The Downtown Design Review Committee (DDRC) is established by the Article IX-M of the City of Hopewell Zoning Ordinance and consists of five (5) Hopewell citizens appointed by the City Council.  The committee members serve staggered terms.  All members reside in the City of Hopewell with at least one (1) member a downtown property owner, one (1) member be a downtown business owner, and the remaining three (3) members having knowledge of, and demonstrated interest in the historic character of the City, and knowledge or expertise deemed useful to the work of the Committee.

The purpose of the DDRC is to study proposals and grant Certificates of Appropriateness for the erection, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or removal of any building or structure within the Downtown Central Business (B-1) District.

The DDRC consult with business and property owners in the downtown to assist with any work which will affect the exterior architectural appearance (architectural character, general arrangement of the exterior of a structure; general composition, including the kind, color and texture of the building material; type and character of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, awnings, and appurtenant elements) subject to public view from a public street, alley or other public place.

Once a decision has been made related to how business or property owner intends to erect, reconstruct, alter or restore a building or structure, an application is filed with the DDRC for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).  The DDRC meets on the first Wednesday of each month to review requests for a COA.  The DDRC's decision will come within 60 days of the meeting.  An appeal of any decision of the DDRC must be taken to the Hopewell City Council. 

Downtown Central Business (B-1) District