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, October 14, 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: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
APPLICATION: COA 2026-124 740 North Willett Street – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: window and door replacement (Retroactive - ENF-2026-01692)
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
Deadline for Comments: Thursday, October 1st, at 12:00 PM
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, October 1st, at 12:00 PM, unless requested to be heard as majors by four (4) or more Commissioners.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-117 1693 Jackson Avenue – VEHD
Request: Demolition: primary structure due to Condemnation Order (Retroactive)
Property Owner: Hanif Hassan
Representative: City Of Memphis Housing Code Enforcement Special Operations (Debra Hardaway)
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@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.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-109 899 North Auburndale Street – VEHD
Request: New Construction: 320 sq. ft. shed
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. New shed shall be placed on the existing concrete pad (replacing the old garage) with the current setbacks and shall not encroach into the existing side yard and rear yard setbacks (+/- 3 ft. to the side and +/- 6 ft. to the rear).
2. New shad shall be setback minimum of 5 ft. from all other structures on the same lot.
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 2026-110 892 North Evergreen Street – VEHD
Request: New Construction: 64 sq. ft. shed
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. New storage shed shall be setback minimum of 5 ft. from side and rear property lines and any other structure on the same 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.
APPLICATION: COA 2026-115 1630 North Michelle Circle – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: window replacement
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes (née Tezel)
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov
Recommended Conditions:
1. All replacement windows shall match the existing opening sizes and shall be consistent in terms of style, trim, and one-over-one grid pattern.
2. 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, October 8, 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, October 21, 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, October 22, 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.