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Board shifts review of masonry‑modern and art‑deco styles to design boards, pending guideline rewrite
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended changing city procedures so masonry‑modern and art‑deco architectural styles in the Central Business District are reviewed by professional design boards (and by PZB when appropriate) rather than by the City Commission; the measure passed with one 'no' vote amid debate about revising the downtown design guidelines.
The Delray Beach Planning & Zoning Board on March 16 voted to recommend an amendment to the Land Development Regulations that removes the City Commission from the approval path for two specified downtown styles — masonry‑modern and art deco — and instead requires review and a determination by the Planning & Zoning Board or other design review boards earlier in the site‑plan process.
Staff said the procedural change (file PZ000000513‑2026) is intended to streamline review by bringing style determinations to design professionals at the board level and doing so by the second technical advisory committee review so applicants receive early feedback. "This will allow the boards with the professionals to work with the applicants to get a design that really matches the Delray style," Rebecca Dosser said.
Board members debated the underlying design guidelines. Some members described the change as a useful procedural improvement; others said it was only a "band‑aid" and pressed staff to bring a consultant’s redesign of the design guidelines back to workshops. One board member voted no, saying he opposed architectural standards generally.
The board’s recommendation will be transmitted to the City Commission for final action; staff said the comprehensive review of the design guidelines is underway with a consultant and public workshops will follow.
