Following a recommendation from the Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission, Louisville Metro Council revised the Landmarks Ordinance on July 25, 2019 (as provided in Chapter 32 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances).
Responsibilities of Planning and Design Services' Historic Preservation and Urban Design team:
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Serves as staff to the Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission and its Architectural Review Committees, the Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue Corridor Review Overlay Committee, the Downtown Development Review Overlay District Committee, and the NuLu Review Overlay District Committee
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Provides guidance and assistance to citizens and business owners in relation to Louisville Metro's preservation and design overlay ordinances
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Reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA's) for work being carried out in any of the seven locally designated Historic Preservation Districts and to Individual Landmarks
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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
Local Historic Preservation Districts and Individual Landmarks
Metro Council declares as a matter of public policy that the preservation, protection, perpetuation, and use of neighborhoods, areas, places, structures, and improvements having a special or distinctive character or a special historic, aesthetic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural interest or value and which serve as visible reminders of the history and heritage of this city, commonwealth, or nation is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, welfare, and economic well-being of the people.
Local Historic 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 Architectural Review Committees (ARC's). 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. Click here for more information.
- Butchertown - Butchertown Design Guidelines
- Cherokee Triangle - Design Guidelines
- Clifton - Clifton Design Guidelines
- Limerick - Design Guidelines
- Old Louisville - Design Guidelines
- Parkland - Design Guidelines
- West Main Street - Design Guidelines
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. Click here for more information.
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 District permit BEFORE making any changes to the exterior of your property. You can also view these User Guides (COA and Overlay District), which will walk you through these processes. Please call us at 574-6230 with any questions.
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