No activities which are subject to Design Review Board approval may be allowed to commence without being issued a Certificate of Appropriateness first.
The Design Review Board reviews all projects which are located within their jurisdiction. Their jurisdiction includes the Downtown Business Districts, the Shoreland General Development I District, the Bar Harbor Historic District, and the Bar Harbor Historic Corridor (excluding those located on tax map 11D.) However, regardless of the district location, any property which houses a TA-1, TA-3, TA-4, and TA-6 will be subject to review.
The Design Review Board must review applications for demolition of structures which are historic, the moving or relocation of a building or sign which is historic, any exterior material change to the exterior of a historic building, sign, fence, or structure. Any new construction of principal or accessory structures, except for single or two family dwellings. Any material change to the exterior of a non historic building, sign, fence, or structure. Any change in existing fences, retaining walls, or freestanding walls, the erection of a new sign, relocation of an existing sign, change of appearance of an existing sign, and seasonal closure of businesses. However, it is advisable to meet with the Code Enforcement Officer, or Planning Director to determine whether or not Design Review Board approval is required.
A building permit is required for all activities except painting, regardless of approval by any other reviewing body.
The Board meets the fourth Thursday of every month and ten copies of the application must be submitted at least one week in advance of the meeting. In April and May the Board meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month.
View and/or download the Design Review Board application and Standards in Adobe PDF