Historic Commission

MHZC Districts and Design Guidelines

Design Guidelines and Maps

Districts

A Historic Overlay is a planning tool to protect the architectural and historic character of Nashville's historic sites and neighborhoods by managing growth and change through public design review. 

Most property owners desire the overlay because it protects property values and stabilizes neighborhoods.

Changes for locally designated properties are guided by the ordinance and design guidelines.  The guidelines are based on national standards and customized for specific neighborhoods.  They provide direction for project applicants and ensure that all applicants are treated fairly.

There are two types of Historic Overlays that provide different levels of protection.

Historic Preservation Zoning Overlay Districts and Historic Landmarks

Historic Preservation Zoning Overlays provide the highest level of review and therefore provide the greatest level of protection for a site or neighborhood.  Historic Landmark Districts have the same level of review as Historic Preservation Zoning; however, it is typically one property or a collection of related properties such as an educational campus or park.

What work is reviewed?

  • Demolition
  • New Construction (primary buildings and out buildings, accessory structures, and garages)
  • Additions to existing structures (new rooms, dormers, porches, or anything that increases habitable space or height of a building)
  • Moving any structure in, around, or out of an area
  • Exterior renovation, rehabilitation, restoration

Neighborhood Conservation Zoning Overlay Districts

What work is reviewed?

  • Demolition
  • New Construction (primary buildings and out buildings, accessory structures, and garages)
  • Additions to existing structures (new rooms, dormers, porches, or anything that increases habitable space or height of a building)
  • Moving any structure in, around, or out of an area

Design Review Tools