About the Architectural Review Board (ARB) Here you will find a brief overview of the Architectural Review Board; its purpose, meeting schedule, and membership. For additional information, as well as agendas, reports, and the application review process, please follow the link at the bottom of the page.
ARB Purpose The Architectural Review Board is charged with design review of all new construction, and changes and additions to commercial, industrial and multiple-family projects. The Board's goals and purposes are to:
Promote orderly and harmonious development of the City
Enhance the desirability of residence or investment in the City
Encourage the attainment of the most desirable use of land and improvements
Enhance the desirability of living conditions upon the immediate site or in adjacent areas
Promote visual environments which are of high aesthetic quality and variety and which, at the same time, are considerate of each other.
The Board is composed of five members, at least three of whom are architects, landscape architects, building designers or other design professionals. Terms are for three years and commence on October 1. See Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Sections 2.16 and 16.48. In order to be notified of vacancies and appointment procedures, you may contact the City Clerk's Office at 329-2571.
Regular meetings are at 8:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month and are cablecast live on Government Channel 16.
