Historic Preservation & Urban Design

Responsibilities of the Historic Preservation and Urban Design Team

  • Serves as staff to the Historic Landmarks & Preservation Districts Commission and its Architectural Review Committees (ARCs), the Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue Corridor Review Overlay Committee (BROD), the Downtown Development Review Overlay District Committee (DDRO), and the NuLu Review Overlay District Committee (NROD)
  • Provides guidance and assistance to citizens and business owners in relation to Louisville Metro's preservation and design overlay ordinances
  • Reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for work being carried out in any of the seven locally designated Historic Preservation Districts and to Individual Landmarks
  • Reviews applications for Overlay Permits for work being carried out in any of the three Design Overlay Districts
  • Prepares designation reports for requests to establish local Historic Preservation Districts and Individual Landmarks

Louisville Metro's Local Preservation Districts and Individual Landmarks

Local Preservation District and Individual Landmark designations recognize, preserve, and protect Louisville Metro's significant historic and architectural resources. The designation establishes a local process for design review of all exterior alterations, demolition, and new construction. With oversight from the Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission, this review process is conducted by the staff and ARCs. Projects are evaluated in accordance with approved Design Guidelines. These guidelines do not dictate styles or specific designs. The guidelines provide an overview of the distinctive characteristics and the statement of principles and standards governing exterior alterations to structures or properties.

Local Preservation Districts and Individual Landmarks

Louisville Metro's Design Overlay Districts

Design Overlay Districts are intended to promote compatibility of development with existing land use and design features. Within designated areas, proposed developments and physical changes to the exterior of a building are reviewed in accordance with established principles and guidelines addressing urban design elements. This review process is conducted by the staff and Overlay District Committees. Projects are evaluated in accordance with approved Design Guidelines. These guidelines do not dictate styles or specific designs. The guidelines provide an overview of the distinctive characteristics of each district and the statement of principles and standards governing exterior alterations to structures or properties.

Design Overlay Districts

Certificate of Appropriateness and Overlay Permit Requirements

If your property is within a local Historic Preservation or Overlay District, please consult with our staff and complete an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) or Overlay Permit BEFORE making any changes to the exterior of your property. Failure to receive approval prior to work may result in enforcement action. 
 

Pending Individual Landmark Designation Requests

Learn more about pending and recently reviewed designation requests.

Pending Individual Landmark Designation Requests

Standard Design Guideline Update

Staff and the Historic Landmarks & Preservation Districts Commission are currently reviewing the Design Guidelines.

Standard Design Guidelines Update

Preservation Programs and Projects

Staff is currently managing several programs and projects, including those subject to grants.

Preservation Programs and Projects

Historic Structures and Preservation Worthy Sites

Staff identified several historic structures and sites throughout Louisville Metro that are worthy of preservation.

Historic Structures and Preservation Worthy Sites

Need more information?

Please call (502)574-6230 with any questions.

 

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