The City of Franklin's Historic Preservation Program is the municipal clearinghouse for preservation related activities in the city. The following list some of the active preservation programs that the city has implemented. For more information, contact the City's Historic Preservation Officer.
A Historic Preservation Overlay (HP Overlay) is a classification that is added to a property in addition to the underlying zoning in order to preserve the character of historic properties important to the community. An HP overlay does not change the underlying zoning and allowable uses of a property. Once the HP district was established, the Historic Zoning Commission was created to review projects within the overlay. Currently seven HP overlay districts exist in the City of Franklin. Visit Historic Districts or Design Review for more information.
The purpose of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCO District) is to provide for the conservation of older neighborhoods or areas where, due to unique characteristics, the area is determined to be of particular value to the city, such that the character of the neighborhood or area merits special protection, even though such neighborhood or area is not designated as a historic district. The NCO District can be found in the City's new Zoning Ordinance which will be in effect on July 1, 2008.
Section 4.10 of the current zoning ordinance, most commonly referred to as Saving the Farmstead was passed on March 10, 1998, as Ordinance 97-58 to protect and maintain the integrity of individually-listed, National Register properties by providing design guidelines and alternatives for development around these historic sites. Under the guidelines, developers must respect the setting, architecture, and historical importance of existing buildings in planning new subdivisions and commercial development. Click here to view the original study commissioned by the Heritage Foundation and presented to the City of Franklin.
Franklin Historic Resource Survey
Periodically, the City of Franklin conducts a Historic Resource Survey (HRS) to establish a base of information that is used in identifying historic resources within the city. This information provides guidance to property owners and to the Historic Zoning Commission throughout the design review process. In addition, this survey is helpful in identifying concentrations of historic resources and how to best protect them. The current survey was most recently conducted by the Center for Historic Preservation and is available to view by appointment. The survey is a work in progress and is still being updated.
The National Register is the official Federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture administered by the National Park Service. National Register properties have significance to the prehistory or history of their community, state, or the nation. Over fifty-five (55) properties within the City of Franklin are currently listed on the National Register. Copies of nominations are available to view in the planning department office in City Hall. If you would like to know if your house is eligible for the National Register, please contact the city's Historic Preservation Officer.
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