Planning office outlines downtown code and design review process; East Bank–specific DRC under review

Metro planning staff told the East Bank Development Authority on June 16 that the downtown form-based code, adopted in 2010, centers review on building form and public-realm interaction rather than use, and that a volunteer Design Review Committee (DRC) helps enforce those standards for downtown subdistricts including the East Bank.

Lucy Kemp, executive director of the planning office, and Lisa Milligan, deputy director, said the DRC is staffed by a dedicated design studio with expertise in architecture and urban design and that DRC members are expected to have design backgrounds. Milligan said the committee reviews concept plans in public meetings; final site-plan review is performed by staff for consistency with committee-approved designs.

Milligan told the board that a proposal filed by Council Member Benedict would create a separate East Bank DRC. “Planning staff is in the process of reviewing that proposal in regards to the structure and the membership and no final recommendations have been made at this time,” she said.

Board members discussed whether the existing DRC could be adjusted to include East Bank representation or whether a separate committee is warranted. Several members emphasized the value of a consistent, districtwide design voice to ensure projects “talk to each other” and advocated aligning design review with financing and redevelopment tools to achieve a cohesive public realm.

Milligan said staff are focused on outcomes and recommended monitoring emerging gaps as more projects come forward; if persistent gaps appear, the board can consider adjustments to DRC composition or to legislative code changes that would require Metro Council approval.

The board requested staff analysis on representation options and potential legislative implications if the board or council pursues an East Bank–specific DRC.