Design and Development Innovation
The Design and Development Innovation Team facilitates many of the development-related functions of the PDD. This team manages the Community Benefits Ordinance, provides design review for new development projects, conducts permits reviews, and advises residents, stakeholders, and other City departments on general zoning matters.
Community Benefits Ordinance
The Community Benefits Ordinance (CBO) was approved by Detroit voters in 2016. The CBO requires developers to proactively engage with the community to identify community benefits and address potential negative impacts of certain development projects. PDD's CBO team leads the community engagement process required by this ordinance.
Master Planning
The Office of Zoning Innovation leads the Master Plan amendment process on behalf of the department. Amendments can be a part of the implementation of neighborhood plans or as part of individual projects.
Zoning Innovation
The Office of Zoning Innovation conducts permits reviews on behalf of the department and advises residents, stakeholders, and other City departments on general zoning matters. In addition, this team leads the City's zoning reform efforts meant to support Detroit's revitalization, especially focusing on outcomes of PDD led planning initiatives.
Design Review & Concept Plan Review
The Design Review process aims to ensure design excellence and high standard for quality development within the City of Detroit. Reviews focus matters such as preserving historic structures, maintaining the uniqueness of place, improving the pedestrian experience, promoting high quality building design and materiality, and making new development compatible with its surroundings. This review is now a part of the BSEED Preliminary Plan Review (PPR) Process.
Sign Waiver and Adjustment Hearings
Under Chapter 4 of the City Code, this office administers the Sign Waiver and Adjustment Hearing process. Waivers and adjustments from the provisions of the Code are permitted for certain things, such as larger signs in some cases.
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Design and Development Innovation Virtual Office Hours – June 2020
During the month of June, we held 2 virtual office hours sessions to provide information on the role of the Design and Development Innovation Team, updates on City operations, and answer questions from interested residents and developers. Dates for future virtual office hours will be posted on the department website and sent through our newsletter.
