Oakland seeks to promote development, via "Objective Design Standards" for 4-8 story projects

The City of Oakland seeks to adopt Objective Design Standards ("ODS") for four- to eight-story residential and mixed-use multifamily developments.

The ODS initiative aims to streamline the development of 4-8-story multifamily residential and mixed-use buildings in Oakland. It aims to create a more predictable and efficient approval process for housing projects by replacing subjective design evaluations with measurable criteria.

This effort is driven by state laws like SB35, SB330, and the Housing Accountability Act, which require cities to adopt objective standards to expedite housing production and reduce barriers such as delays or inconsistent application of guidelines. Locally, Oakland's affordable housing zones, such as S-13 and S-14, also necessitate clear guidelines to ensure compliance with state mandates while addressing the city's housing needs.

 By implementing these standards, the city ensures ministerial review processes are objective and transparent. This framework eliminates the need for public hearings or appeals, accelerating project timelines while maintaining consistent design expectations.

The process was iterative, incorporating real-world feedback from stakeholders and community members. Outreach has emphasized equity, focusing on groups historically marginalized in the development process, such as communities impacted by racial disparities and individuals with disabilities. Public engagement has included workshops, stakeholder meetings, and opportunities for feedback, all of which have informed the refinement of the standards.

The standards address several key aspects of building design to ensure projects align with neighborhood character while fostering high-quality construction. Transition standards help new buildings integrate into existing neighborhoods by defining setbacks, building heights, rooflines, and material use, particularly in areas near historic properties.

The standards also aim to support equitable housing development by ensuring that affordable and market-rate projects are subject to the same quality requirements.

These standards represent an essential step in Oakland's efforts to address its housing crisis by promoting efficient, equitable, and high-quality development practices.

I look forward to seeing projects take advantage of these standards soon and other Bay Area cities adopt a similar process.