Historic Preservation
Our unique neighborhood, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, was almost erased by the construction of a highway. Instead, the community fought fiercely to preserve and protect Druid Hills.
Even as it has evolved with the needs of today’s world, we are grateful that the spirit and soul of Olmsted’s original vision for our neighborhood are still thriving. We believe that historic preservation has been the key to success!
Druid Hills historic preservation in a nutshell.
The neighborhood of historic Druid Hills is divided into 9 districts. Most districts lie within unincorporated DeKalb County, with only districts 1 and 4 in City of Atlanta limits. The DeKalb County Historic District and the City of Atlanta Landmark District protect the parts of Druid Hills within their respective boundaries.
The neighborhood of historic Druid Hills is divided into 9 districts. Most districts lie within unincorporated DeKalb County, with only districts 1 and 4 in City of Atlanta limits. The DeKalb County Historic District and the City of Atlanta Landmark District protect the parts of Druid Hills within their respective boundaries.
Homeowners in Druid Hills who wish to make external changes to their properties must apply for and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before proceeding with their plans. Depending on where the homeowner lives, the DeKalb County Historic District guidelines or the City of Atlanta Landmark District zoning laws will be used in evaluating his or her application. This process protects Druid Hills and its property owners by preventing construction and alterations that may not be in keeping with the historic architecture and streetscape of Druid Hills.
​​​DHCA has two committees committed to advising residents as they approach renovation and new construction projects in Druid Hills. Our preservation committees are very familiar with the ins and outs of their respective district regulations & guidelines and are here to offer advice.
Please note:
We do not issue certificates of appropriateness; this is done through the zoning departments that oversee our two districts.
Tree removal in Druid Hills.
Although preserving our trees is extremely important to us, we also know that it is sometimes necessary to remove them. Residents who wish to remove trees in Druid Hills have to follow different ordinances according to whether their property falls within unincorporated DeKalb or City of Atlanta.
Tree Removal in Unincorporated DeKalb
Homeowners must get a permit if they want to take down more than 5 small trees, or ANY tree that is greater than 8 inches in diameter when measured at 4.5 ft off the ground. If a permit is necessary, they must apply for one with the DeKalb County arborist.
Tree Removal in City of Atlanta
In the Landmark District of Druid Hills, a COA is needed to remove any tree with a caliper of 4 or greater. In other parts of Atlanta a resident can pay financial compensation to remove a larger tree but in the Landmark District, any tree removed has to be replaced by an acceptable species with a caliper of 1.5 or greater.