Urban Design Overlay Districts

Throughout the City of Columbia, there are four Overlay Design Districts that have their own unique set of principles and guidelines.

The design review process for Columbia's design districts is administered by the Design/Development Review Commission (DDRC) and the design review staff. All projects come directly to staff for consultation first. Staff may then direct the applicant as to whether the project can be approved at the staff level, or must be directed through the Commission according to City Ordinance.