The purpose of the downtown Canton Architectural Review Board is to ensure the harmonious, orderly and efficient growth and development of the downtown area by the conservation of elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic and architectural heritage.

A five member board reviews applications for development which include additions, alterations, fences, landscaping, awnings and signs to determine their compliance with all applicable architectural and design guidelines and requirements.

If approved, the ARB issues a Certificate of Appropriateness. In effect, the board has been created to guide development in the downtown by ensuring that exterior alterations are consistent with the urban fabric of our center city. The ARB was created by City Council ordinance in 2005.