Downtown Design Review

The purpose of Downtown Design Review (DDR) is to create and maintain a high visual quality and appearance for the downtown districts. The regulations are intended to ensure that new buildings, building additions, façade alterations, building rehabilitations, and signage are compatible with the character of the downtown districts and fit into their surroundings. 

All new buildings, building additions, façade alterations (both structural and non-structural), demolition of existing buildings, signage, streetscape installation or modification, fences, lighting and improvements within the public right-of-way within the DC - Downtown Core or DF – Downtown Fringe zoning districts are be subject to the this process.

References

• City Ordinance: Sec 14-04-21.1(4), Sec 14-04-21.2(4)
• City Guidelines: Downtown Design Guidelines (pdf), Downtown Streetscape Standards (pdf)
• Comprehensive Plan: S2(d), S3(a), S7(a), S7(c), S8(a)

Consider Before You Begin

• The design should be exhibited through building elevations, floor plans, site plans, or renderings if available.  Physical samples should be supplied for all new exterior building materials.
• Although a design should be well-developed prior to submittal, applicants are encouraged to reach out to City staff before and/or during the design process to ensure alignment with ordinance and guidelines.
• Requests for Renaissance Zone projects may occur at the same time as downtown design review, or may precede design review depending on whether final designs are ready.

Process Steps

• Pre-Application (optional). Applicant may request an optional pre-application meeting or inquire with staff prior to applying. This is encouraged for new construction or major rehabilition projects.

• Submit Application. A Downtown Design Review Application is submitted to the Planning Division, along with fee and attachments. See this year's Meeting Schedule and Application Deadlines.
• Staff Review. Technical staff review is conducted, typically with assistance from Design Advisors. Applicant will be contacted with any comments and may revise and resubmit if necessary.
• Renaissance Zone Authority Public Hearing. A staff report is released the week prior, and the Renaissance Zone Authority considers the request on their regular agenda. The Renaissance Zone Authority may recommend approval, denial, continuation, or a conditional approval. The Authority may adopt a resolution to approve.
• Final Approval. A final approval letter will be issued by the Planning Division to the applicant, noting that any substantive changes to the design would require additional review.

Submittal Requirements

• Downtown Design Review application signed by developer (or Renaissance Zone application is submitted in conjunction)
• Application fee (See fee schedule (pdf))
• Scaled and dimensioned site plan of the building, adjacent structures, parking, driveways/curb cuts, landscaping, streetscape elements, and other relevant site features.
• Building elevations/renderings clearly defined for all sides visible from a public right of way.

Apply

Initiate an inquiry, submit a scoping request, or file an application for downtown design review or any combination of project types.

Get Started

For additional information on downtown design review, contact Isak Johnson.