Design Review 

The purpose of design review is to ensure that designs of projects that are subject to review will result in improvements that are visually and functionally appropriate to their site conditions and harmonious with their surroundings, including natural landforms and vegetation. Additional purposes of design review are to ensure that signs are consistent with the character and scale of the buildings and streets; that retention and maintenance of existing buildings and landscape features are considered; that site access and vehicular parking are sufficient; and that public policies for water conservation and solid waste management are considered in project planning.

Projects subject to design review will require planning review  either as a Planning & Zoning Commission review, for larger scoped projects, or Administrative review, for smaller projects. 

Planning & Zoning Commission Review 

The Planning & Zoning Commission is responsible for reviewing and approving or denying applications, according to the standards of review in the Municipal Code. The Planning & Zoning Commission meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Public hearing notices are sent to property owners within 300 ft. of the subject site a minimum of ten days in advance of the hearing.

Administrative Review

Administrative Review is a staff level review. City staff is responsible for reviewing and approving or denying applications, according to the standards of review in the Municipal Code. However, staff may refer any such application to the Planning & Zoning Commission if the proposed project involves significant issues of policy or design, or any issues of public controversy. Staff works directly with the applicant to determine a public hearing date and time. Public hearing notices are sent to property owners within 300 ft. of the subject site a minimum of ten days in advance of the hearing.

The Planning Review Process is separate from the building permit process.

After approval has been granted from either City staff or the Planning & Zoning Commission, the applicant may begin the building permit review process. For additional information on Building Permits, please visit the Building Division.

Residential Design Guidelines

The City of Albany adopted Residential Design Guidelines in 2009 which provides specific design criteria for residential additions and new single-family residential construction. The Guidelines provide design parameters and objectives for Design Review applications. This provides applicants with a reasonable understanding of what the community considers to be appropriate design and gives Planning Department staff and Planning Commissioners a basis for consistent decision making. Applicants may propose alternative design schemes, but compliance with the Guidelines improves the likelihood of a favorable outcome in the Design Review process.

The Guidelines are intended to promote quality design that considers and resolves issues of massing, materials, proportion and details of the project site and reflects the patterns of site development in the surrounding neighborhood. The guidelines are not intended to restrict architectural creativity or to stifle creative design solutions.

 Properties within the Watercourse Overlay District have been deemed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be vulnerable to flooding and may be subject to additional design regulations. If the subject property is in proximity to either Cerrito or Codornices Creeks, please check the Zoning Map to confirm whether the property is within the Watercourse Overlay District and consult with City Staff prior to finalizing your project design.