Design Review
April 01, 2008
The City of Boise would like to formally invite you to participate in the 2008 Mayor’s Excellence in Design Awards Program. This program is our opportunity to recognize the individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to promote good urban design practices, show sensitivity toward the environment, and/or contribute to the well being of the City of Boise and make it a better place to live, work and visit.
Substandard Lot Guidelines
All projects on Substandard Lots of Record must go through the Design Review process. Applications and copies of the Ordinance are available online and at the PDS Front Desk Counter.
The new ordinance also references other sections of the Boise City Zoning Ordinance: 11-04 and 11-07. If you have questions after you've read through the new ordinance, any of the the City Planners will be able to help. You can reach the Planning staff at 384-3830.
What is the Purpose of Design Review?
The Design Review (DR) process was established in order to protect property rights and values, enhance important environmental features of the City and insure that the general appearance of buildings and site improvements are consistent with the goals of the City.
The Goals of Design Review
- Enhance properties with adequate landscaping
- Provide proper circulation with parking areas
- Provide sidewalks to meet pedestrian needs
- Encourage architecture that responds to the needs of the users
- Present an attractive exterior to the public and adjoining property owners
Which Projects Require Design Review?
Chapter 7 of the Zoning Ordinance describes in detail when Design Review submittals are required. Generally all visible exterior improvements to a building or site require some form of Design Review approval.
Virtually all commercial, industrial, office and multi-family residential zones have a requirement for Design Review approval. This may be in addition to other City approvals (such as Conditional Use, Variance or Rezone applications), or it may be the only review process.
Design Review Districts
There are three types of Design Review Overlay Districts in the City.
- The "D" (Design Review) District
The "D" District covers most of the City. Applications are reviewed by the Design Review Committee or Staff.
- The "HD" (Historic Design Review) District
The "HD" District covers the areas that are designated as Historic Districts. Applications are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission or Staff.
- The DD (Downtown Design Review) District
The "DD" District generally covers the downtown area of the City. "DD" applications must be reviewed by the Capital City Development Corporation prior to submitting a Design Review application, and written comments from CCDC must be attached to the DR application.
Design Review Committee
The Design Review Committee functions on behalf of the Planning & Zoning Commission. The Committee is comprised of eight members, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
Several members of the Committee represent the architectural, landscape architectural and engineering professions. One member is a liaison between the Commission and Committee and one member is a youth appointment.
Application Timeline
Committee Level Design Review applications take approximately four weeks. Staff Level Design Review applications take approximately two weeks.
Design Review applications are approved with conditions, some which are standard Ordinance requirements and others site specific. Conditions of both Committee Level Design Reviews and Staff Level Design reviews, as well as any other action by the Committee and Staff, may be appealed in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Zoning Ordinance.