By Conrad Redmond, Painting Guides Editor. Updated September 2026
In Atlanta's local historic districts, the Urban Design Commission reviews Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior changes, but the rules differ by district. Inman Park's regulations say repainting does not need a certificate, and Cabbagetown exempts exterior work under $2,500. Decatur and Marietta have their own local districts. Check your district's rules before choosing colors or replacing materials.
Which areas have local historic districts
Inside the city, the Urban Design Commission reviews Certificates of Appropriateness in local historic districts that include Grant Park, Inman Park, Cabbagetown, East Atlanta, West End and Druid Hills. Nearby cities run their own programs: Decatur has five local historic districts whose Historic Preservation Commission issues certificates, and Marietta designated part of Kennesaw Avenue as its first local historic district in 2013.
Being listed on the National Register is a different thing from being in a local district; National Register listing alone usually does not regulate what a private homeowner paints.
The rules differ by district
Each local district has its own regulations, and paint is treated differently from one to the next. Inman Park's district regulations state that painting or repainting a structure does not require a Certificate of Appropriateness. In Cabbagetown, exterior work under $2,500 does not require Urban Design Commission approval.
Other districts may review color changes, materials or both. Replacing wood with a different material, removing original trim or changing windows usually draws more attention than repainting in kind.
Painting a house in a historic district? Call and tell us the address; we will help you check what applies before colors are chosen.
Call (470) 741-8134Before the work starts
A little preparation avoids delays once a crew is scheduled:
- Confirm whether your address is in a local district, not just a National Register district.
- Read your district's rules on paint, materials and windows.
- If review applies, prepare color names, codes and sample boards.
- Keep repairs in kind where you can: matching wood, profiles and trim.
- Schedule painting after any approval comes through.
Old paint on historic houses
Most houses in these districts were built long before 1978, so the paint you scrape may contain lead. Under the federal Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, paid work that disturbs more than 6 square feet inside or 20 square feet outside on a pre-1978 home must be done by a certified firm using lead-safe practices. Our guide to painting a pre-1978 home explains what that looks like.
How we handle historic district jobs
We check which rules apply to your address before you finalize colors, prepare samples and color names if review is needed, and plan repairs that keep original profiles. For the work itself, see our pages on exterior painting, window glazing and porch painting.
Questions readers ask
No. Rules differ; Inman Park's regulations exempt repainting, while other districts review more changes.
No. National Register listing alone usually does not regulate what a private owner paints.
Exterior work under $2,500 does not require Urban Design Commission approval there.
Decatur's Historic Preservation Commission issues Certificates of Appropriateness in its five local districts.
Usually, since most were built before 1978 and paint disturbance above small thresholds is covered by federal rules.