Objective Design Standards Phase 2
The City is updating its existing Objective Design Standards (ODS) for multi-family, commercial, and mixed-used residential development! This update will implement Housing Element Programs and support compliance with recent state housing laws. The project is creating standards that govern building form, design, site layout, and more.
Upcoming: City Council Review - January 12
Join the City Council (Council) at its review of standards relating to building setbacks and step backs, where to put parking, building design styles, articulation, fenestration, and more! Display boards with clear explanations will be available for review starting at 6:30 p.m. (30 minutes ahead of the meeting) in the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center (3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.). No previous background or experience discussing architecture required - come to learn!
Planning Commission Review - December 15
The Planning Commission (PC) reviewed the draft ODS document and display boards at its regular December 15 meeting. The PC offered feedback in the form of a few small changes, then voted to forward the document to City Council for review, with a recommendation of approval. Materials from the meeting can be found HERE (Staff Report, Item 7.a.) and HERE (Display Boards); minutes will be posted here once they have been approved.
Past Meetings
The Design Review Commission's working group has meet through the fall and presented its efforts at an open house and special DRC meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Materials from the meeting can be found HERE (Staff Report) and HERE (Display Boards), audio recording of the meeting can be found HERE, and minutes will be added once available.
The Design Review Commission discussed the project on July 28, 2025 and established a working group that is now coordinating closely with staff and the consultant to draft updated objective design standards. Materials from the meeting can be found HERE, video of the meeting can be found HERE, and minutes can be found HERE.
On June 23, 2025, City Council, Planning Commission, and Design Review Commission (DRC) kicked-off the project with a joint meeting to discuss project goals. At the meeting, the Council directed the DRC to work with staff to develop updates to the existing standards. The meeting agenda and report can be found HERE, the staff presentation and audio can be found HERE, and minutes from the meeting can be found HERE.
Get Involved!
Please check back regularly for updates and additional materials.
Questions and comments? Please email Senior Planner Arly Cassidy.