MDHA Redevelopment Districts
Some of the historic overlays overlap with the Metro Development and Housing Agency's redevelopment districts that have their own similar design guidelines.
Good Neighborhood Partnerships
Some neighborhoods have created their own good neighborhood partnership documents that can help a developer understand the goals and desires of a neighborhood. These are provided here for informational purposes and are not an official part of Metro's permitting processes; however, communication with neighborhoods is encouraged.
Historic Germantown
Cane Ridge
Overlays in General
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 four types of Historic Overlays that provide different levels of protection.
Historic Preservation Zoning Overlay 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 and Historic Bed and Breakfast Overlays
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
-
Ordinances 17.36.100, 17.36.110, 17.36.120, 17.40.400, 17.40.410, 17.40.420, 17.40.430
- Design Guidelines
- Design Guidelines Supplement
- Secretary of Interior Standards