City Guide
Boards and Commissions
Boards & Commissions
To become a member of any of the city’s approximately 80 boards, committees, and commissions, request an application from the mayor’s office. 794-6161. Some of these are listed below.
Appeal boards. 794-6267, ext. 42666. Appeal boards. There are 4 boards of appeal: building, housing, sign, and zoning. Property owners can file a request for a waiver of code requirements through each board’s secretary. The appropriate board will act on the request after discussion at a monthly public hearing.
Downtown Development Authority. 150 S. Fifth Ave, suite 301. 994-6697. Fax: 997-1491. A board of 12 citizens appointed by the mayor and city council to improve and promote the downtown area. The DDA is funded by a portion of the tax revenue generated by construction downtown. Under a lease arrangement with the city, the DDA manages the public parking system and contracts with Republic Parking Systems, Inc., for its daily operation. dda@a2dda.org, a2dda.org
Historic district commission. The commission administers 14 historic districts and has jurisdiction over proposed changes to the exteriors of designated historic buildings. To contact a commissioner, call the city’s historic preservation unit (794-6265, ext. 42665).
Planning commission. A 9-member body appointed by the mayor and city council, the commission makes recommendations to council on proposed site plans, zoning changes, and modifications of the city’s master plan. All actions include at least one public hearing. The commission has final say on certain site plans and on special-exception uses.
