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. Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission The AARRC is an advisory board that recommends an overall policy for the continued development and sustainability of the regional riverfront to the City and the County. The AARRC also performs River District Design Review for major works development projects. 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. Design Review Committee The Design Review Committee was created to perform design review for all major works in the River District Design Review area, the Central Business District, and hotels outside of those areas. 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. 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. 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. Public Art and Cultural Commission PACC is responsible for promoting artworks in public buildings and public spaces in the City of Asheville. They assist City staff in identifying potential projects, approving the site and content of public art, and informing residents and visitors of Asheville about public art. They also consider how public art can serve as a major attraction for artists, cultural tourism, and economic development. 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 Marie Biddix – 828-259-5856 Updated 4/21/2021