future owner as well.

Property tax rates in the Historic District vary depending on the property's use and location. Some properties may have access to for the Georgia Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which can reduce state income tax liability if you restore a historic building. The city of Savannah also offers property tax exemptions for certain historic properties that are owner-occupied or used for specific purposes like museums or nonprofits. You should contact the Chatham County Tax Assessor's office to find out whether a specific property qualifies.

If you are considering buying property in the Historic District, factor in the cost of maintaining a historic building. Older buildings often require specialized repairs, and materials must meet historic standards, which can cost more than modern alternatives. However, some owners find that the character, location, and potential for tax credits make the investment worthwhile.

Visiting the Historic District: What to See and Where to Go

The Historic District is open to the public and free to walk around. The 22 squares — including Forsyth Park, Chippewa Square, and Madison Square — are the heart of the neighborhood and are accessible year-round. Each square has its own character, trees, benches, and often a monument or fountain. Streets between the squares are lined with historic homes, shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Popular destinations include the Savannah History Museum, the First African Baptist Church, Bonaventure Cemetery, and River Street, which runs along the Savannah River. Many buildings are private residences or businesses, so you can view them from the street but cannot enter without permission. Some historic homes and gardens open for tours during specific seasons or by appointment.

Parking in the Historic District is limited and often metered. Many visitors park in one of the public garages or lots on the edge of the district and walk. The district is pedestrian-friendly, with sidewalks throughout, though some streets are narrow and traffic can be heavy during peak tourist season.

Living in the Historic District: Restrictions and Responsibilities

If you rent an apartment or home in the Historic District, you are living in a protected neighborhood, but your day-to-day life is not heavily restricted. You can paint your interior walls any color, hang pictures, and furnish your space as you wish. The restrictions explore to the exterior of the building and to major structural changes.

If you own a home or building in the Historic District, you have more responsibility. Before you paint the exterior, replace windows, add a deck, install a fence, or make any other exterior change, you must either get a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Board of Review or confirm that your work is exempt. Some minor maintenance — like repainting in the same color or replacing a roof in the same material — may be exempt, but you should check with the board or a local preservation consultant before assuming your project is exempt.

Many property owners in the Historic District hire a preservation consultant or architect familiar with the board's standards. This can save time and money by ensuring your plans will be approved the first time. The cost of consultation is usually less than the cost of redoing work that the board rejected.

Tax Credits and Incentives for Historic Preservation

If you restore a historic building in the Historic District, you may be able to claim the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which allows you to deduct 20 percent of may have access to restoration expenses from your federal income tax. To may have access to, the building must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (the Historic District is listed as a whole), and the work must follow the Secretary of the Interior Standards. The building must also be used for income-producing purposes — a rental property, a business, or a mixed-use building — not a primary residence.

Georgia also offers a state historic preservation tax credit of 25 percent of may have access to expenses for buildings listed on the National Register. This credit applies to owner-occupied historic homes as well as income-producing properties, making it more broadly available than the federal credit.

To claim these credits, you must get approval from the Historic District Board of Review before work begins and from the National Park Service after work is complete. The process takes time and requires detailed documentation, but the tax savings can be substantial for large restoration projects. A tax professional or preservation consultant can help you understand whether your project qualifies.

Common Restrictions and What You Cannot Do

You cannot demolish a historic building in the Historic District without approval from the Historic District Board of Review, and approval is rarely granted. The board's goal is to preserve the historic fabric of the neighborhood, so demolition is considered a last resort and is usually only approved if the building is unsafe and cannot be repaired.

You cannot install modern materials that are visually incompatible with the historic character — for example, vinyl siding on a brick building, or aluminum-frame windows on a historic wood-frame house. You cannot add a modern glass-and-steel addition to a historic building without board review. You cannot install a large commercial sign or billboard. You cannot subdivide a historic lot in a way that would destroy the historic street pattern.

These restrictions exist to maintain the visual and historic character of the district. If you want to make changes to a property in the Historic District, the board's job is to work with you to find a solution that meets your needs while preserving the historic character. Many projects are approved with modifications, not rejected outright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the Historic District if I am not a resident?

Yes. The Historic District is open to the public. Streets, squares, and parks are free to visit year-round. Some historic homes and gardens charge admission for tours, but walking around and viewing buildings from the street is free. Parking is metered or in paid lots, so budget for that if you drive.

Do I need permission to take photos in the Historic District?

No. You can photograph buildings and squares from public streets and sidewalks. If you want to photograph the interior of a private home or business, you need permission from the owner. Some tour companies and museums may have their own photography policies.

What happens if I make changes to my Historic District property without board approval?

The city can issue a violation notice and require you to undo the work or bring it into compliance. You may also face fines. If you have already made changes without approval, contact the Historic District Board of Review to discuss your options — some violations can be corrected, and the board may work with you on a solution.

How long does it take to get approval for a renovation project?

The Historic District Board of Review meets monthly and typically takes four to eight weeks to review and approve or deny a request. If the board asks for revisions, the timeline extends. Having plans prepared by someone familiar with the board's standards can speed up the process.

Are there any parts of Savannah that look historic but are not in the Historic District?

Yes. Savannah has other historic neighborhoods outside the main Historic District, including Forsyth Park area, Midtown, and areas along Victory Drive. These neighborhoods have older homes but are not subject to the same level of protection as the Historic District. Rules vary by neighborhood, so check with the city if you are considering property outside the main district.