Kent Design Guidelines Update

Kent, OH

The City of Kent contracted with CT to revise its Design Review Guidelines.

The City of Kent contracted with CT to revise its Design Review Guidelines, which were initially drafted with a focus on historic preservation for a Historic District that was never adopted.

The planning process included:

- A detailed review of the existing design guidelines.
- Extensive analysis of existing conditions.
- Robust public engagement activities.

CT’s community planners gained valuable insight through various outreach methods, including interviews with residents, local business owners and architects, and the Architectural Review Board, Planning Commission, and City Council members. Based on this input, CT prepared a Diagnostic Assessment report. The recommendations called for creating design standards and guidelines focused on urban design principles to maintain and enhance downtown Kent’s unique and eclectic public realm.

The final report included specific required design standards to include in the zoning code and a tandem set of design guidelines to assist the Architectural Review Board in its review of new downtown construction projects and facade improvements.