Metro Nashville considers changing historic zoning regulations
Update 2/17/25: City Council is set to have a first reading on proposed legislation BL2025-742 tomorrow, February 18th. This proposal would consolidate the Metropolitan Historical Commission and Historic Zoning Commission under the authority of the Metropolitan Department of Planning.
Additionally, former councilman Larry Hagar contacted us to confirm that the Village itself is protected by a contextual overlay because of the restrictive nature of historic overlays.
For any additional questions or concerns, please contact councilman Jeff Eslick at 615-432-1311 or Jeff.Eslick@nashville.gov.
Originally posted on 2/5/25:
It was reported in October that Metro Nashville was working with a consultant in an effort to “ensure historical buildings and neighborhoods are preserved while also coming up with common sense improvements to the city's historic zoning process,” according to Axios. This consultation was completed at the end of January.
According to reports, the Historic Zoning Commission has been pivotal in maintaining Nashville’s historic neighborhoods, but they have also been accused of inflexible enforcement on issues like the inability to update siding, patios, and porches. The Broadway Entertainment Association are among the zoning commission’s biggest adversaries pushing for major overhauls.
Among the report’s recommendations are consolidating the Historic Zoning Commission into Metro Nashville’s Planning Department with Metro Councilmember Emily Benedict also proposing this move. A spokesperson for Mayor Freddie O'Connell told Axios his office will use the report "to guide how we move forward." Major changes like this would have to be approved by city council.
We contacted Councilman Jeff Eslick as this report could directly impact Old Hickory Village. Eslick stated that the report raises both valid issues and potential fixes, but he still has questions that need answered before he forms a stronger opinion.
We will keep you updated as news develops.