Architectural Review Committees
Stemming from the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the historic preservation movement, Metro Council has affirmed by ordinance that many structures and improvements having a distinctive character or special historic, aesthetic, architectural, or cultural interest or value have been irrevocably altered, modified, demolished, or uprooted notwithstanding the feasibility and desirability of preserving and continuing the use and existence of such structures and improvements. In addition, distinctive or historic neighborhoods, areas, places, and archaeological sites have been and may be similarly uprooted or may have their distinctiveness destroyed, although the preservation thereof may be both feasible and desirable. It is the finding of the Metro Council that the individual nature and character of Louisville Metro Government cannot be maintained or enhanced by disregarding the historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural heritage of the city nor by permitting the destruction of such civic and community assets.
Louisville Metro currently has seven Local Preservation Districts:
- Butchertown
- Cherokee Triangle
- Clifton
- Limerick
- Parkland
- Old Louisville
- West Main Street
Local Preservation District Information
An Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has been established for each District, as well as an additional committee for the structures or properties designated as Individual Landmarks.
Each ARC consists of seven members, including the Director of the Department of Codes and Regulations or his or her designee; two members of the Historic Landmarks & Preservation Districts Commission appointed by the Commission Chair; and four members appointed by the Historic Landmarks & Preservation Districts Commission and approved by the Metro Council. In the case of an ARC established for a District, no fewer than two members shall be owner-residents or tenants within such district, one member shall be a real estate professional and one member shall be an architect and one member shall be the owner of income producing property located within the district. All members shall have a known interest in individual landmarks and districts preservation.
What types of applications do the ARC review?
Meetings
ARCs meet as needed on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Meetings are held in late afternoons or evenings, generally starting between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The hearing time of a specific application can fluctuate depending on the volume of cases scheduled. Special hearing dates are sometimes scheduled to accommodate projects. Meetings typically take place at the Metro Development Center at 444 S 5th Street.
Information on Upcoming and Past Meetings, Including Agendas and Meeting Summaries
