Lower Density Residential Objective Design Standards

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Update to Single-family Design Techniques

We are working to create objective design standards for lower density residential developments. These design standards will replace the existing outdated Single Family Design Techniques (created in 2003). These design standards would apply to:

Single-family homes
Two-family dwelling units
Dual Urban Opportunity (DUOs) dwellings

The goals for the design standards are to:

Create standards that are objective: clear and straightforward.
Respect the character and scale of existing neighborhoods.
Promote thoughtful planning and design.
Streamline the review and approval process.

Contact

Aastha Vashist – Email to sign up for project interest list
Senior Planner
408-730-7458

PROGRESS AND PUBLIC OUTREACH

How to Participate

Read the public draft: Lower Density Residential Objective Design Standards
Attend upcoming meetings
Email the project planner noted in Contact above

Next Steps

Jan. 12, 2026: Planning Commission study session.
- Introduce the draft document to the Planning Commission and public.
- You are welcome to share comments.
- No formal decisions are made at study sessions.
Spring 2026: Planning Commission and City Council public hearings scheduled for final adoption.

Upcoming Meetings

When: Monday, Jan. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Online and Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave.

Join on Zoom
Call-in: 833-548-0276 | Meeting ID: 918 2739 0357
Watch on YouTube

DOCUMENTS

BACKGROUND

Our current design standards were written over 20 years ago. In response to community feedback the City Council proposed developing improved, updated standards. The intent is to make standards simpler for our residents and design community. Also, to make standards objective, in other words, transparent, clear and straightforward. Having objective standards will also help speed our development review process.

Gaining compliance with recent state legislation applying to housing projects helps our efforts. (Legislation as defined in Government Code Section 65589.5.)

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