San Bernardino County will present its draft Objective Design Standards, known as ODS, at a Planning Commission study session on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 9 a.m. at 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., First Floor, Covington Chambers in San Bernardino; the county said.

The study session is the public’s first look at the preliminary draft; Land Use Services staff and the project’s design consultants will introduce the standards and explain how they are intended to work.

The draft ODS sets measurable requirements for building entries, architectural features, roof design, lighting and open space; it establishes criteria and thresholds and lays out a checklist applicants will complete and Land Use Services staff will verify.

The county said the standards will apply across eligible projects, including multifamily housing, mixed‑use apartments, transitional housing and supportive housing; the Long Range Planning team in Land Use Services is leading the work and also manages the county’s Housing Element.

After the meeting, staff will refine the draft based on direction and community feedback; the county said the finalized version will move forward for Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors consideration in winter or spring 2027, with additional updates possible later in the year.

The Journal’s review notes the checklist approach is likely to make design review more predictable for applicants and more consistent across projects; residents should expect clearer standards for how new multifamily housing is designed in unincorporated areas.

Residents, community partners and development professionals are invited to attend and comment at the study session; the county posted additional information at https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/programs/bhsa/.

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County of San Bernardino

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