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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Adoption of Ordinance amending Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995 (Zoning Code), to update existing development standards and provide new objective design standards for multi-family and residential mixed-use development in residential and commercial zones (Zoning Code Amendment Case Nos. PZC-0007-2023 and PZC- 0008-2023).
1. Ordinance Amending Title 30 to Update Multi-Family Residential Development Standards and Provide New Objective Design Standards for Multi-family and Residential Mixed-Use Projects in Residential and Commercial Districts
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Adoption of Ordinances
Approved for May 19, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On May 12, 2026, Council introduced an ordinance amending Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code (“GMC”), 1995, to update existing development standards and establish new objective design standards for multi-family and residential mixed-use development within residential and commercial zones (Zoning Code Amendment Case Nos. PZC- 0007-2023 and PZC-0008-2023).
Following public testimony, the Council directed staff to incorporate three of the five Planning Commission recommendations included in the April 15, 2026 Planning Commission motion. The ordinance was updated and is being presented to the City Council for adoption.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council review and adopt the proposed ordinance. 29a
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ANALYSIS
On May 12, 2026, Council introduced an ordinance proposing a new chapter to Title 30 - GMC Chapter 30.17 for Objective Design Standards (ODS), and amending GMC Chapter 30.11 (Residential Districts) related to multi-family development standards, GMC Chapter 30.12 (Commercial Districts) (C1, C2, C3, CR and CH) regarding multi- family and residential mixed-use development standards in commercial zones, as well as related amendments to GMC Chapter 30.31 (Landscaping), Chapter 30.47 (Design Review), and Chapter 30.70 (Definitions). (Attachment 1) The proposed Zoning Code amendments update the existing residential development standards and establish a clear set of objective architectural and design requirements for new multi-family and residential mixed-use developments. These amendments implement Housing Element program requirements, respond to recent State legislation mandating the adoption of objective design standards and streamlined review procedures for qualifying housing projects, and proactively address SB 79, which takes effect on July 1, 2026.
After reviewing the staff report and proposed ordinance, hearing the detailed staff presentation, and receiving public testimony at the May 12, 2026 public hearing, the Council directed staff to incorporate three of the five recommendations included in the Planning Commission’s April 15, 2026 motion. The incorporated recommendations were as follows:
Allow interior (side) setbacks to be included in COSA area calculations. Remove the limitation restricting COSA areas to the front 80% of the lot, provided they are accessible to all residents.
Allow balconies to project up to 12 inches into required setbacks.
City Council did not support the Planning Commission’s recommendations to:
Add “Architectural Banding,” as presented during the public hearing, as an option for modulation/articulation, including allowable projections into setbacks.
Eliminate the proposed Public Right-of-Way and Access Improvements requiring a 12-foot minimum public realm along commercial corridors.
Councilmember Asatryan introduced the proposed ordinance. Staff has since revised the ordinance as introduced (Attachment 2), and the introduced ordinance is now being presented to City Council for adoption. Pursuant to the City’s Charter, adoption of Zoning Code amendments requires a four-fifths vote of the City Council.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
A detailed summary of the public hearings, meetings and outreach was included in the May 12, 2026 City Council staff report for ordinance introduction as Attachment 3. 39a
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The Zoning Code requires public notice when the Council considers adoption of amendments to the Zoning Code and/or the General Plan. Staff has published all required notices for this hearing, as well as for the Planning Commission hearing held on April 15, 2026.
In addition, four email blasts were sent to the 825+ subscribers on the Long Range Planning email list, including representatives of neighborhood and community groups, homeowner associations, and interested parties, prior to the Planning Commission and City Council meetings. The notices informed recipients of the proposed amendments and invited public participation and comment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA)
The proposed zoning code amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and 15305 because the project involves minor changes to land use regulations involving design only and do not result in any changes to land use or density, and also because there is no possibility that the proposed objective design standards may have a significant effect on the environment.
Specifically, the amendments update certain development standards and establish objective design standards for multi-family residential and residential mixed-use development proposals. The objective design requirements do not result in any increase in residential density or building height beyond what is currently allowed in residential or commercial zoning districts.
Any future development projects subject to the proposed ordinance would continue to be reviewed individually for potential environmental impacts in accordance with CEQA.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Do not adopt the proposed ordinance, in which case the existing development standards will remain in effect and the ODS would not be adopted. As a result, residential development under SB 79 could proceed and SB 130 would be implemented without any objective design standards in place.
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Alternative 2: Propose revisions to the ordinance, which would require review by Planning Commission and the return of the amended ordinance to City Council at a later date.
Alternative 3: City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Jack Wong, Interim Director of Community Development
Prepared by:
Vilia Zemaitaitis, AICP, Deputy Director of Long Range Planning Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
1. City Council Staff Report dated May 12, 2026, without attachments (available online at: https://glendaleca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=41290)
2. Draft Ordinance Incorporating Council Direction of May 12, 2026 (see tracked changes)