Phase 1: Research and Data Collection
The first phase of this project will be to gather data. This includes:
- Review of Piedmont’s existing design guidelines and standards, as well as the design review processes and its outcomes
- Review of the General Plan Housing Element and Design and Preservation Element
- Background research on objective design standards developed by other similar jurisdictions
- Study of existing architectural styles, building types, streetscape patterns, building materials and articulation, landscaping, and other characteristics in Piedmont to provide the basis for the new Design Standards
- Case study evaluations of existing policies and development standards on up to six typical sites and/or Housing Element opportunity sites.
Phase 2: Develop Draft Standards
Based on the research completed in Phase 1, the project team will prepare draft Design Standards that reflect the variety of building types and architectural styles appropriate in Piedmont and address topics such as site planning, building massing, building frontages, entrances, exterior materials, landscaping, outdoor lighting, mechanical equipment, screening, parking structures, and surface parking design.
The team will work diligently to establish rigorous standards to ensure good design without being overly-prescriptive. This could include establishing multiple options to satisfy a requirement.
Phase 3: Public Review and Adoption
The Draft Objective Design Standards will be shared for public review and comment before coming to the Planning Commission for recommendations and the City Council for adoption.