Limited Scope

Limited Scope projects include the following types of projects. Applicants are encouraged to use their best judgement and ask their agency liaison for further clarification if required:

• Building Systems: Projects related to building systems upgrades, such as the installation of mechanical equipment, emergency generators, tanks, or caps.
  
  Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that install mechanical equipment in locations where it will not be visible to the public. If this is not feasible, the Commission typically requests that the equipment be screened.



• Distinctive Sidewalks: The Commission reviews distinctive sidewalks for their aesthetic impact on the streetscape. Any sidewalk that deviates from that neighborhood's standard, which in most cases is Department of Transportation grey concrete with a 5' x 5' scoring pattern, but can include cobble or granite block in areas where the historic fabric remains intact, is considered distinctive.
  
  Designs for distinctive sidewalks in front of existing buildings are submitted by the Department of Transportation. Designs for distinctive sidewalks that are part of new construction projects are submitted by the Department of Buildings.
  
  As city sidewalks are public space, the Commission strongly discourages the installation of logos, building numbers, building addresses, 'carpet treatments' at building entrances, or other sidewalk treatments that visually disrupt the continuity and public character of the streetscape. Non-standard sidewalk treatments may be considered in conditions where the entire block is uniformly treated or the sidewalk design is integral to the design of adjacent open plaza space.


• Distinctive Lighting: The Commission reviews designs for the installation or replacement of distinctive light fixtures, other than replacements in-kind, for their aesthetic impact on the streetscape, including light quality.
  Proposals for distinctive light fixture installations are submitted by the Department of Transportation.


• Newsstands: While Cemusa's newsstand design has been approved by the Commission as a prototype for use Citywide, the Commission reviews the newsstand size and location for each proposed installation to determine the newsstand’s aesthetic impact on the specific site.
  Newsstands are submitted to the Commission by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, but the Department of Transportation must approve the newsstand location prior to Commission review.

For the above Limited Scope projects, the Public Design Commission design review process requires submission at a combined Preliminary & Final level of review and for Final Sign-Off:

• Preliminary & Final: Occurs at approximately 90% completion of design. Once final approval is received, construction can begin.
• Final Sign-off:  Occurs after final approval, at the substantial completion of a project, and requires the submission of digital and physical photographic documentation.
 

The Public Design Commission also requires submissions for post-approval actions for limited scope projects, including: 

• Amended Final: Only required if there are any changes to the approved final proposal, including changes that must be made during construction. 
• Extension of Approval:  Only required if the certificate of approval expires before construction begins.

In order to clarify submission requirements depending on the level of review, the Public Design Commission provides submission checklists and instructions. Before preparing a submission, please review the checklist and instruction documents. Checklists should be used to ensure that submissions are complete and included with the submission package. For Newsstands, Distinctive Sidewalks, and Distinctive Lighting submissions, please also review the Public Design Commission's guidelines.

For additional resources, including a collection of previously reviewed and approved project presentations, refer to the Resources tab.

Per the Resolution adopted by the Commission on October 11, 2022, regarding the delegation of certain duties and responsibilities, some projects such as Building Systems, Tenant Signs, ADA access ramps, ballfield pole lighting, fenced-in area ways and alterations to storefront entrances, may be approved by the Commission's Executive Director in lieu of the Commission if it meets particular criteria outlined in the resolution.   Please review the Delegation Resolution to identify if a project qualifies for staff level review