(a) Creation. In recognition of the need for the establishment of a public body with the authority to advise upon changes to land use, buildings or structures, site improvements, landscaping, signs, and street scape improvements in the Overlay District, and in order to encourage changes which are compatible with the character, purposes and objectives of the Overlay District, the Design Review Board is hereby established.
(b) Composition and Terms.
(1) The Design Review Board shall consist of seven members. One member shall be a member of the Planning Commission as selected by the members of that Commission. Six members shall be appointed by the Mayor, and these six will be chosen by the Downtown Revitalization Committee. The six appointees may include, e.g., an architect, a building owner, a business owner, a member of the Champaign County Preservation Alliance, a member of the Champaign County Historical Society, a real estate broker, a historic preservationist, an artist, and any person with aesthetic discretion and judgment.
(2) All members shall reside in the City of Urbana.
(3) Each appointed member shall serve a term of two years and may be re- appointed for terms of two years, except that the term of the Planning Commission member shall be coincident with the member’s term of serving.
(4) The members shall serve without compensation from the City and may be removed by the Mayor after public hearing for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired portion of the term.
(c) Organization and Rules of Design Review Board.
(1) City Council shall establish the Design Review Board, its By-Laws and Membership structure and organization based on municipal and state statutes.
(2) As soon as convenient, following their appointment to the Design Review Board, the members shall meet and organize by election of a chairman and secretary. The Design Review Board shall adopt its own rules of procedure and provide for regular and special meetings to accomplish its mission and the purpose of the City Center Heritage Overlay District.
(3) The chairman shall conduct the meetings of the Design Review Board. The secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings and a permanent record of all resolutions, motions, transactions and determinations. All members of the Board shall be entitled to vote, and the decisions of the Board shall be determined by majority vote. A quorum of 2/3 members is required before the Board may take any official action.
(4) The Design Review Board shall not reconsider any decision made by it, except in cases where an applicant appears within ninety days with his/her application amended sufficiently to be considered for a new review according to the procedures established in this chapter.
(d) Design Review Board Mission.
(1) To review applications for development, redevelopment, and alterations in the Overlay District as required by this chapter and in accordance with the procedures and design guidelines established by this chapter.
(2) To assist and guide applicants and property owners to undertake improvements and development compatible with the character of the Overlay District and the purpose of this chapter.
(3) To periodically update and maintain effective design guidelines and review procedures.
(Ord. 4084. Passed 4-13-99.)