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Planning commission hears extended briefing on development code update and objective design standards
Summary
Staff briefed the commission on the citywide development code update, explaining that objective design standards will be woven into Division 3 and that the public review draft will be released May 15; division 3 (ODS) will be redrafted and released separately with public workshops planned for June and further hearings in August and September.
Planning staff provided an extended briefing on the Cathedral City development code update and the objective design standards during the April 15 meeting, outlining schedule, content and public outreach plans and answering detailed commissioner questions about format, graphics and the CEQA approach.
Staff explained that the objective design standards (ODS) are being integrated into Division 3 (general development standards) so the code will read as a single, contiguous document rather than a standalone guideline. The public review draft was scheduled for release on May 15 with a public comment period through June 19. Staff also confirmed planning commission workshops on June 17-18 and a public workshop on June 9 at the library.
Because Division 3 requires substantial redrafting and cross-referencing to ensure objective (non-discretionary) standards and consistent graphics across chapters, staff said Division 3 would not be part of the initial May 15 public review draft and would instead be released for public review and a planning commission hearing in a subsequent step (targeted prior to the August 19 planning commission hearing). Staff emphasized the need for consistent graphics and cross-references and said chapter 3 would be provided to the commission prior to the August public hearing.
On environmental review, staff said a CEQA addendum to rely on the general plan EIR is the planned approach (M&S/Mintier Harish identified as the SQA/CEQA consultant). Commissioners asked for robust public outreach (printed copies in public locations, noticing beyond the minimum, and clear graphics to help public understanding). Legal counsel and staff advised the commission that it could recommend extending timelines to the council but could not unilaterally alter council-directed deadlines; final adoption remains a council decision.
Staff listed the schedule for subsequent hearings (public review, workshops, planning commission hearings, and council readings) and noted that Division 3 and graphics will follow as a separate public review item. No action was required; the item was for information and discussion only.
