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Planning commission forwards updated objective design standards for multifamily and mixed-use projects to Town Council
Summary
After a detailed, section-by-section review, the Planning Commission unanimously forwarded a revised draft of the town's objective design standards (ODS) for multifamily and mixed-use projects to the Town Council, asking staff and the consultant to clarify language, add diagrams and check legal phrasing before council consideration.
The Planning Commission unanimously voted June 24 to forward a revised draft of the town's Objective Design Standards (ODS) for multifamily and mixed-use projects to the Town Council, after a comprehensive presentation by staff and consultant Lisa Wise (project manager Monica Sibley).
Consultant Monica Sibley told commissioners the update implements town policy and state law (including SB 330) and adds design elements intended to raise building quality and clarify objective measures for ministerial review. Key draft changes include 360-degree elevation design to limit blank walls, upper-story step-back and reduced height requirements within 40 feet of single-family districts, new community open-space minimums, and clearer guidance on roof and material durability.
Commissioners reviewed the draft line by line, asked for clearer language and illustrations (diagrams for parking structure openings, dormer limits, and massing options), recommended adding or clarifying terms ("townhouse"/"condominium"), and asked staff to check the use of legal terms ("shall" vs. "must") with the Town Attorney. Staff and the consultant agreed to revise the draft text and improve figures before presenting the recommendation to the Town Council.
The commission unanimously voted to forward the draft and its direction to the council; staff emphasized that the recommendation itself is not subject to CEQA and that specific projects will undergo separate CEQA review and permit processes as appropriate.
