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In a previous post I mentioned the importance of design review in trying to get the city we’ve planned for. Unfortunately, the design review process in Oregon is artificially constrained by state law to apply only to certain downtown areas. Even with that constraint, design review has served Portland well over the last 30 years in guiding the extensive development in and around the central city.

The design review process here essentially works within designated “design zones,” which have a “d” overlay on the zoning map. For new and remodeled buildings within these areas, drawings must be submitted for design review before building permit approval can be issued. The building’s developer and architect have the option of first submitting conceptual drawings for “design advice review” (DAR) before formally going through the full design review process. DAR is designed to give early notice to various city bureaus about the prospective development when still in the conceptual stage, and offer preliminary advice to the development team about design-related issues. Most developers make use of this early process and then submit more complete drawings for formal approval by the Portland Design Commission, after preliminary review by staff.

As has become increasingly the case in Portland it can be a time-consuming process. For this reason it has been more controversial lately, with a recent City Club of Portland Friday program laying out some of the issues, and members of the development community beginning to openly discuss those issues to see if there are ways to improve its efficiency. This is an important part of the city’s overall development approval process and one that will have long-term implications for how Portland looks and works in the future. Stay tuned. More on this important element of Portland’s planning process is to come.