Design Review Commission
Cumberland, RI

Many communities in the Blackstone Valley struggle to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the established character of this historic corridor. Cumberland’s Design Review Commission has a proven record of success.

Composed of five members (two mayoral appointees, one Town Council appointment, one Planning Board member, and a Historic District Commission-appointed member), plus the Town Planner in an ex officio capacity, the Commission reviews all commercial and industrial developments, as well as multifamily projects of more than six units.

Site design (landscaping, access, circulation, lighting, drainage), architecture (layout, appearance, relationship to nearby structures, etc) and associated impacts (run off, sewerage, water supply, garbage disposal, view corridors, traffic, etc.) are evaluated to ensure compliance with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and the ordinance’s design review standards.

In addition, design review standards are reviewed annually by an advisory commission separate from the Design Review Commission. The advisory commission includes representatives of the Town’s Historic District Commission, local business association, Economic Development Commission, and the JHC Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission.

Contact:

Ed Donnelly, Cumberland Town Planner
401.728.2400 x42