Zoning - As introduced, specifies that a privately owned property built after 1899 that is located in a tourism development zone is not subject to the authority of a historic zoning commission or a historic zoning law, rule, review guideline, or regulation, with respect to certain aspects of a project. - Amends TCA Title 13, Chapter 7, Part 4.

HB 1279 exempts privately owned properties built after 1899 in Tennessee tourism development zones from historic zoning rules. It specifically removes restrictions on projects involving lighting, signs, weatherization (like canopies or heaters), or other non-historic improvements. Property owners in these zones no longer need to apply to historic commissions for such projects, and disputes require only an architect's affidavit (with a presumption of correctness) rather than commission approval. This directly affects business owners and developers in designated tourism areas seeking to modify properties without historic review.