Council advances ordinance to create Design Review Commission, will start in South Hartman overlay

The Lebanon City Council on Tuesday advanced an ordinance to create a Design Review Commission, with immediate authority intended to cover the South Hartman Overlay.

Council read an email from architect Wayne Oakley expressing support for a design review committee composed of design professionals to provide technical input on submitted developments. Oakley wrote that such a committee would "allow for more thoughtful design standards and design freedom" and would help ensure designs "fit into the surrounding environment while functioning for the building's intended use."

Senior Planner Josh Staley told the council the ordinance is written to establish the commission citywide in Title 2 so the council would not have to pass a separate ordinance later, but its initial authority would be exercised only in the South Hartman Overlay. He said that site-plan review that is currently staff-reviewed would, in cases of modification requests, go to the new commission rather than the planning commission.

Council members said starting in the overlay makes sense and noted the planning commission would continue to handle most matters; Council Murnane moved the ordinance and Council Crow seconded. The item passed on the council's voice vote at first reading.

The ordinance was advanced on a first reading; council discussion indicated members expect to monitor the commission’s work in the overlay and consider expansion only if the commission adds clear value.