Certificates of Appropriateness (COA)

If a property owner within a historic district seeks a building permit for exterior work, the owner must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Memphis Landmarks Commission (MLC). 

Applications for new local historic districts (HD)

In Memphis, a historic district is a neighborhood officially designated by the Memphis Landmarks Commission for its architectural, cultural, and historical significance. This designation provides preservation guidelines to protect the district’s character and integrity while supporting its continued vitality for future generations.

Variances  

A variance is special permission granted by the Memphis and Shelby County Board of Adjustment to deviate from zoning requirements when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship, while still protecting the public interest and neighborhood character.

Conditional Use Permits 

Definition: In Memphis, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) allows a property owner to establish a use that is generally compatible with the zoning of an area but may require additional review to ensure it does not negatively impact the neighborhood. The permit is granted by the Land Use Control Board (and sometimes the City Council) after a public hearing, where conditions may be attached to address traffic, parking, noise, design, or other community concerns. CUPs are intended to balance flexibility for property owners with protections for surrounding residents and businesses.
Appeal: In Memphis, decisions on Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) are made by the Land Use Control Board. If a property owner, neighborhood group, or other interested party wishes to appeal the decision, they may file an appeal to the Memphis City Council within the required time frame (generally 10 days after the decision). The City Council will then hold a public hearing to review the case and has the authority to affirm, modify, or overturn the Land Use Control Board’s decision.

Nonconforming Use Permits 

A nonconforming use permit allows a property to continue a land use that was legally established under previous zoning regulations but no longer conforms to current zoning, provided it meets certain conditions to limit impacts on the surrounding area.