The Planning Commission will hold a study session to discuss a preliminary draft of updated “objective design standards” for ADUs, mixed-use, and multi-family developments on Monday, September 8.

Planning Commission Study Session: Objective Design Standards
Monday, September 8, 5:30 pm | Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue
Zoom: piedmont-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/81755778036
Agenda | Staff Report

This discussion will build on a study session held last month, where the Commission discussed the overall project and early drafts of proposed standards for 1-4 unit projects.

In Piedmont, objective design standards already exist for ADUs, multi-family, and mixed-use developments. This process will update existing standards to align with new state laws and clarify potentially ambiguous elements.

Objective Design Standards provide clear, predictable rules for what new housing will look like

State law now requires cities to approve certain new housing proposals, including accessory dwelling units and SB9 applications, based on “objective” standards – those that require no subjective judgement or interpretation by public officials.

The Objective Design Standards initiative aims to create clear, measurable, and enforceable rules governing design elements like articulation and massing, providing residents, property owners, and developers clear and consistent expectations for what new housing in Piedmont will look like.

The draft standards were informed by the work of a Planning Commission subcommittee, as well as community input received during community events, at an “Objective Design Standards Open House” held in February, and a recent community survey. A final draft of the proposed new standards is expected to be released for public review and comment later this fall.

A video introduction to Objective Design Standards is available at piedmont.ca.gov/ODSBasics. For more information, visit the project website at piedmont.ca.gov/ODS or contact Senior Planner Gopika Nair at [email protected].