The Petitioner is requesting approval to amend Article 7, Section 7.8, Figure 7.8-4, Savannah Downtown Historic District Height Map, to permit a five-story development on parcels adjoining Cohen and Selma Streets. The purpose of the Savannah Downtown Historic Overlay District, referred to as “Savannah Downtown Historic District,” is to promote the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of Savannah pursuant to the provisions of the amendment to the Georgia Constitution Article XI, ratified November 5, 1968 (1968 GA Laws, page 1591) and continued as part of the Constitution of the State of Georgia (GA. L. 1986, p. 5077).

These provisions provide for the preservation and protection of historic buildings, structures, appurtenances, and places that are of basic and vital importance for the development and maintenance of the community's vacation-travel industry, its tourism, its culture, and for the protection of property values because of their association with history; their unique architectural details; or their being a part of or related to a square, park, or area, the design or general arrangement of which should be preserved and/or developed according to a fixed plan based on economic, cultural, historical, or architectural motives or purposes.

Among other aspects of development, Section 7.8 regulates the height of buildings in the Historic District utilizing a height map overlay that indicates the maximum permissible height for a structure within the identified geography. Current heights permitted range from a low of one-story to a high of 14-stories depending upon urban context. Variances to height are not permitted and require amendment of the height map to exceed current established maximums.

On June 11, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request to amend Section 7.8, Figure 7.8-4, Savannah Downtown Historic District Height Map, to permit five-story development adjoining the identified portions of Cohen and Selma Streets.