Help shape an initiative to develop “objective design standards” for new housing in Piedmont by completing a short online survey.

State law now requires cities to approve certain new housing projects, including accessory dwelling units and SB9 applications, based on “objective” standards – those that require no subjective judgement or interpretation by public officials.

The Objective Design Standards initiative aims to create clear, measurable, and enforceable rules governing design elements like articulation and massing, providing residents, property owners, and developers clear and consistent expectations for what new housing in Piedmont will look like.

This survey is an opportunity for community members to help shape the standards by sharing your preferences and priorities. The survey asks:

• How important is architectural consistency within neighborhoods?
• What architectural elements are the most important, regardless of style?
• How important are building and site features like porches, balconies, low fences, and open front yards?
• What would your biggest concerns be if a new home or major addition was built next door to you?

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete and is available at piedmont.ca.gov/ODSSurvey. Responses will be accepted through May 19. Your feedback will help ensure new construction respects the design qualities that residents value most.

In Piedmont, objective design standards already exist for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and multi-family and mixed-use developments. This initiative is developing new objective standards for one-to-four unit residential development and updating the existing standards for other housing types.

A video introduction to Objective Design Standards is available at piedmont.ca.gov/ODSBasics. For more information, visit the project website at piedmont.ca.gov/ODS.