The Design Review Committee is an advisory committee to the Falmouth Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Building Commissioner and the Board of Selectmen. It reviews all applications for special permits and site plan review within business and industrial zoning districts for compatibility of the projects with the surrounding neighborhood. It also reviews applications for signs for compliance with the sign code.

The Design Review Committee would rather see any plans in the early stages so that it can help with the forming of the project. The committee can be a big help without charging any fee. As dictated by our Zoning Bylaw #240-185, it is comprised of an Architect, a Landscape Architect or Civil Engineer, a person from a community civic group, two business owners and one citizen from the Town of Falmouth.

The Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 5 p.m.

Links to: Design Review Application form, Rules and Regulations, Sign permit application form and instructions (obtain from building department), Historic District Commission, Building Commissioner, Preservation Awards and Preserving Historic buildings and Community Character in Falmouth.

Applications for meetings with the Design Review Committee may be obtained from the Town Hall receptionist or on-line. Appointments for review are made when completed applications are filed with the receptionist. Applicants must bring two copies of site, landscape and building plans and elevations.

Signs greater than eight square feet require a sign permit. Applications for sign permits may be obtained from the building department or on-line. Two copies of a sketch of the sign, drawn to scale, with actual measurements and a photograph of the wall or plot plan of the area where it will be displayed must be included in the application. Color and material to be used must be specified.

If the sign exceeds the size limits of the sign code, or for any off-premises sign, a variance will be required from the Selectmen's office. See sign permit information for procedure.