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Certain proposals for construction, exterior alterations, building demolitions or signs in the City of Cleveland must undergo a process known as "design review." The City established this process as a policy to ensure that any visual changes to buildings or open spaces will enhance the architectural character of the Downtown or other special planning areas in the City, such as Urban Renewal Plan areas, Community Development Plan areas, Neighborhood Commercial Districts and the Public Land Protective District.

 

How do I determine if my project will require Design Review?

Projects calling for new construction, demolition, exterior renovation, landscaping, fencing, new signs, awnings, and other changes which of course, do change the appearance of the property - even to a slight degree - are reviewed if they are located in a Design Review District.

Which Committee will review my project?

Your project will be reviewed by the Citywide Design Review Committee if:

  • The property lies within the "Public Land Protective District" which
    covers most of the Downtown area. (click here for a map) or
  • The property lies within an urban Renewal Area or Community Development Plan Area or
  • The property is publicly owned anywhere in the City, whether by a City, County, State, Federal, or special district agency or
  • The sponsor is applying for or receiving any level of government financial assistance (City, County, State or Federal) including grants, loans, tax breaks, or other incentives

Your project will be reviewed by a Business Revitalization District Committee (BRD) if it lies within the boundaries of one of the neighborhood commercial districts listed below:

Broadway Lee Harvard
Buckeye Road MidTown
Clark Metro Mt. Pleasant
East 185th Street Old Brooklyn
East St. Clair St. Clair
Flats Oxbow Union Miles
Glenville Waterloo
Kamms Corners West 117th
Larchmere Blvd. University Circle

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Cleveland City Planning Commission staff.

Telephone: 216-664-2210  
Fax: 216-664-3281  
Address: 601 Lakeside Ave. Rm 501
  Cleveland, OH 44114

 
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