Boards and Commissions Boards and commissions related to Planning and Urban Design include the Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Resources Commission, Board of Adjustment, Downtown Commission and Technical Review Committee. Planning and Zoning Commission The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews additions or proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance and makes recommendations to City Council for final action. The Planning and Zoning Commission also reviews development projects, conditional zoning requests, and rezoning requests and makes recommendations to City Council for final action. Historic Resources Commission The Historic Resources Commission reviews development proposals for properties located within one of the city’s four local historic districts, which include Albemarle Park, Biltmore Village, Montford and St. Dunstan’s, as well as properties designated as local historic landmarks. The HRC also reviews local historic landmark designation applications. Board of Adjustment The Board of Adjustment hears variance requests from zoning standards that are stated in the Unified Development Ordinance. They also hear appeals on interpretations made by staff. Downtown Commission The Downtown Commission was created by City Council “…for the sustainability and continued development of downtown, a vital urban center of western North Carolina’s economic, cultural and visitor activity.” In addition to providing City Council with recommendations on all things Downtown, the Downtown Commission carries out Downtown Design Review on major development projects within the Central Business District. Technical Review Committee The Technical Review Committee (TRC) reviews the technical aspects of a development project i.e, traffic flow and impact, infrastructure needs, landscaping, and grading and erosion control. The TRC is comprised of city staff from the following departments: Planning & Urban Design, Development Services, Transportation, Public Works and Fire. Contact Information Patti McFarland – 828-259-5627 Updated 6/14/2019