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Council adopts refinements to multifamily objective design standards, adds bike and driveway rules
Summary
The City Council adopted refinements to Santa Cruz’s objective design standards for multifamily housing and related zoning and transportation code updates on May 27, adding incentives for traditional architectural features, a roof‑stepback option to reduce bulk, clearer ground‑floor activation rules and transportation provisions including a Soquel Avenue protected bicycle facility requirement.
The City Council voted to adopt a package of amendments to the city’s objective design standards for multifamily housing and related zoning and transportation code updates on May 27. The updates refine standards originally adopted in 2023 and add targeted adjustments intended to increase design variety, support active streetfronts and improve bicycle and driveway standards.
The changes were presented by planning staff including principal planner Matt Benoit and principal transportation planner Claire Glogly, with planning technician Bennett Williamson leading the design‑standards overview. Staff emphasized that the package is a refinement rather than an overhaul: it responds to community requests for more architectural variety while offering clearer, more legible diagrams for applicants and staff.
Key changes and examples
- Incentive for traditional architectural forms: The…
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