Multifamily Residential Design Standards

New multifamily residential development currently goes through a Design Review process, which includes review for consistency with the City’s Design Guidelines. The Design Guidelines are subjective in nature to indicate preferences while allowing flexibility, and as a result, cannot be enforced without the exercise of personal judgement or discretion; this is in conflict with the streamlined process required by California Bill SB35. The proposed SB35 Multifamily Residential Design Standards aim to incorporate the intent of the Design Guidelines and protect the interests of the City of Santa Rosa, while complying with the objectives of SB35 to facilitate and expedite the construction of housing.

Please take a few minutes to rank the most important design standards and specify any that should be added or modified. Your time is appreciated.