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
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, September 16, 2026.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-089 1853 Lyndale Avenue – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: painting brick exterior and window replacement (Retroactive – windows have been replaced without COA and alteration permit)
Staff Planner: Ms. Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
APPLICATION: COA 2026-095 864 North McNeil Street – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: garage siding replacement
Staff Planner: Ms. Margot Payne
Email: margot.payne@memphistn.gov
Deadline for Comments: Wednesday, September 2, 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 on Thursday, September 3rd, at 12:00 PM, unless requested to be heard as majors by four (4) or more Commissioners.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-100 719 Dickinson Street – VEHD
Request: Demolition: secondary structure; and New Construction: detached two-story secondary structure
Staff Planner: Mr. Ankit Varma
Staff Planner: ankit.varma@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. The overall height of the secondary structure shall not exceed 20 feet.
2. The secondary structure shall be setback minimum 5 feet from all rear and side property lines and all other existing structures on the subject lot.
3. Exterior of the secondary structure shall be of appropriate materials to complement the existing primary structure. All wood materials shall be finished with opaque paint; natural or stained timber look shall not be allowed.
4. Roof of the secondary structure shall be of appropriate materials such as architectural shingles and complement the roof of the primary structure.
5. Any change or deviation from the approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) shall be submitted to the Memphis Landmarks Commission for review and approval.
Major COAs
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, September 10, 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, September 23, 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, September 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 Staff Reports
All archived staff reports for Major COAs and approvals for Minor COAs are available online.