The Design Excellence overlay includes a set of site and building design guidelines that are intended to shape development that is consistent with community character. Guidelines direct contextually sympathetic development while allowing for creativity and flexibility in the design itself. Guideline compliance is approved through the Design Excellence Review (DER) process.
See below for links to Design Excellence Review application materials, including DER instructions, the application checklist, and design variation request form.
Refer to the following chart (from MMC 20.25.80.B.2) for guidance on when a project requires DER.
NOTE: Though not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants contact Development Services planning staff early in their design process and schedule a pre-application meeting, especially for projects requiring DER.