The Memphis Landmarks Commission represents City of Memphis government’s commitment to protecting our city’s historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks.

Created in 1976, the Landmarks Commission is an advocate for historic preservation and the distinctiveness to Memphis neighborhoods that is created by the presence of so many special buildings. 

The responsibilities of the Landmarks Commission are wide-ranging as it designates local historic districts and employs tools to support them.  For example, overlay zoning – which was pioneered in Charleston, S.C. in 1931 – is used to protect areas from changes that would diminish their historic character or architectural importance.