Historic Zoning and Planning - information on the pending ordinance

[Jeff Sheehan]

Hi Neighbors:

There's been some interest in the pending Council legislation adjusting the reporting structure for Metro Historic Zoning staff, so I wanted to pass along information to neighbors about the details of the proposed ordinance, which will be on public hearing tonight.   The legislation would integrate Historic Zoning staff into the Planning Department's structure in certain ways while leaving the Historic Zoning Commission itself and the city's various overlays unaltered.

If it passes in its current form, very little would change for neighbors covered by our overlay--we'll still need to run significant projects through Historic Zoning, and staff-level determinations about whether those projects comply with the overlay will still be subject to review by the Commission.  There's lots of coverage of hopes and fears (about the TN legislative session or increased integration with Planning resources and perspectives), but if you're planning to add a porch or replace your siding, it's business as usual for the foreseeable future.

HWEN has not taken a position in favor or in opposition to this proposed ordinance, but the orderly functioning of the Historic Zoning processes (at the staff and commission level) has a direct impact on us as neighbors and occasional participants.  If you'd like to express personal support or opposition or share relevant experiences that our council members might value as they're considering this (or any other matter), you can always reach CM Tom Cash and the At Large CMs through contact information here.  And if you'd like to bring those comments in person, here are the procedures for public hearings. 

Thanks for being neighborly, neighbors.

Jeff

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Jeffrey W. Sheehan