Historic Preservation in Memphis, TN (2026)
1 verified historic preservation rules for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Historic-Cultural Monuments
Memphis and Shelby County jointly maintain a Historic Overlay District (-H) that protects buildings, structures and sites of social, economic, political or architectural significance under authority granted by Tennessee Code Section 13-7-401. Any exterior construction, alteration, relocation or demolition inside a designated -H district needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Memphis Landmarks Commission before the Building Official can issue a permit.
Memphis Historic Landmark Designation Rules
Significant RestrictionsMemphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code Sections 8.6.1(A), (C), 8.6.2(A), (E), 8.6.3(A), (D)
A. Purpose 1. The Historic Overlay District (-H) is intended to protect and conserve the heritage and character of the community by providing for the preservation of designated areas, including individual properties that embody important elements of social, economic, political, or architectural history, and by promoting the stabilization and enhancement of property values throughout such areas....
Looking for Shelby County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Memphis city rules.
Historic Preservation in Shelby County →