Design Review
About
To ensure new construction and remodeling in Piedmont is attractive, safe, and harmonious with its surroundings the City engages in a design review process. The intent of the process is to preserve the city's architectural heritage, aesthetic values, residential character and natural beauty.
Design review is the process for making sure your project meets the City’s planning and design standards. Many projects need design review before you can get a building permit.
Types
There are several types of design review permits:
- Director (DRD)
- Expedited (DREX)
- Planning Commission (DRPC)
- Planning Commission Multifamily Development (DRPC)
- Fence, wall, or site feature (DRFW)
- Variance (VAR)
- Sign (SIGN)
- Conditional use (CUP)
- Public facility
Standards
For a design review permit to be approved, the design of a project must conform to all 3 of the standards in City Code section 17.66.060:
- The proposed design is consistent with the City’s General Plan and Piedmont Design Guidelines.
- The Design has little or no effect on neighboring properties’ existing views, privacy, and access to direct and indirect light.
- The Proposed design does not adversely affect pedestrian or vehicular safety.
Exemptions
Many small improvements do not require a design review permit, such as:
- Normal repairs and maintenance, as long as there’s not change in materials, design, and size
- Interior remodeling, if the use and number of rooms allowed to be bedrooms don’t change
- Fence, if it’s 6 feet or less including any retaining wall, and not located in a front set back (if there is a retaining wall it needs to be less than 30 inches in height)
Review the full list of projects exempt from design review.
Requirements
When you apply online, you will need to upload documents based on the application type. Review these resources to learn about the documents you’ll need to prepare: