Review and Compliance

For those projects in which the state or federal agency involved has delegated compliance to its applicants, HPD requests applicants to use the Environmental Review Form (Word Doc version:  Environmental Review Form ) when submitting projects for our review. Please fill out the form completely and submit it online, along with the required supporting materials (maps, photos, and project plans), using our online project submission portal. By completing the form to the greatest extent possible, and including the required supporting material, a prolonged review process is less likely since HPD should not need to request additional information. Please note, HPD no longer accepts project submittals, with the exception of archival mitigation documentation, by mail.

Warning: Incomplete Environmental Review forms will result in project delay. More detail is preferable, especially with regard to photographs and scopes of work.

Note: If you are submitting a communication tower project, do not use the Environmental Review form. Visit our Communication Tower page for more information regarding submittal requirements. Additionally, the US Corps of Engineers (USACE) does not delegate compliance to applicants and all information prepared for permits through this agency should be coordinated directly with USACE.

Each year, thousands of projects affect historic properties in Georgia, ranging from road construction to cell towers, from sewer lines to building rehabilitation. Many of these projects are funded by, or require permits or licenses from, government agencies. Thousands of previously undocumented historic properties have been identified through HPD review of projects and studies carried out to comply with environmental review requirements. Consideration of historic properties during the early planning phases of a project, in many cases, results in their protection. The link shows different laws that require or recommend HPD’s review of project.

Section 110 of the National Preservation Act of 1966 (U.S.C. 470) requires federal agencies that own land to be proactive in managing their historic structural and archeological resources by first identifying the historic properties ahead of any individual project requirements and then developing a plan for the protection or management and use of these properties. The result is a more comprehensive approach to cultural resources management and planning. Federal agencies that own land or properties in Georgia and carry out archaeological or historical surveys and/or prepare preservation plans are required to consult with HPD.

The Georgia Environmental Policy Act of 1991 (GEPA) (O.C.G.A. 12-16-1) principally provides for the disclosure of the environmental effects of proposed state projects. The Historic Preservation Division's role, when requested by the state agency, is to assist the agency and their applicants in assessing the impacts of projects on historic and archaeological properties listed in or eligible to be listed in the Georgia Register of Historic Places.

The State Agency Historic Property Stewardship Program, or State Stewardship, is similar to Section 110, however, it applies to state agencies rather than federal agencies. State Stewardship requires all state agencies that own property to survey their holdings and identify any archaeological sites or historic structures that are eligible for listing in the Georgia Register of Historic Places. Once resources are identified, a management plan should be created in accordance with the Georgia Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Agency management plans also referred to as preservation plans are then reviewed by HPD. Individual project reviews and technical assistance are also carried out by HPD.