Council keeps Design Review Committee, staff says recent changes reduced delays; members ask for greater authority

The City Council voted 4–0 to accept staff’s recommendation not to eliminate the Design Review Committee (DRC) after a staff presentation describing recent code changes and process improvements intended to reduce delays and increase objectivity.

Planning Director Rafael Castillo summarized changes to the zoning code and DRC role adopted in late 2024, including objective standards for village and mission areas, a new pre‑application review, staff authority to approve facade revisions up to 500 square feet if they meet objective standards, and removal of subjective DRC review for certain residential projects required by state housing law. Castillo said those changes, plus new submittal checklists and alignment with the California Permit Streamlining Act, have reduced repetitive DRC meetings and created more consistent staff reports.

Several public commenters and the DRC chair urged that the committee be given greater authority and that enforcement be tightened. DRC Chair (present) said the committee is “solely an advisory body” and asked council to consider expanding its decision‑making role on some elements. Community group WeWatch also supported the DRC and raised concerns about the 500‑sq‑ft exemption for staff approvals.

Council members praised the improvements and agreed the DRC helps protect Solvang’s “old world Danish heritage.” Council discussion touched on enforcement gaps that have allowed recommendations to be omitted from planning‑commission resolutions in the past; staff said revised notices of approval and closer coordination with the city attorney and planning commission are intended to address that problem.

Council asked staff to continue refining objective standards and the design handbook; Castillo said changes can be revisited and that any substantial change to DRC authority would be reviewed with the city attorney and returned to council if needed.