Title 25 Objective Design and Development Standards

For decades, multi-unit housing project design has been directed by design guidelines for specific types of projects and areas of the City. These design guidelines often require interpretation and a judgment call to determine whether they’ve been met.

The ODDS are “objective,” which means they are measurable and verifiable (i.e., no “gray area” for interpretation). The objective design review process combines Project Design Approval and Final Design Approval in one step to make the process more streamlined and predictable.

They apply to areas of the City that currently allow two or more residential units (not including accessory dwelling units) and mixed-use.

Opticos Design researched the City’s existing design guidelines, permitting process, and regulations; interviewed staff, subject-matter experts, design board members, and developers; analyzed the City’s neighborhood fabric and rich architectural character; and applied industry-leading expertise.

The Existing Conditions Report includes an evaluation the existing physical character of the project area, a study of current zoning standards on five lots, and a list of existing architectural styles by neighborhood and building size.

The project was guided by a Work Group consisting of members of the City’s Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Commission, Planning Commission, and local American Institute of Architects to provide input on work products and design ideas.