Design Review Board



Applications for June 10, 2021 meeting
The following applications for Certificates of Appropriateness will be reviewed by the Design Review Board at its in-person meeting on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 4 PM (applications may be viewed by clicking on the application number):
  • DRB-2021-28 (Mount Desert Islander signage)
  • DRB-2021-29 (Destination Health signage)
  • DRB-2021-30 (Choco-Latte awning)

The agenda for the meeting may be viewed here.



    Meetings:


    • The second Thursday of every month, as well as the fourth Thursday (March-June)
    • New applications are due the Thursday prior to the meeting date
    • Meetings are held at 93 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 (note: meetings are being conducted remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic)
    • 2021 meeting schedule (please note new start time of 4 PM)

    Agendas & Minutes

    Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
    Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas and Minutes


    Contact the Design Review Board



    Email the entire Design Review Board at designreview@barharbormaine.gov

    Please note: Sending an email to this address will go to all members of the Design Review Board listed below, as well as town staff members in the Planning and Code Enforcement office: Planning Director Michele Gagnon, Code Enforcement Officer Angela Chamberlain, Deputy Code Enforcement Officer Mike Gurtler, Assistant Planner Steve Fuller and Administrative Assistant Tammy DesJardin.

    If the message relates to a particular application before the Design Review Board, that email will also be provided to the applicant. Any message sent to this email address is also considered a public record and may be subject to a request under the Maine Freedom of Access Act. Information that you wish to keep confidential should not be included in email correspondence to this address.

    Contact information for individual Design Review Board members is not provided, as anything sent to individual member(s) of the board and not all parties involved in the review of a particular application would constitute ex parte communication.


    Members:


    • Barbara Sassaman, Chair
      Term expires 2023
    • Vacancy
      Term expires 2024
    • Francis "Pancho" Cole
      Term expires 2021
    • Vacancy
      Term expires 2023
    • Andrew Geel
      Term expires 2022
    • Vacancy
      Term expires 2023
    • Peter Bono
      Term expires 2022

    Additional Information


    The Design Review Board reviews all projects which are located within their jurisdiction. Their jurisdiction includes the Downtown Village Districts, the Shoreland General Development I District, Town Hill Business, and the Village Historic District. However, regardless of the district location, any conditionally permitted use or property which houses a bed and breakfast is subject to design review.

    Board Process


    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/Planning Department staff 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.

    Certificate of Appropriateness


    In order to ensure the aesthetic quality of Bar Harbor is preserved, the town requires a certificate of appropriateness from the Design Review Board before many changes to the exterior of buildings, or the addition of a sign can be made. Examples of construction or renovation projects that require a certificate of appropriateness include:
    • Demolition or relocation of a historic building
    • Changes to the exterior appearance of an historic or non-historic building including:
      • Windows and doors
      • Williamsburg exterior paint colors - if colors are chosen from the approved design review board color charts (also available in Planning Office) then a Design Review Board Certificate of Appropriateness is not required
      • Siding and roofing
      • Awnings
    • Landscape lighting
    • Construction of a new commercial building or an addition to an existing commercial building
    • Installation or changes in fences or freestanding walls
    • Installation or changes in signage including sandwich boards
    • Installation or changes in outdoor storage or display including vending machines
    • Plans for seasonal closure

    Application for Certificate of Appropriateness


    Below are links to applications for specific types of projects:

    Design Rules