Position Description

Background:

The Design Advisory Board (DAB) has the responsibility of advising the City's Development Review Board on matters regarding urban design and site planning for proposed development projects reviewed under the City's zoning ordinance. The Board is comprised of five volunteers appointed by the City Council to 3-year terms who must either work or live in the City of Burlington. Staff assistance is provided by the Department of Permitting & Inspections. The Board currently meets twice each month on alternating Tuesday afternoons beginning at 3 pm.

Historic Preservation Review Committee:

The Design Advisory Board has a standing subcommittee - the Historic Preservation Review Committee (HPRC) - with the responsibility of advising the City on matters related to historic preservation. The Committee consists of three members with a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in the field of historic preservation, and to the extent possible, at least two of the members must be professionals from the disciplines of history, architectural history, architecture, and historical architecture.

The HPRC also serves as the local advisory committee under the Vermont Certified Local Government Program providing advice and recommendations to the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The work of the Committee includes maintaining a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties; preparation of reports and recommendations concerning properties within the City which are under consideration for listing on the National Register of Historic Places; and, review and comment on projects being considered under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Essential Job Functions:

• Review of site plans for conformance with applicable city regulations with regard to issues such as parking, circulation, landscaping, protection of important natural and cultural features, drainage, building location and configuration, lot coverage, and location of utilities.
   
• Review of building elevations and architectural designs for conformance with applicable city regulations with regard to issues such as compatibility with neighborhood character, conservation of historic resources, building height and massing, energy efficiency, materials selection, and overall urban design quality.
   
• Conduct site visits, either as a Board or individually, to view property that may be proposed for development to better understand the relationship of the proposed development with nearby buildings, land uses and natural surroundings.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in the fields of historic preservation, architectural history, architecture, landscape architecture, land use planning, civil engineering, real estate, construction, or land use law.
   
• Familiarity with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation is desirable.
   
• Ability to read and interpret maps, site plans, aerial photographs, building elevations and other related plans and drawings.
   
• Ability to work effectively with project applicants, other city boards and commissions, Department staff, and the public in a professional and courteous manner required.
   
• Willingness to listen, learn, and compromise.
   
• Attention to detail, and ability to think in abstract terms.
   
• Patience and open mindedness.
   
• Ability to make decisions based on the best interests of the community as a whole, rather than those of the applicant or other special-interest groups.

Time Requirements:

The Burlington Design Advisory Board (DAB) has an open volunteer position. Please see details here: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/DPI/DAB/Position-Description

The DAB meets a minimum of two afternoons per month for meetings approximately 3 hours long - Meeting Schedule. In addition, an average of 4 to 6 hours per month is required to review meeting packets 4-7 days in advance of a meeting, and conducting site visits.

Application Process:

• Pick-up an Application from the City Clerk-Treasurer's Office in City Hall.
   
• Applicants for vacant positions must be nominated by a City Councilor. The Clerk-Treasurer's Office can provide contact information.
   
• Return completed applications to the Clerk-Treasurer's Office in late May of each year.
   
• The City Council will make its appointments in June for positions that begin their term in July.