Historic Zoning is a type of zoning that protects historic character through a design review process. It is called an overlay because its “over top” of base zoning, meaning it doesn’t change how a property can be used. There are multiple types of historic overlays: Historic Landmark, Historic Landmark-Interior, Historic Landmark-Signage, Historic Bed & Breakfast, Historic Preservation District and Neighborhood Conservation Zoning District. They vary based on what is reviewed and what type of property is in the overlay. Because a historic overlay is a type of rezoning, an application must be filed with the Planning Department. (This is usually accomplished by the councilmember in the case of districts (Historic Preservation and Neighborhood Conservation Zoning Overlays).
The process for exploring a potential historic overlay and eventually going through the formal process is a neighborhood/property owner driven effort. Staff with the Metropolitan Historic Zoning Commission is available to assist with information and to guide people through the process; but success depends on the hard work of the neighborhood/property owner. It’s important to remember that an overlay is not something the government imposes on property owners but instead something that owners agree has value to them. Use Nashville's Parcel Viewer to look up existing overlays. Turn on the "zoning" layer and click on all types that start with the word "historic."