The Planning Commission will consider making a recommendation to Council to adopt proposed “Objective Design Standards,” which will govern new housing construction in Piedmont. The proposal includes updates to existing standards for ADUs, mixed-use, and multi-family development, and new objective standards for single family homes and residential projects up to 4 units.
Planning Commission: Objective Design Standards
Monday, January 12, 5:30pm | Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue
Zoom: piedmont-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/81755778036
Agenda | Staff Report
A year and a half in development, the Draft Objective Design Standards aim 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.
While not dictating specific architectural styles, the draft standards are designed to result in housing consistent with what already exists in Piedmont – maintaining architectural interest through form, articulation, step backs, and other structural detail.
Draft Objective Design Standards reflect community feedback and existing design guidelines
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.
Unlike the traditional design review process, these state-mandated “ministerial” permits cannot take into account public comments and do not come to the Planning Commission for approval at a public meeting.
When developing the Objective Design Standards, the project team – which included a Planning Commission subcommittee – started with Piedmont’s existing Design Review Guidelines and looked at how they could be translated into objective, measurable rules.
The draft Objective Design Standards were also informed by community feedback received at two open house events, an online survey, and two Planning Commission study sessions. Proposed rules governing driveways and window placement reflect common concerns about safety and privacy.
The draft Objective Design Standards triggered some revisions to the City’s Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 17-Planning and Land Use) and the Piedmont Design Standards and Guidelines. These amendments will also be presented to the Commission for their consideration and recommendation on January 12, 2026. The City will continue to have remodels and additions to existing homes go through discretionary processes.
If the Planning Commission votes to recommend the draft standards, the proposal is tentatively scheduled to come to the City Council for adoption in February.
Learn more about this initiative and see materials and video from previous discussions HERE