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Calabasas introduces ordinance to adopt objective design standards for multifamily housing; council votes 4–1
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance 2026‑424 to adopt Objective Design Standards (ODS) for qualifying multifamily and mixed‑use projects, creating a ministerial approval path for fully compliant projects and requiring planning‑commission review for deviations. The introduction passed 4–1; adoption was set for May 27, 2026.
The Calabasas City Council on April 22 introduced Ordinance 2026‑424, a package that would add Objective Design Standards (ODS) to the Calabasas Municipal Code and align an existing multifamily section with the new standards. Staff described ODS as measurable, verifiable design requirements intended to streamline ministerial approvals for qualifying multifamily and mixed‑use housing projects while preserving review for deviations.
Under the proposal, the municipal code would add section 17.12.147 and amend section 17.12.145. Projects that meet every applicable ODS would be eligible for ministerial director‑level approval with no public hearing; proposals that request waivers, concessions or variances from ODS would be referred to the Planning Commission. Staff also proposed to establish an ODS permit fee of $16,676 to align review costs with similar site plan review fees.
Consultants from John Kiski Architects reviewed the document structure — a user guide, site and open‑space standards, massing and bulk standards, and building architecture chapters with separate guidance for regional and Old Town Calabasas character — and noted planning‑commission edits that were incorporated, including updates to the tree and plant palette, limited allowance for artificial turf in pet runs, and expanded accent color options.
Council discussion focused on technical points: how ODS interact with state density‑bonus waivers, definitions for multifamily vs. detached condominium projects, parking rules, and measures to reduce loopholes that could allow subjective standards to be evaded. Staff said they would double‑check definitions and ensure detached single‑family homes in condo maps would not be allowed to use the ministerial ODS path. The ordinance would be scheduled for adoption at the May 27, 2026 council meeting if the full text is approved on second reading.
The motion to introduce Ordinance 2026‑424 passed 4–1. One councilmember opposed the introduction on broader legal and policy grounds related to the state housing laws; the dissenting member supported many ODS elements but objected to appearing to accept the state’s housing mandates. The council directed staff to prepare the ordinance for adoption at a future meeting.
