Tornados, floods and other disasters have inflicted enormous suffering and property damage across many parts of Davidson County. The Metro Historic Zoning Commission offers the following information to assist historic property owners in recovering from a natural disaster.
Contact Us
Email [email protected] or call 615-862-7970, extension 0.
How Can the Historical Commission and the Historic Zoning Commission Assist in a Disaster?
- Expedite Preservation Permits (our permits do not have fees)
- Offer guidance with planning repairs
- Provide historic documentation on your property, in some cases, that might be useful for repair and reconstruction
- Provide resources for replacement materials
- Provide technical briefs and articles
- Provide assistance when discussing replacement materials with your insurance company
- Although we cannot make recommendations we do have list of service and product providers that are familiar with older buildings.
- Information regarding salvage and recycling of building materials.
Financial Assistance for Historic Rehab
The federal tax code provides a twenty percent tax credit for the substantial rehabilitation of income-producing historic buildings that meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
Historic Nashville, Inc's Facade Easement Program
When there is a "Major Disaster Declaration," FEMA funding may be available. Individuals can register with FEMA in the following ways:
- Apply for disaster assistance online or call 1-800-621-3362.
- Those with disability or hearing loss and use TTY, call 1-800-462-7585.
- Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
Although there are no special federal, state or local grants currently available to owners of historic properties affected by natural disasters, historic properties may be entitled to additional consideration from private insurers and state and federal relief agencies. Be sure to indicate on all claims or requests for assistance that your property is or may be historic.
2020 Christmas Explosion
- Historic Window Repair: Window Preservation Alliance
- Variety of Resources for businesses and residents is available on the Downtown Partnership's page
Permit Process Overview for Second Avenue: The area has two overlays--DTC and historic zoning. The Planning Department, Metro Historic Zoning Commission (MHZC) and the Codes Department will review applications. Most projects, such as replacement windows and storefronts, will receive immediate administrative permits and will not need to go before the MHZC. 115, 135, 170-178 2nd Ave N also have a facade easement held by Historic Nashville, Inc (HNI). Applications for those specific properties will be reviewed by HNI. For a permit, please send a scope of work to [email protected]. The scope will depend on the project but generally should include make, model, dimensions and design of replacement windows, storefronts, and doors. Drawings might also be required.
2020 Tornado
Several local lenders now offer financial assistance dedicated to victims of the March 2020 tornado. Wilson Bank and Trust has earmarked $100 million for low-interest construction loans and lines of credit for affected residents who sustained home damage. The loans will offer a 12-month fixed interest rate that is half the current standard. Nashville-based Pathway Lending and Pinnacle Bank announced a joint partnership that will provide $4 million in small business loans. Through April 30, business may apply for loans as large as $50,000. Please contact these lenders directly to see if you qualify for these incentives. Other similar funding may be attainable through additional local lenders.
Homeowners and business affected by the tornado may also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration for relief under the disaster loans program.
How You Can Help
- Donate Time: Hands On Nashville
- Donate Money: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
- Donate Money: United Way of Nashville
- Donate Items: Community Resource Center
- Donate Food: Second Harvest Food Bank
Learn More About What You Can Do for Your Historic Property
- Public Urged to Use Caution During Storm Damage Recover
- Tips for Handling Insurance Claims for Historic Properties Following a Disaster
- Selecting a Contractor After a Natural Disaster Strikes
- Additional Helpful Tips for Historic Properties in a Natural Disaster
- Tips for Drying Out a Water Damaged Building
- Checklist for Responding to Flood Damage
- Preservation Briefs: provide information on rehabilitating and restoring historic buildings.