Preservation Permit
The Metro Historic Zoning Commission (MHZC) issues Preservation Permits for alterations, additions, new construction, demolition and moving structures within the locally designated historic and conservation districts. The types of actions subject to MHZC approval and the guidelines for such actions are found in the Handbook and Design Guidelines for each specific district.
STEP 1
Obtain application for a Preservation Permit, as follows:
- Pick up at the MHZC office, Sunnyside (Sevier Park, 3000 Granny White Pike), Monday - Friday 8am to 4:30pm
- Mailed by MHZC staff by calling (615) 862-7970, Monday - Friday 8am to 4:30pm
- Faxed by MHZC staff by calling (615) 862-7970, Monday - Friday 8am to 4:30pm
- Delivered by MHZC staff during a field visit (by prior agreement)
STEP 2
Fill out and submit the application and all applicable documentation to the MHZC office, in person or by mail. (Application can be sent via fax {862-7974} only if documentation does not become illegible in the fax process) Complete applications must be received two weeks prior to the Commission hearing which is held the third Wednesday of the month. Applications may need additional photos, plans, specifications or other documentation as determined by staff to adequately review each application. If an application is received on the filing deadline and other documentation is needed, that application will need to be deferred until adequate documentation is received.
Please note: Zoning regulations and building codes are not part of the review jurisdiction of the MHZC staff. Zoning regulations and building codes are reviewed by the Metro Department of Codes Administration, Howard School Building, 700 2nd Avenue South. (615) 862-6500 (615) 862-6514.
STEP 3
A. HEARING NOT NEEDED: A Preservation Permit will be issued upon approval by staff. This may be done while the applicant waits, for well documented and simple cases such as fencing, re-roofing, and replacement of damaged materials that match the existing. It may take several days or longer if documentation is incomplete or the proposal is complex.
OR
B. HEARING IS NEEDED: A proposal can be added to the commission agenda once a complete application is received prior to the deadline of the next scheduled hearing. Deadlines for an application with the necessary documentation is two weeks prior to the MHZC hearing. The commission meets every month on the third Wednesday to review applications from conservation and historic districts. The meeting begins at 1:30 p.m.
STEP 4
Preservation permits are issued to the applicant after approval. Most permits are mailed to applicants within a few days of approval. The red permit placard must be posted so it can be clearly viewed from the main public right-of-way.
STEP 5
A building permit may be necessary for the proposed project. Preservation Permits are not a substitute to a building permit. Contact Metro Department of Codes Administration, Howard School Building, 700 2nd Avenue South. (615) 862-6500 (615) 862-6514 fax.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Free technical and design assistance is available from the staff of the MHZC at any time before or during the application process. Early consultation with MHZC staff is recommended. Appointments are helpful in providing the best possible service to the individual applicant.
The MHZC only reviews exterior plans which are visible from the public-rights-of-way. Interiors are not reviewed.
Deadlines are firm. To allow for writing of recommendations, mailing packets and Commissioners review of a proposal all necessary materials must be received two weeks prior to the hearing.
Historic zoning does not force a property owner to work on, repair, or maintain their building; it responds to projects initiated by the owner.
Like the building code requirements, work done in violation of the design guidelines is required to be corrected and can be subject to fines.
The MHZC maintains a library of materials on architectural history, restoration techniques and products for rehabilitation which is available to the public. Staff frequently provides recommendations to property owners for aspects of restoration which are not reviewed by historic zoning.
ENFORCEMENT
'Work done without a preservation permit, or contrary to the specification on a preservation permit, is a violation of the Landmark Regulations' established under Section 17.36, Overlay Districts, in Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
Like the Building Code, the Landmark Guidelines are a legal document. Work done without prior review and approval by the MHZC is subject to penalties.
The MHZC staff regularly monitors the historic landmark districts for compliance with the regulations. In addition, staff members frequently receive notice from area residents of possible violations. When a violation is discovered, staff determines the most appropriate course of action. Typically, the following steps are taken to reach compliance:
If the work is still underway, a Stop Work Order is posted.
A violation notice is mailed to the property owner. The notice cites the infraction and identifies a deadline for contacting the MHZC. Once the owner or his/her representative contacts the MHZC, staff provides information on how to abate the violation; a deadline is established for reaching compliance.
If the violation is not abated within the specified time frame, staff issues a citation to appear in the General Sessions Court of Davidson County.