THE SMART GIRL METRO APPROVALS DESK
The right questions.
The right review.
Planning Commission, BZA, historic review. Understand who handles what, find the official requirements, and prepare your next step.
Official sources reviewed October 28, 2026 · Independent guide
THREE PLACES TO START
What are you trying to do?
A project can involve more than one review. These guides help you ask the right department before you file.
Planning & land development
Change zoning, explore an SP, divide land or follow a Planning Commission case.
Open the guide 02APPEALS · VARIANCES · SPECIAL EXCEPTIONSBoard of Zoning Appeals
Understand an appeal, variance, special exception or nonconforming-property request.
Open the guide 03OVERLAYS · DESIGN · PRESERVATIONHistoric review & preservation
Plan an addition, new building, renovation or demolition involving historic review.
Open the guideKNOW THE DIFFERENCE
One city. Distinct decisions.
| Your question | Start with | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Can the zoning change? | Planning → Metro Council ↗ | Planning Commission recommends; Council decides zoning changes. |
| Can the property be divided? | Land Development / Planning ↗ | Subdivision review does not itself expand the zoning entitlement. |
| Is there an appeal or variance? | Zoning staff / BZA ↗ | Identify the exact decision, code requirement and request. |
| Can we alter a historic property? | Historic review ↗ | Confirm the district, property status and applicable design guidelines. |
Guides link to the official authority for each process. An entitlement or preservation approval does not replace a building permit. Confirm jurisdiction and project-specific requirements with Metro staff.
YOUR PROJECT FILE
Bring a clear starting point.
Keep the same property identifiers and project description across each conversation.
- Property address and parcel ID
- Current zoning, overlays and historic status
- A short description of the work or intended use
- Existing surveys, plans, notices and case numbers
- Your questions and the decision you need to make
FROM RESEARCH TO A PLAN
Let’s connect the steps.
Bring the property, documents and questions to Jessica for a focused development conversation.