Proposed ordinance to update design review standards in San Mateo County.

NOTICE OF SUMMARY OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE On January 28, 2026, the San Mateo County Planning Commission introduced an ordinance to repealing and replacing Chapter 8.256 of the County Ordinance Code (Zoning Regulations) regulating Design Review (DR) Districts, and related conforming zoning text amendments. On April 7, 2026 the Board of Supervisors will consider adoption of the ordinance. The proposed ordinance replaces subjective design review standards with objective standards. The new objective design review standards are designed to address changes in State law related to regulation of accessory dwelling units, other streamlined housing projects, to ensure that all projects remain compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. The ordinance would also further streamline design review, including by establishing a ministerial design review process in areas outside of the Coastal Zone. The ordinance, if adopted by the Board on April 7, 2026, will take effect thirty days from that date, except in the County's Coastal Zone, where it shall be effective immediately upon certification by the California Coastal Commission. The full text of the ordinance can be viewed online by visiting the following website: https://www.smcgov.org/planning/design-review-dr-ordinance-update-project. The full text of the ordinance is also available with the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, who may be contacted at (650) 363-4123. This Notice is prepared and posted in accordance with Government Code � 25124. SMCT 6959409; Apr. 2, 2026