Throughout the City of Columbia, there are four Urban Design Overlay Districts that have their own unique set of principles and guidelines.
The design review process for Columbia’s design districts is administered by the Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) and the design review staff. All projects come directly to staff for consultation first. Staff may then direct the applicant as to whether the project can be approved at the staff level, or must be directed through the Commission according to City Ordinance.
List of Design Districts
Map of Urban Design & Historic Preservation Overlay Districts (click to enlarge)
A new planning process is underway.
It has been 25 years since the adoption of the City Center Master Plan and more than 15 years since the adoption of the Innovista Master Plan, and it’s time to work with the community to discern a refreshed vision for the quality of the Downtown built environment! Find out about the planning process, and get engaged, by visiting the Downtown Columbia project page!
If you have further questions, or would like to more information, please contact us.
Not sure if your property is within a Design Overlay District? Check out the City Information Viewer Interactive Online Map.