Adopting Objective Design Standards to Streamline Development Approvals

When combined with a robust process of engagement and community goal-setting, Objective Design Standards provide a uniquely flexible opportunity to establish effective regulations that translate community priorities into physical development. Such standards provide a more flexible alternative to Form Based Codes and can serve as an overlay within existing General Plans, Comprehensive Plans, and Zoning Ordinances.

This panel will discuss the importance of methods to avoid adverse development feasibility impact by Standards. When proposed standards are evaluated through market analyses and real-world test fit studies, Standards provide a valuable level of certainty to applicants that can be balanced against clear, enhanced community requirements. An Objective Standards-based review system avoids the potential legal issues of discretionary review and is being shown to increase housing production in the State of California. Our panelists will bring diverse perspectives from cities, small communities and state-level policy perspectives from the Midwest, including Minnesota, and the West Coast.

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