Objective Development Design Standards
Summary
Staff wants to create clear, graphic-heavy design standards for multi-family and mixed-use projects — replacing subjective review. Money will be requested in the March mid-year budget, with an RFP for consultants and public workshops to follow.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
A budget request is coming to the council in March; the amount isn't set yet.
Developers get clearer rules; residents get more predictable building design outcomes.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Planning Commission Regular Meeting — August 13, 2026
Twelve planning firms responded to the city's request to develop objective design standards. A short list will present to a selection committee, with a contract expected to start around September or October.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting — June 11, 2026
The city is hiring a consultant to create objective design standards that could let compliant housing and mixed-use projects be approved at staff level without discretionary hearings. Commissioners want the standards to reflect lessons from recent denied projects and to improve downtown walkability, with public input planned.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting — February 12, 2026
Staff wants to create clear, graphic-heavy design standards for multi-family and mixed-use projects — replacing subjective review. Money will be requested in the March mid-year budget, with an RFP for consultants and public workshops to follow.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting — January 8, 2026
State law requires objective design standards for residential project review, and Pacific Grove is behind. The commission is starting a six-to-nine-month effort that will likely need a paid consultant and City Council funding.
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