Design Review

Many development projects involving new building construction and/or the significant remodeling of existing structures require a Design Review Permit. The intent of this review is to ensure that new and remodeled projects will be compatible with their surroundings and not detract from established character of the neighborhood. Projects subject to Design Review, must substantially comply with the Residential Design Review Guidelines or with the Downtown Design Guidelines (and Downtown Specific Plan Objective Design Standards, if applicable).

Is my project subject to a Design Review Permit?
If any of the following apply, then your project is subject to a Design Review Permit:

(1) Multi-Family Zoning Districts: Projects that alter the physical appearance of any building or site within a multi-family residential zoning district;

(2) Downtown Zoning Districts: Projects that alter the physical appearance of any building or site within a downtown commercial zoning district;

(3) Exceeding 6,000 Square Feet: Projects within a single-family residential zoning district where the total sum of all structures will exceed 6,000 square feet in gross floor area;

(4) Exceeding 17 Feet: Projects within a single-family residential zoning district that exceed 17 feet in height (building height is measured from the average grade along the lowest foundation wall to the highest point);

(5) Condition of Approval: Projects for which design review is required as a prior condition of approval for a discretionary permit; and

(6) Change of Conditions: Projects seeking a change to the approved building or site design pursuant to a prior discretionary permit.

Resources for Multifamily Residential Projects

• Study Session
• Design Review Permit application
• Residential Design Review Guidelines
• Downtown Design Guidelines
• Objective Standards for New Multifamily and Multifamily Mixed Use Development in the Downtown

A Design Review Permit application must be submitted to the Planning & Building Department for review. Projects minor in scope can be acted upon at a staff level by the Zoning Administrator, while larger and more complex projects are acted upon by the Design Review Commission. New commercial buildings are acted upon by the Planning Commission. A Design Review Permit will only be approved if it meets the required findings.

We recommend that applicants consider submitting a Study Session Application, which enables you to receive feedback from the Design Review Commission on a preliminary design of your project and often results in a better project and a smoother review process.  For other tips, please visit our Marquis de Lafayette's Tips for Success handout.