The commission shall have no authority concerning the use of property which shall continue to be regulated by any applicable zoning regulations of the City of Athens, but the commission shall consider the height, the setback from street and property boundary lines, and the building area relative to lot area of buildings and structures proposed to be constructed, reconstructed, altered, or renovated. As to any of same, the commission shall make such suggestions relating to the proposed work and such recommendations relating to the grant of exceptions to the applicable zoning limitations as it shall deem appropriate and consistent with the purpose of historic preservation hereinbefore stated.