Within the Historic Preservation Overlay District (HPO), new construction, additions, and alterations to properties are reviewed to ensure compatible development and to protect the City’s historic resources and distinct character.  The Historic Zoning Commission (HZC) issues Certificates of Appropriateness in light of the Franklin Historic District Design Guidelines Certain minor changes may be approved administratively, while other activities don’t need approval.   

Historic preservation staff serve as a resource for information and expertise in historic preservation and preparing applications for review.  Please contact Preservation Staff for initial design guidance and to set up a preliminary meeting.  Applicants are encouraged to attend a Design Review Committee Meeting for informal design guidance by HZC members in preparation for a formal application. 

HZC Approval

Projects that require review and approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness by the HZC include the following:

• Construction of new buildings or structures;
• Additions to buildings or structures, such as enclosed additions, porches, stoops, Porte cocheres, and decks;
• Alterations or repair of existing buildings or structures for which a building permit is required;
• Window alterations or replacement;
• Siding or masonry alterations, excluding minor in-kind repair;
• Roofing alterations, excluding in-kind repair;
• Dormers;
• Canopies;
• Painting of unpainted masonry;
• Site elements such as fences and walls, sidewalks and walkways, driveways and parking areas, lighting, etc.;
• Modern features on the building or installed on the property, such as mechanical equipment, communications equipment, fire escapes and exterior staircases, ramps and lifts, rooftop features, security bars, skylights, and solar installation;
• Interior alterations that affect the exterior appearance of buildings;
• Partial or wholesale demolition of buildings, structures, or historic site features; and
• Relocation of buildings or structures.

 Administrative Approval

An Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness may be issued for minor alterations that do not affect the exterior appearance of a property in a substantial manner if the proposal complies with the Guidelines.  At his or her discretion, the Preservation Planner may also refer the proposal to the HZC for review. Minor alterations eligible for Administrative COA reviews include the following:

• Signs;
• Awning installation and replacement;
• Rear yard fencing;
• Mechanical equipment installation and screening;
• Minor alterations to non-historic components on rear or obscured facades of historic or non-historic structures that enhance the compatibility with the context of the individual historic district (examples include rear doors, non-historic window replacement, or similar, but do not include any footprint or roofline alterations).

Projects That Do Not Require a COA

Please contact Historic Preservation Staff prior to any repair or replacement work on the property to properly document the changes and work specifications.

Design Review Committee

Applicants are encouraged to participate in a review by the Design Review Committee (DRC) prior to submitting a formal application for a COA or Preliminary HZC Recommendation. The DRC is composed of members of the HZC.

The DRC is available to help guide applicants through the approval process and answers questions about proposals in relation to the Guidelines. This collaborative review with the applicant, committee members, and staff helps to streamline the overall design review process by resolving most design issues prior to formal review by the HZC.

The DRC provides informal feedback that is non-binding on the DRC, the HZC, and the applicant. While participation is voluntary and encouraged for any interested applicants, those representing complex proposals such as new construction, additions, or demolitions are especially encouraged to attend the DRC prior to submitting an application for HZC review and approval.

Preliminary HZC Recommendation

The HZC provides a preliminary recommendation at an early stage in the review process for development plans, preliminary plats, and final plats that create new lots. These recommendations are then provided to the FMPC and BOMA, as applicable.

The HZC reviews the proposals in light of the Guidelines for consistency with the historic district and potential impact to historic resources within the district. Considerations include building locations, the rhythm of buildings along streetscapes, lot widths and sizes, and setbacks, as well as building types, height, massing, and scale. Locations of proposed parking, drive aisles, and landscape and hardscape features are also reviewed.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals for DRC review prior to HZC consideration.