8.20.26: Planning Commission

The City of Ventura Planning Commission held a special meeting on August 20, 2026, focused primarily on reviewing and discussing the draft Objective Design Standards (ODS) for multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use developments. The meeting included a detailed presentation by city staff and consultants from JK Architects and Quickside Landscaping Consulting, outlining the development process, the unique scorecard system for building design standards, and the proposed plant palette emphasizing native and drought-tolerant species. Public comments and commissioner discussions highlighted concerns about the applicability of a single citywide ODS given Ventura's diverse neighborhoods, the need for expanded and flexible landscaping options, the balance between state housing laws and local design control, and the importance of testing and refining the standards before adoption. Commissioners provided feedback supporting the scorecard approach, suggested exploring neighborhood-specific standards, and recommended further review of landscaping requirements and light reflectance values. The commission also discussed procedural aspects, including administrative versus discretionary project reviews and the integration of ODS with existing form-based codes and state density bonus laws. The next steps include additional workshops, public outreach, and eventual adoption hearings in early 2027.