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!

  • 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.

  • ▪ 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

  • A “Retroactive COA Application” refers to changes or work undertaken without permission, regardless of whether the work is completed or still in progress.

  • • Memphis Landmarks Commission
    Email: landmarks@memphistn.gov
    Phone: (901) 636-6619

    • VECA Historic Committee
    Email: historic@veca.org


Memphis Landmarks Commission (MLC) Application

Major COA

We want to hear from you! We welcome your feedback and invite you to share your comments by the deadline.

Please send your comments to the designated staff planner for this application by 8:00 AM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

APPLICATION: 1051 North Willett Street (COA 2026-006) – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: replace windows
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov

APPLICATION: 1061 North Avalon Street – VEHD
Request: Exterior Alterations: Addressing discrepancies between existing construction and previous COA approval (COA 2025-045)
Staff Planner: Ayse Penzes
Email: ayse.tezel@memphistn.gov

APPLICATION: 661 North Belvedere Boulevard (COA 2026-019) – VEHD
Request: New Construction shed (Retroactive: ENF-2025-03162)
Staff Planner: Ankit Varma
Email: ankit.varma@memphistn.gov


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, March 12, 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, March 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 (MLC)

🗓️ Date: Thursday, March 26, 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.