Glendale, California - Multifamily Objective Design Standards

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Project Overview

The City of Glendale directed Crandall Arambula to evaluate the citywide multi-family design standards and determine how existing development standards such as height, common open space, parking, setbacks, etc. may be limiting multi-family properties from reaching their maximum development potential. This limited potential has inhibited Glendale’s ability to create additional housing to assist in resolving the city’s affordable housing shortage. The city’s intent was to modify or create new standards to permit maximum development potential to stimulate investment in additional housing stock.

Applicable Tasks & Outcomes

  • Project management. Met bi-weekly to review project schedule, budget, and progress on deliverables.

  • Analysis & Information Gathering. Evaluated existing codes, review procedures, and recent proposals. Evaluation and recommendations were informed by site visits and consultation with staff.

  • Design Tools for Applicants. Developed a Pattern Book for applicants to select architectural features from.

  • Design Standards & Code Language Adopted. ODS document adopted as code text, 2023.

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