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!
Deadline for Comments: Wednesday, July 8, 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, July 9, at 12:00 PM, unless requested to be heard as majors by four (4) or more Commissioners.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-055 2030 Vollintine Avenue – VEHD
Request: Site Improvements: front and side yard fence; Exterior Alterations: fabric awnings over entry doors
Staff Planner: Margot Payne
Email: margot.payne@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. All fences and gates shall be of appropriate materials such as pressure treated wood, wrought iron, or painted metal, and installed with the “beauty side” facing outward according to the approved site plan.
2. Applicant shall have the option to install concave style fabric awnings above each entry door.
3. Any change or deviation from the approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) shall be submitted to the Memphis Landmarks Commission for review and approval.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-067 1025 North McLean Boulevard – VEHD
Request: Site Improvements: wrought-iron pedestrian gates (Retroactive: ENF-2026-00972)
Staff Planner: Margot Payne
Email: margot.payne@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. All pedestrian gates shall be replaced with appropriate materials such as painted wood, wrought iron or painted metal. Chain link shall not be used.
2. Any change or deviation from the approved Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) shall be submitted to the Memphis Landmarks Commission for review and approval.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-069 948 North Barksdale Street – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: new roof with wood support columns to cover front porch (Retroactive: ENF-2026-01007)
Staff Planner: Ankit Varma
Email: ankit.varma@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. 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, July 9, 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, July 29, 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, July 30, 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.