Design Overlay Districts
Louisville Metro's Design Overlay Districts
Currently, there are three Design Overlay Districts:
- Downtown Development Review Overlay District (DDRO)
- Bardstown Road / Baxter Avenue Corridor Review Overlay District (BROD)
- NuLu Review Overlay District (NROD)
Design Overlay Permit
Some work within the districts requires an Overlay Permit. Within the districts, no person shall commence any Development Activity as defined in Chapter 162 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances without obtaining an Overlay Permit certifying compliance with the applicable Guidelines. The Guidelines are not intended to discourage development or to dictate architectural design or style, but to encourage such development that contributes to the overall urban design quality of each overlay district. The Guidelines and the distinctive characteristics shall be the basis for evaluating applications for development proposals. They coordinate with and expand upon the requirements of the Land Development Code as necessary to achieve the objectives of these facets of urban design.
The design review process provides a forum for citizens and developers to work toward achieving a better urban environment through attention to fundamental urban design principles. Design review is intended to assist new development to contribute positively to Louisville Metro. Design guidelines offer a flexible tool which will allow new development to respond better to the distinctive characteristics of its surroundings.
Legal requirements related to overlay permits can be found in Chapter 162 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances.
Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances
