Planning commissioners to review 'objective design standards' amid concerns about frequent waivers

The Planning Commission told the City Council March 10 that it intends to review and amend select objective design standards after several recent development projects used multiple waivers under state law.

Chair Sean Ai and commissioners said objective standards adopted earlier remain useful but can be difficult to enforce as state law and project types evolve. Commissioners proposed targeted amendments — described as limited, enforceable changes rather than a full rewrite — to reduce excessive waivering and give clearer expectations to developers and staff. They cited examples of many waivers granted on recent projects and said clearer standards could make the review process more predictable for applicants and the public.

Council members expressed mixed views but broad support for the review. Several members emphasized the city’s pro‑housing stance and the need to avoid unintentionally slowing housing delivery, while also noting the value of enforceable, objective rules that reduce discretionary negotiation and produce better built results. Council Member Weineberg stressed preserving institutional knowledge by involving commissioners who worked on the original standards and urged the commission to finish the review in a way that does not delay housing production.

Commissioners said the item will likely require staff and possibly consultant support. The council asked staff to return with a work plan and budget implications so the council can decide how much scope to assign and whether additional consultant assistance is necessary.

Next steps: staff and the Planning Commission will refine the scope and return to council with a fiscal and timeline estimate; the commission will continue public outreach and bring recommended code amendments forward when ready.