Construction Law
Historic Zoning Demolition Permit and Delay
According to the Metro Government of Nashville & Davidson County, Tennessee, the Historic Zoning Commission delays the issuance of demolition permits for 90 days to ensure that historic structures are protected. By slowing down all aspects of planned demolition, additional time can be allocated to “documentation, salvage of historic materials, dismantling of historic structure for education in construction technology, relocation, or other appropriate measures.”
In this brief article, a Nashville contractor lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will discuss everything contractors in Nashville should know about historic zoning demolition. If you have any questions pertaining to this topic, feel free to contact your local Cotney Attorneys & Consultants office to speak with one of our Nashville construction lawyers.
Restrictions on Residential Demolition
In Nashville, no residential structure is permitted to be demolished without prior approval from the Historic Zoning Commission if it meets any of the following criteria:
- It was constructed prior to 1865
- It is repairable for a “reasonable” cost
- It has “historical significance” (i.e., unique architecture, location of a historical event, formerly inhabited by a notable resident, designed by a particular architect, or constructed near another historically significant building)
More information regarding this topic can be found in Ordinance BL2006-936. Feel free to contact our Nashville contractor attorneys with any questions you may have.
Salvage Opportunities
The Metro Historical Commission Foundation works in tandem with Nashville’s Preservation Station to establish a means for individuals to donate salvaged materials that generate non-profit funds. During the 90-day review period, this collaboration works to harvest items and materials of historic value, ensuring that nothing goes to waste when a historic building is eventually demolished. Here’s how it works:
- Contact the Metro Historical Commission Foundation to inform them of your intent to take part in the donation program.
- Schedule an appointment with the Metro Historical Commission Foundation to show them the items you have collected and plan to donate. The Foundation will take these items and sell them to the Preservation Station.
- In exchange for your donation, you will receive a charitable receipt.
- Arrange for your items to be transferred to the Preservation Station.
If you would like to speak with one of our Nashville contractor attorneys, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.