2023COD-004-001

In contextual overlay districts, the calculation for allowed building footprint includes not only the main structure but also features like porches, covered decks, and carports of surrounding homes, which can severely limit new construction.

Property owners within a contextual overlay district can still pursue a rezoning for a different use, but this would likely require amending the contextual overlay to remove the property if its new zoning is no longer residential.

An "unusually larger lot" within a contextual overlay district, especially when compared to surrounding parcels, can skew the calculation of allowed building footage and be presented as a hardship for a variance request.

Contextual Overlay Districts (CODs) are tied to the underlying zoning; if a property within a COD is rezoned for a different use (e.g., senior housing), the COD may need to be amended or removed to reflect the new zoning.

In Metro Nashville's contextual overlay districts, maximum building footprint and height are calculated by averaging adjacent properties, with specific multipliers and story limits, and these calculations generally do not cross streets. Height calculations are capped at 27 feet if the average is lower, but can exceed 27 feet if the average of taller adjacent homes dictates.

A property within a contextual overlay district can be rezoned, but if the new zoning changes the property's use (e.g., from residential), the contextual overlay itself may need to be amended to remove that specific property.