Legal Definitions - designer drug

Design review is a formal process used by local governments or designated bodies to evaluate the aesthetic and architectural aspects of proposed construction or significant renovation projects. Its purpose is to ensure that new buildings or changes to existing ones comply with specific design standards, guidelines, and visual compatibility requirements established in local land-use regulations, before a building permit is issued. This process aims to maintain or enhance the visual character, harmony, and overall quality of a neighborhood, district, or community. It is also commonly referred to as architectural review.

• Example 1: Historic District Preservation

  Imagine a homeowner in a city's designated historic district wants to add a modern, flat-roofed, glass-and-steel extension to their traditional 19th-century brick home. The local historic preservation commission, which serves as the design review board, would evaluate the plans. They might deny the permit or require significant modifications, arguing that the proposed contemporary addition clashes with the district's established architectural character and historical integrity, which are protected by the city's land-use regulations for historic areas. The permit would not be issued until the design is revised to meet these historical compatibility standards.

• Example 2: Commercial Corridor Aesthetics

  A national fast-food chain proposes to build a new restaurant in a town known for its charming, small-town aesthetic. The chain's standard corporate design includes bright plastic signage, a distinctive brightly colored exterior, and a large, prominent drive-thru lane. The town's planning department, through its design review process, would assess these plans against its commercial design guidelines. These guidelines might specify requirements for muted color palettes, natural building materials (like brick or stone), and less obtrusive signage to ensure new commercial buildings blend with the local character. The town would likely require the chain to modify its design to comply with these aesthetic standards before granting a building permit.

• Example 3: New Residential Subdivision Cohesion

  A developer is planning a new upscale residential community where the zoning regulations include specific architectural standards for all homes, such as requiring certain roof pitches, exterior materials (e.g., stucco or natural stone, prohibiting vinyl siding), and minimum window sizes to maintain a cohesive, high-end look. Before construction permits are issued for individual homes within the subdivision, the plans for each house would undergo design review by the municipal planning department or an appointed committee. If a proposed home design uses materials or features that do not meet the community's established guidelines, the permit would be withheld until the plans are revised to comply with the mandated architectural standards.