Jen Todd

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

Weddings and events at historic homes could have a hurdle to cross: legislation has been filed to force historic home events indoors.

A Metro ordinance filed Dec. 15 aims to keep historical home events in a space between a floor and ceiling that is enclosed on all sides by solid walls or windows, eliminating events under a tent or on a lawn.

Councilman Brett Withers sponsored the legislation. He did not return a message seeking comment.

If passed, the law would affect sites such as East Ivy Mansion in the Historic Edgefield neighborhood.

"It’s not the sweet wedding ceremony; nobody’s wanting to stop that," said James Hollin, an attorney representing neighbors in support of the bill. "It’s the reception with the DJ and music blaring all night while you’re trying to sleep."

Coby Sherlock, general manager at East Ivy Mansion, said employees take precautions to limit noise, such as prohibiting drums, allowing a select number of DJs and limiting amplified sound to the wedding officiant.

"We have been operating for two years now, perfectly fair with the neighborhood’s rules that we agreed to in 2013 — no complaints," he said. "Zero complaints, zero infractions upon the restrictions."

The mansion is up for license renewal Feb. 4, the same day as the second reading for the ordinance.

Hollin said the Metro Board of Zoning Appeals approved these sites to provide events outdoors through a special exception, when the board did not have the authority to do so.

The Metro Historical Zoning Commission has final say on what defines a historical structure, which it defines as a building.

"Ignoring the law sets a bad precedent for neighborhoods all across Nashville," said Sarah Martin, an East Nashville resident who ran for council last year, "which is why I stand with the neighbors who believe the BZA's mistake should be reversed."

If the law is passed, events planned for later this year would have to be canceled.

Inglewood resident Hailey Weber has planned to have her September wedding at a historical site and might be affected.

"Nashville is one of the top five wedding industries in whole U.S.," she said. "I can't believe the council would want to change something that has such a high-dollar impact on our neighborhood."

Sherlock and some residents have proposed adding a grandfather clause to allow current sites to operate under the conditions granted to them. Hollin said they would have to consult a lawyer to move forward with that idea.

Reach Jen Todd at 615-313-2760 or on Twitter @jentoddwrites.