ZA-2026-02004:Objective Design Standards (ODS)

The City of Aliso Viejo is proposing a zoning code amendment to Section 15.62 to implement objective design standards for new residential developments that include a significant portion of affordable housing units. Specifically, the amendment applies to projects where 20% or more of the base units are designated as affordable to low-income households on designated Housing Element Sites, as well as to SB35 qualifying projects with at least 10% of base units affordable to low-income households. These standards are intended to provide clear, measurable, and consistent requirements that streamline approval processes while ensuring that affordable housing developments meet high-quality design benchmarks consistent with community character and neighborhood context. The initiative aims to reduce subjectivity and variability in the review of affordable housing projects by establishing transparent, enforceable criteria that apply uniformly across qualifying developments. This will help accelerate approvals, encourage investment in affordable housing, and ensure that such projects are integrated effectively into the built environment. The amendment is part of broader efforts to comply with state housing goals and support equitable community development. The lead point of contact for this initiative is Rose Rivera, Senior Planner at the City of Aliso Viejo, and the proposal is publicly available through the California Environmental Quality Act portal under Project Number 2026060296.