DESIGN REVIEW
If your project is located within a local historic district, within the central business district or near the Swannanoa or French Broad Rivers, it will have to be reviewed for compliance with design standards for those areas. Explore the links ot the left for specific design guidelines associated with each area.
Historic District Design Review
The Historic Resources Commission was created in 1979 to evaluate historically significant neighborhoods, areas, and individual sites and to recommend their designation as a Local Historic District or Local Historic Property. It administers design review of new construction or rehabilitation within those areas.
Asheville has three locally designated historic districts: Albemarle Park, Biltmore Village, and Montford as well as 41local historic landmarks. Minor works may be approved by the staff, while major works require review by the Historic Resources Commissioners.
For more information, contact (828) 259-5836.
Downtown Design Review
Downtown Asheville is recognized as a special place to be protected as a community resource. It represents an important part of the city’s heritage and its unusual character creates an identity for Asheville today. Compatible design helps to enhance the quality of life for all residents while also strengthening the economic viability of downtown. The Downtown Design Review program seeks to encourage building renovation and new development within the downtown area in a manner that will encourage visual harmony, enhance historic integrity, and encourage creative design solutions. The Downtown Asheville Design Guidelines do not dictate styles, but rather suggest a variety of choices for achieving design compatibility within the downtown area. The guidelines can also help to protect property values by encouraging improvements that maintain buildings as viable assets. The Downtown Design Review process is triggered by any change to the exterior of a building or property.
For more information, contact (828) 259-5556.
River District Design Review
The establishment of the River District is in recognition that the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, within the City of Asheville, are unique natural resources that are both environmentally sensitive and vital to the economic development of the city. The purpose of the River District is to celebrate, conserve, promote and manage the riparian areas of these rivers. The design review process encourages the design of new construction and rehabilitation projects in a manner that will promote visual harmony, enhance the historical integrity of the River District, and recognize the environmental constraints of developing along the river.
River District Design Review has been designated as a mandatory review and voluntary compliance program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to implement their plans for such activities within the designated boundaries of the River District in accordance with the adopted guidelines.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for River District Design review at the design phase of the project. There is no fee for review.
Applicants should call or visit the Planning and Development Department staff prior to making application, to discuss proposed plans and to determine what information is required for the application submittal.
River District Design Guidelines
For more information, contact (828) 259-5556.