A.1 - Joint City Council and Planning Workshop - ODSCITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING
COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP
Objective Design Standards (ODS)
June 16, 2022
Planning and Development Services Division
◼On May 19, 2022, the Planning Commission
received a presentation introducing the
proposed ODS requirements.
❑No action was taken
❑Planning Commission’s comments are included
on the Staff Report
◼Tonight’s intent
❑Introduce the ODS Ordinance to the Council
❑Discuss the Planning Commission’s comments
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BACKGROUND
❑Collective Legislation Requires Objective Design Standards
Housing Accountability Act (HAA)
Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval Process (SB 35)
Housing Crisis Act (SB 330)
❑Intent of the State Legislature
▪Reduce local regulatory barriers and costs
▪Streamline the housing approval process
▪Residential projects must be reviewed objectively
▪Requires ministerial review and approval process
NEW STATE LAWS
❑Housing Accountability Act (HAA)
▪Can’t deny a project or reduce density if compliant with ODS
▪Projects must be reviewed against objective standards
▪Exceptions to ODS –full Planning Commission review
❑Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval Process (SB 35)
▪Opt-in program to obtain faster approval
▪Very narrow and specific criteria to meet eligibility
▪Rely only on ODS –no discretionary review –exempt from CEQA
❑Housing Crisis Act (SB 330)
▪Preliminary application process
▪Freezes or vest the standards that apply to a formal application
▪Specific timeframes for City and developer for reviews and submittals
NEW STATE LAWS
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Allowed Under Current Standards
❑No Specific Architectural Style
❑Balance Flexibility with Quality of Design
❑Combination of “required for all” and “menu” options for design
elements
❑Importance of Sustainable Design
❑Graphics for clear identification of standards
❑Amenities are scalable and adaptable
❑Procedures for review and approvals
Goals
❑Chapter 18.64 -Objective Design Standards
▪Applicable to multifamily and mixed-use with two-thirds residential
▪Addresses Sustainable Building and Site Design
▪Additional design standards for mixed-use
❑Graphic Illustrations –Building Design –Orientation
NEW CHAPTER TO TITLE 18
❑Graphic Illustrations –
Building Design –Massing and Articulation
NEW CHAPTER TO TITLE 18
❑Graphic Illustrations
Site Design –Connectivity
NEW CHAPTER TO TITLE 18
❑Graphic Illustrations
Mixed-Use -Storefronts
AMENITIES
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ADDITIONAL CRITERIA
◼LEED Platinum certification
◼Water Efficiency requirements
◼Lighting Standards –using lighting as an
architectural component
◼Mechanical and utilities screened or
underground
◼Standards for refuse collection
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PLANNING COMMISSION’S COMMENTS
What are the front setback
requirements?
In addition to the ODS standards, projects will require
compliance with the development design standards
established by the underlying zone district.The Municipal
Code requires 25-foot front setback for multifamily
residential zoning.
What is the minimum distance
between buildings?
The Municipal Code requires a minimum distance
between buildings of 20-feet for multifamily residential
zoning.
What are the parkway trees
requirements?
Staff added ODS landscape requirements in compliance
with Chapter 12.28 -Street and Parkway Trees.
Revise Table 18.64.060A to
increment square footage for
the gym.
Staff has revised the table to include square footage
increments to the gym, clubhouse, business center
workstations, and added basketball and tennis court
requirements for 100 units or more.
Provide bicycle lockers and
racks requirements
Bicycle storage will be required at the rate of 1 bicycle
locker per 4 units and 1 bicycle rack parking per 4 units.
Who will be maintaining alleys
created by a proposed
development?
Alleys are considered part of the project and maintenance
shall be conditioned to the project to be provided by the
property owner.
ADDED REQUIREMENTS
◼EV charging stations as required by the most recent
California Green Building Standards Code.
❑1 EV charge per garage and 1 EV charge per five parking units will
be required.
◼Art in Public places as part of the development (objective
standards to be developed).
◼Developments proposing 24 residential units, or more are
required to provide:
❑10% low-income units or 5% very-low-income units.
◼Comply with the Municipal Code Parking Requirements
❑Chapter 18.60–Off-Street Parking
◼Bicycle requirements:
❑1 bicycle locker with a 120v power per four units and 1 bicycle rack
parking per every four units
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❑No Action Required Tonight
❑Planning Commission Meeting Public
Hearing Notice
❑Recommending adoption to the City Council
❑City Council Meeting Public Hearing
Notice
❑First reading
❑Second reading
WHAT IS NEXT?
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Allowed Under Current Standards
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QUESTIONS?