Procedures

Agency Jurisdiction

The City agency that has jurisdiction over the property on which the project is located must make the formal submission to the Public Design Commission. For example, if an artist would like to install a work of art in a City park, the application to the Commission must come from the Department of Parks & Recreation. Similarly, if a community would like to install a memorial or commemorative plaque on a City sidewalk, the application must be submitted by the Department of Transportation. Search property ownership records in ACRIS.

Role of the Commission Liaisons

Each City agency has a designated liaison to manage the submission process on behalf of the agency and its consultants. The liaison is responsible for requesting placement on all Commission agendas by submitting a written transmittal indicating all projects to be reviewed, including projects that have been previously submitted. The liaison is also responsible for ensuring that all submissions are complete and accurate and are delivered on the submission deadline in order for the project to be placed on the agenda.

Interagency Coordination

Prior to submitting a proposal to the Commission, applicants must obtain internal agency approvals and ensure compliance with the regulations of other City agencies, such as the Landmarks Preservation Commission. In addition, in cases where a design proposal may overlap jurisdictions, the sponsoring agency is responsible for coordinating the project with the relevant City agencies and obtaining required approvals.

Meetings

After projects are submitted, Commission staff reviews submissions for completeness and clarity before the projects are reviewed with a committee or scheduled for a public meeting.

Committee meetings provide an opportunity for agencies to get design feedback prior to submission to the full Commission. While committee meetings are open to the public, the Commission does not vote on projects, nor hear public testimony. The Commission does not vote or hear public testimony at committee meetings. Submission requirements for committee meetings are the same as for public hearings.

Public meetings are open to the public and are broken down into two sections:

  • The consent agenda: A group vote on projects that already have recommendations of approval from a committee; no presentations are necessary.
  • The public hearing: A hearing of formal presentations where public testimony is heard and the Commission votes.

The Annual Meeting Calendar is posted by December 31st the previous year. Meeting Agendas are posted on the Commission's website at least three (3) business days in advance of each public meeting date. Meeting minutes (certificates) are posted approximately one (1) week after each meeting.