Adaptive Use -- The conversion of a building for a use other than that for which it was originally intended. Ideally, such conversions retain the architectural integrity of the building's exterior while making compatible adaptation's to the interior which accommodate the needs of the building's adaptive use.

Certified Local Government (CLG) -- Local governments are designated as CLGs if they have enacted a preservation ordinance, enforce the ordinance through a commission and comply with the National Historic Preservation Act and state procedures. Currently, there are 50 Certified Local Governments in Georgia.

Covenants --Restrictions attached in perpetuity to the deed of an historic property to ensure that the integrity of the structure or the land on which it is situated is protected once the property is sold. (See Easements)

Demolition by neglect -- The destruction of a building through abandonment or lack of maintenance.

Easements -- A partial interest in real property acquired through donation or purchase, carried as a deed restriction or covenant and monitored by a qualified preservation organization to protect important open spaces, building facades, and interiors. Easement programs have been established to protect farmland around rural villages, a block of commercial buildings or a stretch of scenic roadway. A facade easement involves preservation of a building's facade by restricting the right to alter the building's exterior front.

The Georgia Trust has a program for accepting facade and conservation easements to protect historic and architecturally significant structures by donating to the Trust the legal authority to review physical changes and monitor the condition of those structures. Similarly, protective covenants may be attached to the deed of a historic property enabling the Georgia Trust to ensure that the integrity of the structure is protected. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation holds 10 easements and has attached 16 protective covenants to properties passed through the Trust's Revolving Fund.

Local Preservation Commission -- Local preservation commissions are established by local ordinances and members are usually appointed by the municipal governing body (i.e. mayor, and city council or county commission) to oversee implementation of the local preservation ordinance. The primary purposes of the local preservation commission are to survey and designate local historic districts and landmarks, to restrict their demolition and to ensure their character is protected through design review.

Local Historic District -- A district created and controlled by a city or county government that serves to ensure that the overall character of the area will be preserved.  Historic district significance can be ascribed to a collection of buildings, structures, sites, objects and spaces that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship feeling and association.

Regional Development Center (RDC) -- Georgia is currently divided into 16 RDCs which provide comprehensive planning assistance to local governments. With funding from the Historic Preservation Division, 14 RDCs employ regional historic preservation planners.

SHPO -- Federal law mandates that each state receiving federal funds have a state historic preservation officer (SHPO). The SHPO serves as a key governmental preservation official who administers the federal and state government preservation activities and policies and advises non-governmental organizations, corporations and individuals on adhering to preservation policies. In Georgia, the SHPO also serves as director of the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.