Design Review Board

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

The minutes have been provided for the convenience of the public. For minutes from a previous year that is not provided please remit a Freedom of Information request and those minutes will be made available.

Members

The Design Review Board is comprised of seven citizens appointed by the Mayor and Town Council to fill the following positions:

1. Two architects or architectural designers;
2. One landscape architect, landscape designer, urban designer;
3. One civil engineer;
4. One commercial developer/contractor, commercial real estate agent, commercial appraiser or a private planning consultant; and
5. The remaining two seats will be “at large.”

Purpose

The Design Review Board (DRB) was created to protect and improve the visual and aesthetic character of mixed-use, commercial, industrial and multi-family development (including governmental agencies and all public and private utility companies) within the Town of Summerville, excluding any development allowed within the designated historic district which is regulated by the Historic District / Board of Architectural Review. The DRB seeks to enhance corridors, neighborhoods, and districts in order to contribute to a sense of place and pride, while building on, or enhancing economic value and further strengthening the integrity of Summerville’s historic and/or best characteristics. The process aims to respect the character, integrity, and quality of the built environment of the Town of Summerville without stifling carefully innovative architecture and/or development

Purpose

Design Review by the Design Review Board (DRB) shall be required for all proposed new mixed-use development, commercial and industrial development of all types, and multi-family development (including townhomes, if more than 5 units).  DRB review shall also be required for any changes to existing buildings that impact more than 50% of any street-facing façade.  Master sign plans and murals shall also be subject to review by the DRB.

Lots in the Historic District are not subject to Development Design Review, and shall instead be evaluated by the BAR for compliance with the Historic District Guidelines.

Please be advised that a pre-application conference with Town Staff/Technical Review Committee (TRC) is required prior to filing an application to the DRB.  To be placed on the agenda for TRC please contact the Director of Planning.

For DRB applications, click here.

For DRB submittal checklist for preliminary and final approval, click here.