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, May 20, 2026.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-023 846 Garland Street – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: removing porch awning, painting exterior brick, and replacing front door (Retroactive: ENF-2026-00403)
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
APPLICATION: COA 2026-034 1912 Vollintine Avenue – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: painted exterior brick, building a new front porch, replacing windows and doors and Site Improvements: new fence (Retroactive: ENF-2026-00579)
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
Deadline for Comments: Thursday, May 7, 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 2026-038 1409 Tutwiler Avenue – VEHD
Request: Demolition: primary structure (Court-Ordered Demolition)
Property Owner: Crossroads Investments LLC
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. Any changes or deviations from the approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) shall be submitted to the Memphis Landmarks Commission for review and approval.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-040 715 North Belvedere Boulevard – VEHD
Request: New Construction: 140 sq. ft. rear yard storage shed
Staff Planner: Ankit Varma
Email: ankit.varma@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. New shed shall be setback minimum of 5 feet from all side and rear property lines and any other structure on the lot.
2. 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, May 14, 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, May 27, 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, May 28, 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.