Commission backs Phase 1 objective design standards for multifamily and mixed‑use projects
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Summary
The Planning Commission recommended that City Council find the Phase 1 objective design standards consistent with the housing element addendum and adopt a Phase 1 ordinance to convert vetted objective standards into code (chapter 18.27), noting Phase 2 will address gaps and revisit applicability to specific project types.
The Santa Clara Planning Commission voted to recommend adoption of Phase 1 of citywide objective design standards for multifamily and residential mixed‑use projects, asking City Council to incorporate the standards into the municipal code as chapter 18.27.
Planner Alex Telles described the Phase 1 package as a consolidation of objective, measurable standards drawn from Santa Clara’s existing specific plans and precise plans. The stated purpose is to provide predictable, verifiable criteria that streamline review, comply with applicable state law on objective standards and the city’s housing element goals, and help the city meet statutory timelines for project review.
Telles said Phase 1 focuses on project types the city commonly receives (for example, townhouses and other multifamily forms) and preserves a path to local control by using standards that are externally verifiable rather than subjective judgments. He emphasized this is Phase 1; staff intends an extensive Phase 2 outreach and a set of standards to address gaps such as multiplexes and other forms not fully captured by specific plans.
Commissioners asked logistical questions about which applications the standards would apply to (pre‑applications vs. formal applications), whether applications could “lock in” prior standards if they went inactive, and whether properties already on the HRI would be exempt. Staff said code contains common sunset/inactivity rules (a 180‑day inactivity threshold was described) and that HRI properties would remain subject to preservation rules rather than these objective standards.
During public comment Mary Bridal praised objective standards as a tool to maintain local control and prevent developers from bypassing local review and urged the Commission to adopt measures that preserve walkable, mixed‑use outcomes.
After discussion the Commission approved motions recommending City Council determine the project consistent with the January 31, 2023 housing element addendum (CEQA) and to adopt the Phase 1 objective design standards ordinance. Commissioners and staff noted Phase 2 will follow to address identified gaps and legal counsel‑identified applicability questions.
Next steps: the recommendation will be transmitted to City Council for their consideration; staff plans broader public outreach and code maintenance as part of Phase 2.
