Design Review Boards

Local boards staffed by volunteer design professionals appointed by the local legislative body (usually the city/town council or board of supervisors) to review proposed development projects to ensure that they meet specific aesthetic standards which address historic character, environmental quality, building height, architectural styles, building materials, orientation, view and natural features preservation, neighborhood character and other similar concerns. The board"™s recommendations are generally advisory in nature with final permit decisions made by the planning agency staff, the planning commission or the local legislative body, depending on the complexity of the project.