Design Review & Historic Preservation Board Meeting Summary – October 3, 2025

Note: The meeting agenda and minutes refer to October 2, 2025, but the provided date for this summary is October 3, 2025. This discrepancy is noted.

The Design Review & Historic Preservation Board met virtually on October 3, 2025, at 4:02 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Paige Rooney. Board members present: Vice-Chair Rooney, Abdul Khan, Ajay Garg, Shelly Schlumpf. Absent: Chair Kris Stamon (excused), Matthew Pitts. Staff present: Administrative Assistant Erin Priddy, Senior Planner Kendall Wals, Katie Baker.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the Agenda: Motion by Board Member Schlumpf, seconded by Board Member Garg, passed 5-0.
• Approval of Minutes: Motion by Board Member Garg, seconded by Board Member Schlumpf, to approve the July 17, 2025, meeting minutes. Passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No written or emailed public comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Focus Group Participation – Design Review Standards Update Senior Planner Kendall Wals presented an update on the Design Review Standards Update. The City is working with a consultant to consolidate existing design standards (downtown design guidelines, mixed-use design review overlay, administrative design standards) into a single chapter, spurred by state law changes effective June 2025 requiring clear and objective standards. The goal is to reduce subjectivity and provide clearer options for applicants. Three focus groups are planned for the last week of October (October 20–30), held virtually, each about one hour. Two focus groups (downtown and South Hill) are relevant to this board. Staff proposed having 2–3 board members participate to avoid a quorum. Board members expressed interest: Vice-Chair Rooney, Board Members Khan and Garg indicated interest; Chair Stamon (absent) had previously expressed interest. Board Member Schlumpf asked about recording availability for those unable to attend; staff offered to record or provide a consolidated report. Board Member Wals raised the possibility of a gap analysis comparing current standards to state requirements; staff confirmed feasibility. Board members also asked about the impact on permit processing and clarity for applicants. Staff explained the shift to a form-based code structure with organization by topic area (block frontage, site planning, building design) and that deviations would be spelled out with specific findings. The board collectively agreed they would like to review the draft standards before the Planning Commission’s public hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Board members volunteered to participate in the focus groups; staff will follow up to coordinate schedules.
• Staff will explore recording the focus groups and providing a consolidated report for the full board.
• The board will receive the draft design standards for review before the Planning Commission public hearing.
• No formal vote was taken on focus group participation; it was a discussion and consensus to proceed with volunteers.
• Meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.