Livingston Board of Aldermen approving new historic zoning standards Monday night to align with state law and maintain eligibility for future preservation grants.
Main Street Historic District’s Morgan White said the update ensures the city follows Tennessee Code regarding the authority of the Historic Zoning Commission. White said the change allows the commission to review the construction, alteration, or demolition of structures within a historic zone even when a standard building permit is not required.
“This was set in place back in the 80s, when they initially made a map and a commission,” White said, “But to my knowledge that group hasn’t necessarily been meeting, and so for us to remain within good standing with the state and receive even more grants, it is beneficial to get this back up and running.”
White said the process involves three steps, beginning with the ordinance update and followed by regular commission meetings before a formal map is introduced. White said that while a conceptual map exists, it must still go through the proper approval channels.
“Once that historic group starts meeting again, they will look at our current guidelines and match those to other cities and see what makes the most sense for Livingston,” White said. “So, I don’t know the answer to that right now. It could be yes, it could be no. It’ll depend on that group, which is decided upon by you all.”
Mayor Lori Elder Burnett said the H-1 designation creates an additional requirement for property owners on top of standard building permits. Burnett said owners will need to obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the seven-member Historic Zoning Commission or city staff for certain projects.
“It is an additional requirement on top of the building permit,” Burnett said. “So you need a building permit and then a certificate of appropriateness from the historical commission. Generally the way it works.”
White said the specific guidelines for Livingston have not yet been finalized by the commission, but noted that many routine items could be handled quickly by city staff rather than a full board.
“In some situations, yes, but only to the home, it only applies to the home if it’s 50 years old or older, if it has not already experienced major changes or if it’s a new build,” White said. “So again, it would be designated whatever that group sets in the guidelines what they think fits best for Livingston.”
The council approved the ordinance with one member in opposition. The city will now move forward with appointing the commission members, which must include one alderman.
