Brentwood planners present draft residential design guidelines and recommended zoning text changes; no vote held

Tim Bridal, the city's planning consultant with h3 Studio, presented the final draft of citywide residential architectural design guidelines to the Brentwood Planning and Zoning Commission and the Architectural Review Board on May 14 and said the full draft “has been circulated to P and Z and the Architectural Review Board.” The meeting was informational only because the commission lacked a quorum and no formal votes were taken.

The guidelines are intended to guide review of new homes and additions across Brentwood and to clarify what projects the Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews versus what staff may approve administratively. Bridal said the guidelines would be considered as “an addendum to the city's comprehensive plan” if no major issues arise, and that city planning staff expect to present the recommendations at a joint meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the ARB on June 11 for formal consideration.

Why it matters: the draft pairs design guidance with suggested zoning-code text amendments intended to make review outcomes more predictable for applicants, ARB members and staff. The document addresses house massing, roof forms, window and porch details, permitted and prohibited materials, mechanical equipment placement (including solar panels), and site features such as retaining walls and significant trees. It also recommends concrete zoning changes intended to align setbacks and driveway standards with prevailing neighborhood conditions.

Key provisions presented

- Administrative review thresholds: The draft says certain small projects may be handled by staff rather than ARB, including open-air structures without roofs (pergolas, trellises), manufactured sunrooms and screened…