Design Review Board

Applications Open – Apply Today

Applications close May 3 for first review consideration.


On February 13, 2024, the City Council directed the City Manager to work with the Design Review Board (DRB) to develop proposed amendments to the municipal code and administrative procedures to comply with new state rules (HB 1293) regarding design review. This mandatory change to design review entailed a chapter-by-chapter effort on the part of staff and the DRB to analyze existing standards in the Design for Bainbridge manual to identify possible amendments to ensure compliance with new statutory requirements related to objectivity. The effort also entailed a detailed analysis of COBI's procedural code to revise the design review process effectuating a reduction from three meetings to one and moving design review from before permit application to after a permit application has been submitted. 

Additionally, throughout the process, the Design Review Board took the opportunity to refine the process and standards to better align COBI's design review process with what is most valuable for applicants and board members, proposing discretionary changes to process and standards based on what is and should be the most impactful about the process. The package of adoption documents includes: the updated Design for Bainbridge Manual (as an exhibit to the ordinance); a resolution to revise the Administrative Manual to account for revised submittal requirements; and an ordinance containing procedural changes. The City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-07 and Resolution No. 2025-06 relating to the proposed design review changes for compliance with HB 1293 on May 27, 2025; these changes to the design review process are effective as of June 3, 2025.

Ordinance No. 2025-07 Design Review Amendments (PDF)

Resolution No. 2025-06 Administrative Manual Amendments (PDF)

The board serves as an advisory body to the Planning and Community Development director, Hearing Examiner and Planning Commission, as applicable, regarding site plan and design reviews and conditional use permits.

Regular Meeting Schedule

  • Meets the first and third Monday of the month 2 to 5 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)
  • Location: Council Conference Room

Information on Role of Councilmember Liaisons.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda (PDF) | View All Agendas and Minutes

Resources

2024 Committee Work and 2025 Workplan (PDF)

Design for Bainbridge (D4B) Design Review Manual (PDF)

Design Review Board Meeting - Applicant Checklist

Established By

Bainbridge Island Municipal Code Chapter 2.14

Purpose

Design Review Board is composed of seven members who shall include at least one representative with expertise in the following disciplines and/or groups: landscape architecture; urban design; public art committee or local artist; developers; at-large community member; and at least two architects.

The board shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

  1. Serve in an advisory capacity to the director, hearing examiner and planning commission, as applicable, regarding site plan and design reviews and conditional use permits pursuant to BIMC 2.16.040, 16.050, and 2.16.110 that are subject to city-adopted design guidelines. Applications related to single-family residences such as family day care homes, minor/major home occupations, and single-family residential height variations are exempt from design review board consideration. In addition, applications related to utility facilities and to outdoor recreation facilities are exempt from design review board consideration.
  2. Review and make recommendations to the planning commission and the city council on changes, amendments and/or additions to the design guidelines.
  3. Serve in an advisory and review capacity to housing design demonstration project applications pursuant to BIMC 2.16.020.Q, including those design demonstration project applications involving land subdivision.
  4. Such other duties and responsibilities as may be provided by resolution or ordinance of the city council.
  5. Report annually to the city council prior to the start of the budget process.