Tier Classifications for Historic Property

Besides a date, each property is assigned a Tier Classification based upon present condition for preservation, conservation, or adaptation. Following is a classification guide recommended by Terracon:

• Tier one represents a resource that is an exceptional example of its type and/or style. Efforts should focus on preserving the property. These examples are often referred to as "high style," meaning the resource is a textbook example of the style. They have no notable alterations or additions and maintain their overall integrity. These resources are considered eligible for listing in the U. S. Department of Interior's National Registery of Historic Places.
• Tier two represents a resource that is a good example of its type or style. The resource should be preserved and conserved. Many times these resources have seen modern alterations and/or modern additions, yet they have not been so heavily altered that they have not retained integrity. Therefore, these resources can be considered eligible for listing in The National Registery.
• Tier three represents a historic structure that has several additions and alterations. Changes to the resource have altered the integrity of the structure. These resources may be eligible for listing in The National Registery, or no longer eligible for listing in The National Registery.
• Tier four recognizes that bulding is not historic nor architecturally significant, but the property is within the district, probably adjacent to a Tier one, two or three. However the streetscape, meaning the scale of any old or new building, and property trees, and sidewalks, are important to the historic neighborhood feel.

Tier classifications can change if an owner decides to restore the original integrity of the property.

Although Norcross is the only downtown in Gwinnett County with an Area Listing in the prestigious National Registry of Historic Places, certain resources are considered eligible to stand alone on their own merits, and some owners have taken time to obtain additional individual registration and a historic plaque.

However, a Registry listing by itself affords no protection from what the neighbors down the street may do. Consider that your historic house, probably upscale, well-maintained and high-value, is really in a subdivision with no legal protection and no covenants.