Effective July 18, 2025, fees for certain application types will increase. See the relevant City Council item for more information and the adopted change in fees.

The Urban Design Overlay Districts includes the Asian District, Paseo, the Plaza District, Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Boulevard Corridor, and properties along the Uptown NW 23rd Street corridor.  Additionally, other properties subject to design review by the Urban Design Commission include properties within  the Scenic River Overlay Design Districts and the Stockyards City Development and Stockyards City Transitional Development Overlay Districts.

The regulations and guidelines of the Urban Design Districts intend to promote the health, safety, economic, cultural and general welfare of the public by encouraging the revitalization and enhancement of the urban environment. 

The Urban Design Commission and staff review Certificate of Approval (or CA) applications for changes to property and structures including demolition, new construction, reconstruction, additions, and exterior modifications (including signage and painting) and all site modifications for properties within the Urban Design Overlay Districts and within the Downtown Design District’s “Cottage District” area, as well as properties within the Scenic River Overlay Design Districts, the Stockyards City Development District, and the Stockyards City Transitional Development Overlay Districts.  Decisions of the Commission may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment.

Are you in a Design District? To find out, check the Design District Zoning Map (PDF).

If your project requires a Certificate of Approval, download our Application Packet (PDF) to get started.

See this Zoning and Planning Code (PDF) for Urban Design Commission. Visit the Development Service’s page for additional information about building permits. 

For Urban Design Commission meeting dates and times, check the 2025 Commission Schedule (PDF).

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