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Proposal to create East Bank design‑review committee raises questions; commission defers
Summary
Staff proposed a new East Bank Design Review Committee to oversee DTC properties across the river. Commissioners expressed concern about duplication, quorum risks and divergent design standards and deferred the item to June 25 for further refinement.
Eric Hammer, representing Planning staff, presented a text amendment to chapter 17.37 to create a separate East Bank Design Review Committee (EB DRC) under the Downtown Code. He said the EB DRC would remove East Bank authority from the existing Downtown Code DRC and set a membership mix that overlaps some appointing entities but differs in other seats. "This proposed text amendment shifts how design review is handled for properties across the river," he said.
Staff explained the proposed membership would include several overlapping appointing entities (mayor, planning commission, chamber, civic design center) but also add representation from entities such as the Urban Land Institute and a not‑yet‑formed East Bank Neighborhood Association. Staff noted potential issues: fewer design professionals on the proposed EB DRC, possible unfilled seats for years because residents do not yet live in the East Bank subdistrict, and appeals/clarification language that should be strengthened.
Commissioners expressed a mix of support for greater local representation and concern about duplicating processes and balkanizing design standards across the river. Commissioner Smith warned that creating a separate body could lead to different design outcomes on either side of the river and asked staff to explore alternatives such as swapping members or reconfiguring the existing DRC. Several commissioners said they would prefer staff to return with options that maintain consistency while ensuring East Bank representation.
Staff identified the current council sponsors as Councilmembers Benedek, Coop, Cap and Evan Siegel. Commissioner Marshall moved to defer the item to the June 25 Planning Commission meeting; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff recommended the public hearing be held tonight and the text be deferred to give time for the suggested clarifications.
