Design Review Board

  1. To encourage participation in public City meetings as California safely reopens, the City of Santa Rosa has implemented online tools where residents can view public meetings and provide eComments on agenda items from the comfort of home. Public comment options vary by meeting, please check the information on each meeting agenda posted here: santa-rosa.legistar.com/Calendar

The seven-member Design Review Board serves as custodian of the City’s design policies. The Board reviews both public and private development proposals to ensure that Santa Rosa remains attractive and maintains a sense of place, which the General Plan sets forth as "unique to Santa Rosa." The Design Review Board reviews design proposals in light of adopted design review policies set forth in the City’s Design Review Guidelines. The Board reviews development proposals that have neighborhood compatibility issues and major developments that may have significance to the City’s aesthetic character. For more information, see the Design Review page.

Statement of Purpose

Zoning Code Chapter 20-52.030 F. Project Review. The review authority shall consider the location, design, site plan configuration, and the overall effect of the proposed project upon surrounding properties and the City in general. Review shall be conducted by comparing the proposed project to the General Plan, any applicable specific plan, applicable Zoning Code standards and requirements, consistency of the project within the City’s Design Guidelines, architectural criteria for special areas, and other applicable City requirements (e.g., City policy statements and development plans).

  1. Thu Dec. 7

  1. Thu Dec. 21

Calendar View All

Design Review Board Members

Melanie Jones-Carter, Chair
Appointed by Victoria Fleming
Term Expires: December 31, 2026

Drew Weigl- Vice-Chair
Appointed by Chris Rogers
Term Expires: December 31, 2024

Michael Burch, Member
Appointed by Natalie Rogers
Term Expires: December 31, 2024

Michael Cook, Member
Appointed by Dianna MacDonald
Term Expires: December 31, 2024


Victoria Liptak, Member
Appointed by Mark Stapp
Term Expires: December 31, 2026

Adam Sharron, Member 
Appointed by Eddie Alvarez
Term Expires: December 31, 2024

Ernest Wuethrich, Member
Appointed by Jeff Okrepkie
Term Expires: December 31, 2026 

Board Information and Records

Meetings

Occur twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at or after 4:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) in person at Council Chambers*; City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA. Members of the public can participate in person, and by Zoom or phone.  

Appeals

In compliance with Zoning Code Section 20-62, the decision of the review authority is final unless an appeal is filed on a city Appeal Form and associated fees, as noted on the city’s Fee Schedule, are paid within 10 calendar days of the action. The time limit will extend to the following business day where the last day falls on a day that the city is not open for business.

Watch Live Meetings

Online Live

Agendas, Minutes and Video

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

Legislative Portal

Resolution Archives

Design Review Board Resolution Archive

  1. Design Review Board


  2. Amy Nicholson

    Supervising Planner - Current Development

  3. Lani Buckheit

    Administrative Secretary