Special Notice / Hearing: 10-day
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Steve Monowitz, Director of Planning and Building
Subject: Consideration of an Ordinance Adopting New Design Review Standards
RECOMMENDATION:
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Public hearing for consideration of an ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 8.256 of the County Ordinance Code (Zoning Regulations):
A) Open public hearing
B) Close public hearing
C) Adopt an ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 8.256 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code (Zoning Regulations) regulating Design Review (DR) Districts, and adopting related conforming zoning text amendments, previously introduced to the Planning Commission on May 13, 2026; and
D) Adopt a resolution directing submittal of the new Chapter 8.256 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code (Zoning Regulations) regulating Design Review (DR) Districts, and related conforming zoning text amendments, as amendments to the County's Local Coastal Program, to the California Coastal Commission for review and certification; and
E) Adopt a resolution amending the Planning and Building Department Planning Service Fee Schedule to add design review fees for ministerial review and exceptions.
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BACKGROUND:
The overarching goals of the Design Review (DR) Ordinance Update Project (Project) are to:
1. Revise the current DR Zoning District design standards such that they are objective in order to replace subjective standards, which cannot be enforced per State law for State-streamlined housing project types (such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and SB 9 and SB 35 projects), to ensure that new projects remain compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods; and
2. Further streamline design review, including, but not limited to establishing a ministerial design review process in areas outside of the Coastal Zone, thereby eliminating the Bayside Design Review Committee (BDRC) and the Emerald Lake Hills Design Review Of...
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