The text
2-6-1: - PURPOSE AND INTENT:#
The purpose of the development review committee ("DRC") is to provide early, collaborative review of proposed developments to promote high-quality site design, architecture, and compatibility with surrounding land uses. The DRC is intended to: 1.
Encourage thoughtful and well-integrated development design;
2.
Provide applicants with timely, coordinated feedback prior to formal land use application;
3.
Improve efficiency in the development review process; and
4.
Ensure consistency with the Riverdale City General Plan, adopted development standards, and applicable ordinances.
The DRC is advisory in nature and does not have authority to approve or deny applications.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
2-6-2: - APPLICABILITY:#
A.
A concept development plan shall be reviewed by the DRC prior to formal submittal of:
• Site plan applications;
• Subdivision applications involving multi-family, mixed-use, or commercial development;
• Planned developments (PDs); or
• Any project as required by the community development director.
B.
Single-family residential subdivisions consisting solely of standard lots may be exempt unless otherwise required by the director.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
2-6-3: - COMPOSITION:#
The development review committee shall consist of the following members: 1.
Mayor, or his/her designee (chair);
2.
City administrator;
3.
Planning commission chair;
4.
A member of the city council;
5.
Community development director;
6.
Public works director;
7.
City engineer;
8.
Building official;
9.
Fire marshall;
10.
Other staff or consultants as deemed necessary by the director.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
2-6-4: - DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:#
In accordance with Riverdale City Municipal Code, the DRC shall: 1.
Review concept development plans for:
• Site layout and circulation;
• Building orientation and massing;
• Architectural character, colors, and materials;
• Landscaping, open space, and buffering;
• Parking configuration;
• Pedestrian connectivity;
• Compatibility with surrounding uses; and
• Consistency with adopted plans and development standards.
2.
Provide written or verbal feedback to the applicant identifying: Strengths of the proposal;
• Areas for improvement; and
• Potential compliance issues with city standards.
3.
Coordinate interdepartmental review to identify major infrastructure or development concerns early in the process.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
2-6-5: - REVIEW PROCESS:#
A.
Applicants shall submit a concept development plan in a form established by the community development department.
B.
The DRC shall review the proposal at a scheduled meeting or through an administrative review process.
C.
Following review, staff shall provide a summary of comments to the applicant.
D.
DRC review is intended to be completed within a reasonable timeframe to avoid unnecessary delay.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
2-6-6: - EFFECT OF REVIEW:#
A.
DRC comments are non-binding and advisory only.
B.
Feedback provided does not constitute approval, denial, or vested rights.
C.
Applicants may proceed with a formal application regardless of DRC feedback; however, addressing DRC comments is strongly encouraged.
D.
Subsequent applications shall be reviewed for compliance with all applicable city ordinances and standards.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
2-6-7: - REPORTING TO PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL:#
To ensure coordination and communication between advisory and decision-making bodies: 1.
The planning commission representative shall periodically report to the planning commission regarding 1) projects reviewed by the DRC; 2) key design issues identified; 3) general direction or guidance provided to applicants; and 4) any emerging trends or policy considerations relevant to land use decisions.
2.
The city council representative shall periodically report to the city council regarding 1) significant development proposals reviewed by the DRC; 2) notable design considerations or community impacts; policy-level issues or recurring concerns; and 4) projects of community interest or importance.
Reports may be provided in written or verbal form during regularly scheduled meetings and are intended to: • Promote transparency in the development review process;
• Ensure alignment between advisory input and legislative policy direction; and
• Keep elected and appointed officials informed of development activity within the city.
Reporting under this section is informational only and shall not constitute formal action, direction, or pre-approval by the planning commission or city council.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
2-6-8: - OPTIONAL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:#
The city may, at its discretion, allow public observation or participation in DRC meetings; however, the DRC is not a public hearing body.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
2-6-9: - ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY:#
The community development director may: 1.
Establish application requirements and submittal checklists;
2.
Modify review procedures for efficiency;
3.
Determine whether a project requires DRC review; except as otherwise required in this title; and
4.
Waive DRC review when deemed unnecessary.
(Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), 4-21-2026)
Editor's note— Ord. No. 1007, § 1(Exh. A), adopted April 21, 2026, repealed the former ch. 6, §§ 2-6-1—2-6-6, and enacted a new ch. 6 as set out herein. The former ch. 6 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. 981, adopted April 16, 2024; Ord. 704, adopted May 6, 2008; Ord. 854, adopted May 6, 2014.