The ARB will review development concepts or proposals and give general guidance at an informal "workshop" session. There is no formal recommendation made by the ARB at a workshop session. Materials submitted for workshop sessions are expected to clearly communicate the nature of the proposal and may include written narratives, drawings, or other graphic forms. Applications for informal workshop reviews are due in the PLUS application portal THREE WEEKS prior to the ARB meeting.

When the ARB formally reviews more fully developed and detailed proposals, the proposed project is evaluated for compatibility with the HOD using the adopted design guidelines for each HOD. Successful projects protect the historic and contributing properties and the overall historic character of the HOD. In addition to exterior architectural design elements - such as scale, form, material, texture, and color – the ARB reviews plans for site design, grading, clearing, parking, travelways, access points, landscaping, outdoor lighting, signage, and other site features.

As a practical matter, all elements of a proposal need not be reviewed at the same time. It is the choice of the applicant whether to prepare a single presentation, or present in multiple phases. When the formal review of each element of the proposal (e.g. site design, architectural design, landscape design) is completed, the ARB will issue a determination of either approval, approval with modifications, or disapproval for building permits, and a recommendation for approval, approval with modifications, or disapproval for site permits. The ARB determination and comments are recorded in the minutes of the meeting(s) at which the review takes place.

Applications for formal ARB review and decision are due in the PLUS application portal THREE WEEKS prior to the ARB meeting.

Applications for ARB review and decision are due in PLUS THREE WEEKS before the meeting at which the applicant wishes to present the proposal (see schedule below). 

Some proposals are more complex than others and the documentation presented will reflect this. At a minimum, documentation is expected to clearly communicate to the ARB, and for the record, the nature of the proposal and its impact on the historic character of the district. DPD staff will clarify documentation expectations for each application. When appropriate, based on the nature of the submission, applicants are expected to submit copies of the following:

1. Architectural drawings, including scaled and dimensioned complete floorplans, elevations, and sections of the existing conditions and proposed work. Minimum scale should be 1/4" = 1' (1/8" = 1’ may be appropriate for structures larger than a single-family house). A perspective drawing and/or rendering is optional, but does not take the place of measured drawings.
2. Photographs, of the subject property and adjacent land and/or development, showing the current existing conditions, including views from the street or other public right-of-way and adjacent properties. All photographs should be labeled.
3. Cut Sheets/Spec Sheets, from the manufacturer for the various finish materials for the proposed project. Include only pages relevant to the project.
4. Site and grading plan, scaled and dimensioned with a north arrow, including, as appropriate: property lines, building footprints and limits of clearing and grading, Resource Protection Area (RPA) delineation and/or Environmental Quality Corridor (EQC) limits, trails and/or other pedestrian paths; any easement boundaries and in-ground features, such as swimming pools, or landscape features such as high fences, curbs, lighting, or other structures. Minimum scale should be 1" = 30'. A site plan reflecting existing conditions and one for the proposed alterations is recommended.
5. Landscape plan, including a tabulation of the plant and tree species and size at time of planting. Include height at maturity, when relevant. Minimum scale should be 1" = 30'.
6. A cross section of the subject property, showing the proposed development in relation to the historic structure(s) in the historic district. This is to give an idea of what can be seen of the development from the historic site. Sight lines should be shown on this cross section and any existing or proposed vegetation within the view line should be shown.
7. Signage and lighting, plans should include scaled and dimensioned drawings showing the location, mounting details, materials, colors, and placement of conduit. Provide industry specifications for lighting, including temperature and brightness.
8. Accessory features, such as street furniture, fences, retaining walls, dumpsters, should be depicted through dimensioned drawings and specifications that show the design, material, color, and location.

If more detailed information is available, this may be included in the package. Please submit all documentation as a combined PDF, in a logical order. Your application materials will be used as your presentation to the ARB at public meeting.

Your application materials will serve as your presentation to the ARB at the public meeting. For highly complex projects, with lengthy documentation, staff may advise you to submit a separate presentation through the PLUS portal. Applicants must attend the ARB meeting in-person to guide the ARB through the presentation and address any questions that the ARB might have.

Samples of materials and colors. Only one set of sample materials needs to be provided during the meeting, and samples do not need to be submitted prior to the meeting. As noted above, cut sheets or spec sheets of proposed materials are to be included in your application.

Upon approval of a project by the ARB, the ARB approval letter and ARB-approved plans will be retained for the record and will be made available to the applicant via PLUS for required permitting and for review by other County agencies as appropriate. 

For complex or phased projects, certain elements of a proposal, such as a site and grading plan, may receive preliminary approval by the ARB prior to approving all elements of a proposal. However, before a building, sign, or other construction permit may be granted by a County reviewing agency, all elements within its jurisdiction (per Section 3101 of the Zoning Ordinance) must be approved by the ARB. If the building permit submission differs in any way from that approved by the ARB, the applicant must bring all relevant materials back to the ARB for review and  re-approval.