AG approves opt-out in historic district ordinance

GREENVILLE — A clause in Greenville’s historic district ordinance that allows businesses to opt-out of the program is valid, according to an opinion from the state attorney general’s office.

The Joint Greenville Washington County Historic Preservation Commission had sought the clarification.

An attorney general’s opinion does not carry the weight of law but is designed to provide public entities a level of protection in court.

Walley Morse, the commission secretary, tells the Delta Democrat Times 10 property owners have opted out of the local historic district.

City Attorney Andy Alexander says the attorney general’s opinion does not apply specifically to Greenville but to all municipal historical districts. He says the opinion cites cities’ authority to enact an ordinance for the establishment of a local historic district.