City Council Public Hearing
April 21, 2025
1 Revised Single Family
Objective Design Standards
Presentation Outline
• Project Overview and Recent Work
• Overview of Revisions to Single-Family Objective Design Standards • Staff Recommendation
2 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
Project Purpose
To establish objective design standards that provide developers with a clear understanding of the City’s expectations for single-family residential project design and streamline the construction of housing units by reducing subjectivity in the entitlement process. 3 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
Project Background
Objective design standards were drafted based on:
▪ Existing design standards in the City’s Zoning Code and revised to be objective
▪ Industry best practices
▪ Existing/recent developments approved by the City
4 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
Applicability
• All new single family residential development (including parcels <5,000 square feet)
• These design standards do not apply to:
• Buildings and structures listed on the City’s Local Register of Historic Places
• Multi-family residential development
• Discretionary review process still available to developers that want to deviate from these standards
5 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
Summary of Recent Work
• First Public Review Draft released: August 30, 2024
• Planning Commission and City Council Meetings: November/December 2024 • Developer Roundtable Sessions: January 30, 2025; February 5, 2025 • Each meeting had 12-15 attendees
• Revised Public Review Draft released: March 14, 2025 – March 31, 2025 6 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
Overview of Revised Public Review Draft
▪ The Revised Ordinance was based on discussions with
developers and verbal comments at roundtable session,
plus letters received following the sessions
▪ Removes certain standards and offers more options for complying with standards
▪ Creates more flexibility for developers while still
maintaining the City’s expectations and standards of
development
7 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
Overview of Revisions
• Expanded list of Structure Design Standard options, requiring developers to incorporate at least three items from list of 13 items • Created four style options for front entryways (front porch, recessed entry, deep overhang, or front landing)
• Removed standards regarding unit staggering, garages flush with or behind living space, 2nd story balconies, walkway connection to sidewalks, strict massing and articulation requirements • Added exception powers for Planning Commission
• Other changes to garage widths, utility & service areas, lighting 8 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
9 Proposed Single-Family Communities
Lowery Ranch Subdivision, Site Plan Review #24-282, 12/11/2024 Higgins Ranch Tentative Subdivision Map, Approved 10/21/2022
10 Proposed Single-Family Communities
Clements Ranch Subdivision, Site Plan Review #25-013, 4/16/2024 Ritchie Ranch Tentative Subdivision Map, Pending Review
11 Recent Single-Family Communities
Deelynna Ranch subdivision (McAuliff & Noble)
Greystone 3 subdivision (Akers & Sedona)
Huckleberry Park (Riggin & Conyer)Huckleberry Park (Sedona & Conyer) River Island Ranch (Glendale & Court)
12 Concept Product Built Product
• Shutters removed
• Garage side trim removed
• No pathway to sidewalk
Staff Recommendation
▪ Hold public hearing
▪ Introduce 1st Reading of Ordinance No. 2024-16 for Single- Family Objective Design Standards (ZTA No. 2024-03)
This recommendation is based on the findings that the ZTA is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City’s General Plan.
13 Single-Family Objective Design Standards
Examples of Window Shutters
1215 E. Seeger Court – Morgan Enterprises Construction 5019 W. Brooke Ave., San Joaquin Valley Homes