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).