Design Review Board


The Design Review Board continues to conduct their meetings via Zoom.   It is recommended that applicants contact our office at least two weeks in advance of a DRB meeting to discuss their project and application process.  Please refer to links at the bottom of this page for application information and materials.  Application deadlines are a week prior to a meeting.


Please contact us by email (elitchman@needhamma.gov) or by phone 781.455.7550 ext. 222 (leave a voice mail), and your message will be returned during business hours.

To listen, view and participate in virtual meetings, please refer to the posted DRB agenda on the Town Calendar for virtual platform details or the agenda link (listed on margin).  Members of the public can join via phone, computer, laptop, or tablet.  Use the following ID: 845-1987-6965.


Meetings 

  • 7:30 p.m.
  • Mondays usually twice per month
  • Currently conducted remotely via Zoom.
Jan. 9, 2023 Cancelled Via Zoom 
Jan. 30, 2023Via Zoom
Feb. 13,  2023 Cancelled  Via Zoom
Feb. 27, 2023Via Zoom
March 13, 2023 Cancelled  Via Zoom
March 27, 2023Via Zoom
April 10, 2023Via Zoom
April 24, 2023Via Zoom
May 22, 2023 (date change)Via Zoom
June 5, 2023Via Zoom
June 26, 2023 Cancelled Via Zoom
July 10, 2023                                                 Via Zoom
August 7, 2023Via Zoom
August 21, 2023Via Zoom 
September 11, 2023Via Zoom
October 2, 2023Via Zoom
October 23, 2023Via Zoom
November 6, 2023Via Zoom
November 20, 2023 CancelledVia Zoom
December 4, 2023Via Zoom
December 18, 2023Via Zoom


Members

The Design Review Board consists of five regular members and two alternate members. 

  • Three regular members are appointed by the Planning Board:
    • One member qualified in the art or design profession*
    • One member to be qualified in fine arts or landscape design
  • Two regular members and two alternate members are appointed by the Select Board:
    • One member qualified in the art or design profession
    • One member who is doing retail business in the town*
  • Appointments are for three year terms

Members:

  • Mark Gluesing, Chair
  • Robert Dermody   
  • Steve Dornbusch 
  • Susan Opton
  • Felix Zemel
  • 2 vacancies* - Please see Volunteer Opportunities link


General Purpose

The Design Review Board shall review permit applications for all new structures and outdoor uses, exterior additions, exterior alterations, and exterior changes in all areas as specified in 7.7.2.2 of the zoning by-laws, and shall also review requests for all sign permits, as required under Article XIX of the Needham general by-laws.

Helpful Information