Just a quick heads up—if you're planning any exterior changes to your property, be sure to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).
Just a quick heads up—if you're planning any exterior changes to your property, be sure to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).
Check Out Our FAQs!
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A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required for any exterior work visible from a public street or right-of-way in a local landmark historic district, such as Vollintine Evergreen Historic District (VEHD). The purpose of a COA is to preserve and protect the historic character of the property, surrounding area, or district.
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▪ New construction of primary or secondary buildings
▪ Exterior alterations to existing structures
▪ Additions or enclosures that expand habitable space
▪ Building relocation
▪ Building demolition
▪ Fences, walls and retaining walls
▪ New or altered driveways and parking pads
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A “Retroactive COA Application” refers to changes or work undertaken without permission, regardless of whether the work is completed or still in progress.
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• Memphis Landmarks Commission
Email: landmarks@memphistn.gov
Phone: (901) 636-6619• VECA Historic Committee
Email: historic@veca.org
Memphis Landmarks Commission (MLC) Applications
Major COAs
We want to hear from you! Your feedback is important to us, so please don’t hesitate to share your comments before the deadline. Thank you!
Please share your comments for this application with the assigned staff planner by 8:00 AM on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-052 979 North Willett Street – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: paint brick exterior, repair exterior wood siding, trim, soffit, and fascia, repair concrete porch and steps, and replace porch railings
Property Owner: ZS Memphis Properties LLC
Representative: Adi Znati
Staff Planner: Margot Payne
Email: margot.payne@memphistn.gov
Deadline for Comments: Thursday, May 26, 2026
MLC Staff's recommended conditions are listed below each application.
Please reach out to each Commission member directly using the email addresses provided here. Applications will be approved unless requested to be heard as majors by four (4) or more Commissioners.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-057 1698 Edward Avenue – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: paint brick exterior, replace windows and doors; Site Improvements: replace rear yard fence and driveway
Property Owner: Memphis Investment Properties IV LLC
Representative: Reedy and Company (Joseph Chapman)
Staff Planner: Ayze Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. The paint scheme of the exterior shall consist of at least two colors that differentiate the brick from the wood trim and other architectural details such as gable siding, foundation walls, and shutters. The brick color shall be an earth tone appropriate for the style home such as a muted shade of red, orange, brown, beige, or green and the color scheme shall be submitted for approval by staff prior to the issuance of the COA.
2. All replacement windows shall be made of wood, composite, or high-quality vinyl material with substantial dimensions, and installed to fit within the original openings at the traditional depth within the jamb. All replacement windows shall match the existing in terms of style, size, one-over-one grid pattern, and trim detail.
3. The front door shall be replaced with a solid, multi-panel door of appropriate materials and installed to fit within the original door opening size. Original trim shall be maintained and repaired as neccessary.
4. All fences shall be of appropriate materials such as pressure treated wood and shall be installed with the "beauty side" facing outward. Fence that is along the rear property line shall be maximum 8 feet in height. Applicant shall provide a site plan showing the location of any side yard fences, if applicable. Any side yard fences shall be maximum 6 feet in height and setback at least 10 feet from the front exterior wall.
5. Any change or deviation from the approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) shall be submitted to the Memphis Landmarks Commission for review and approval.
Minor COAs
Monthly Public Meetings for Memphis and Shelby County Department of Planning & Development
(Land Use Development Services)
Land Use and Development Services processes and analyzes applications for zoning changes, subdivision of property, certificates of appropriateness in the historic districts, and other land development actions throughout Memphis and Shelby County.
LAND USE CONTROL BOARD
(LUCB)
🗓️ Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
🕑 Time: 9:00 AM
📍Location: City Hall (City Council Chambers, 1st Floor), 125 N. Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Meeting: In-Person
The public meeting will be open to the public, and all testimonies shall be made in person during the meeting.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
(BOA)
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📍Location: City Hall (City Council Chambers, 1st Floor), 125 N. Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Meeting: In-Person
The public meeting will be open to the public, and all testimonies shall be made in person during the meeting.
MEMPHIS LANDMARKS COMMISSION (MLC)
🗓️ Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📍Location: City Hall (City Council Chambers, 1st Floor), 125 N. Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Meeting: In-Person
The public meeting will be open to the public, and all testimonies shall be made in person during the meeting.
Memphis Landmarks Commission Staff Reports
All archived staff reports for Major COAs and approvals for Minor COAs are available online.