Newport Beach, California - Objective Design Standards

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Project Overview

Newport Beach lacked universal, objective standards for reviewing proposed multi-family and residential mixed-use projects. Instead, the city has relied heavily upon Specific Plans to regulate multifamily development, with each Specific Plan containing a unique set of subjective guidelines. Consequently, multifamily housing design has been governed by an ad-hoc system of negotiation with the applicant, the planning director, and commissioners. Criteria for evaluation in the development code were extremely subjective. As a result, there has been no certainty or predictability for applicants, and multifamily housing approval has often been a lengthy and iterative process.

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 Standards & Code Language Adopted. ODS document adopted by reference, March 2024.

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