Kingsport, TN Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Eligibility
- In an historic district and at least 50 years old
- Criteria
- One or more of 15 listed criteria
- Nomination
- Commission, Board of Mayor and Aldermen or owners
- Permit hold
- 90 days after nomination is received
- Resubmission bar
- One year after final denial
- Penalty
- $1.00 to $50.00 per offense, each day separate
Summary
The City of Kingsport, Tennessee designates culturally significant structures as historic landmarks under § 114-665. A structure must sit in an historic district, be at least 50 years old, and meet one or more of 15 criteria, including exemplifying the cultural, political, economic or social heritage of the community. Nominated properties get a 90-day permit hold.
To be eligible for designation as an historic landmark a structure shall be located in an historic district, shall be at least 50 years old and possess architectural, social, or geographical/environmental importance by meeting one or more of the following: (1)Exemplifies specific elements of an architectural style or period;(2)Is an example of the work of an architect or builder who is recognized for expertise nationally, state-wide, regionally, or locally;(3)Demonstrates superior craftsmanship or high artistic value;(4)Represents an innovation in construction, materials or design; ... (8)Is the site of historic event that had an effect upon society;(9)Exemplifies cultural, political, economic or social heritage of the community;(10)Represents an association with a notable person or the work of a notable person; ... (15)Is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or is designated by the state historic preservation office as an historic designation or landmark.
Full Breakdown
Section 114-665 is the eligibility test for a landmark in the City of Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee. The structure must be located in an historic district, be at least 50 years old, and possess architectural, social, or geographical/environmental importance by meeting one or more of 15 listed criteria. The list covers architectural style, the work of a recognized architect or builder, superior craftsmanship, innovation in construction, the site of a historic event that affected society, association with a notable person, and listing on the National Register of Historic Places or state designation.
Nomination follows § 114-667. The historic zoning commission, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen or owners can nominate. The planning manager or designee and at least one commission member contact the owners, outline the reasons and effects of designation and, if possible, secure the owner's consent before the nomination is accepted as complete. The application goes to the planning manager on commission forms, all other owners are notified in writing, and the nomination must describe the characteristics that justify designation, the features to preserve, and the legal description and boundaries.
Protection starts before designation. For 90 days after the planning manager receives a nomination, permits to alter or remodel the exterior, build, relocate or raze are not issued (§ 114-668). If the commission denies a designation, no one can submit the same or a substantially similar application for at least one year (§ 114-669). An aggrieved party can petition for a common law writ of certiorari in the city law court or chancery court within 60 days of the commission's decision (§ 114-666).
The seven-member historic zoning commission, created under § 114-240, makes the recommendations. Inside a historic district any alteration, moving, demolition, addition or new construction needs a certificate of appropriateness, and the commission acts within 30 days after sufficient data is available (§ 114-242).
Violations & Fines
Any person violating the landmark article is guilty of an offense and, on conviction, is penalized not less than $1.00 and not more than $50.00 for each offense, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense (§ 114-671). The penalty is supplemental to other remedies, so it does not prevent revocation of a permit or license, remedial or injunctive action, or other legal or equitable relief. Work in an historic district without a certificate of appropriateness violates § 114-242, and the neighboring demolition by neglect article lets the city place a lien for repairs it makes (§ 114-660).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can nominate a Kingsport historic landmark?
What happens to building permits after a Kingsport nomination?
Can I appeal a Kingsport landmark decision?
How soon can a denied landmark nomination be resubmitted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kingsport
Compare Kingsport to another location·View the Tennessee historic preservation overview
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