Development Review Board (DRB)
A municipal body that reviews development proposals for compliance with design standards, zoning, and site planning requirements.
A Development Review Board (DRB) is a municipal body — sometimes called a Design Review Board, Architectural Review Board, or Development Review Committee — that evaluates proposed development projects for compliance with design standards, site planning requirements, and community character guidelines. The DRB provides an additional layer of review beyond basic zoning compliance.
What a DRB Reviews
- Architectural design: Building facades, materials, colors, and overall aesthetic quality
- Site layout: Building placement, parking configuration, and pedestrian circulation
- Landscaping: Tree preservation, planting plans, and open space design
- Signage: Size, placement, illumination, and design of project signage
- Lighting: Exterior lighting design, intensity, and impacts on adjacent properties
- Compatibility: How the project relates to the scale, character, and design of surrounding development
- Sustainability: Green building features, energy efficiency, and environmental design elements
See Development Review Board (DRB) Activity Happening Now
ZoneWire detects when development review board (drb) is discussed in council meetings across 26+ metros — and alerts you hours after the vote.
How DRB Review Works
- Pre-application meeting: Applicant discusses preliminary design concepts with DRB staff
- Application submission: Detailed architectural and landscape plans are submitted
- Staff review: Staff evaluates compliance with design guidelines and prepares a report
- Board presentation: The applicant presents the project to the DRB, often with renderings and models
- Board deliberation: Members discuss the design and may request modifications
- Decision: Approval, approval with conditions, or denial
Why This Matters for CRE
DRB review adds time and potential cost to the entitlement process — typically 1 to 3 months for straightforward projects, but potentially longer if redesign is required. However, DRB-approved projects in design-controlled areas tend to maintain higher property values because the review process ensures a consistent quality standard. For investors, understanding the DRB's design preferences and standards reduces the risk of expensive redesign requests. Tracking DRB agendas also reveals exactly what projects are being proposed, with detailed architectural plans that show precisely what will be built.
What to Watch For
- Design guideline updates: Changes to design standards affect what can be built and at what cost
- Board composition: Board members' design philosophies can significantly affect approval outcomes
- Common revision requests: Knowing what the DRB typically asks for allows developers to address issues proactively
- Expedited review processes: Some jurisdictions offer fast-track DRB review for projects that meet specific criteria
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