Single-Family Objective Design and Development Standards
The Single-Family Objective Design and Development Standards is a Citywide initiative to engage the community in modernizing the City’s single-family design guidelines, policies, and applicable zoning code regulations into a comprehensive document. This initiative aligns with the 2023-2031 Housing Element.
On January 16, 2024, the City adopted the Multi-family Objective Design and Development Standards to meet the state’s requirement and is now embarking upon the development of Objective Standards for single-family development, which includes primary residences, ADUs, JADUs, and urban infill units (SB-9 units).
Currently, the city relies on the Zoning Code, Architectural and Solar Design Guidelines, and citywide policies for reviewing various property improvements, such as an addition and/or the construction of a new single-family home. This initiative aims to modernize these regulations and guidelines into a single, comprehensive document, while also streamlining the permitting process for homeowners.
The new objective standards aim to ensure that the design-related elements of new homes will complement existing neighborhoods and the overall community of Foster City, taking into account size, form, and aesthetic style. Additionally, specific standards for accessory structures, fenestration, landscaping, and the placement of mechanical equipment will be addressed.
This website will provide up-to-date information on the development of the Objective Design and Development Standards. You can sign up for updates or review them on this page as the process moves forward.
Please review the draft regulations below.
FINAL DRAFT REGULATIONS
 |  PDF of Final Draft Regulations |
PREVIOUS PUBLIC MEETINGS
- July 18, 2025, Planning Commission Regular Meeting and Study Session
- April 17, 2025, Planning Commission Regular Meeting and Study Session: Reviewing part 1 of draft regulations for Building Design, Site Design, and Accessory Structures.
- June 5, 2025- Planning Commission Study Session: Reviewing part 2 of draft regulations, including Yards, Attached Accessory Structures, Wind Screens, Landscaping and Lighting, Fences, and Eichler Homes.
- September 18, 2025- Planning Commission Study Session: Draft regulations for single-family and two-family and other amendments
UPCOMING TENTATIVE PUBLIC MEETINGS
November 6, 2025 - Planning Commission Study Session (tentative)
November 20, 2025 - Planning Commission Public Hearing (tentative)
December 18, 2025 - City Council 1st Public Reading Hearing (tentative)
PUBLIC OUTREACH
The City encourages public input on the proposed Objective Design and Development Standards and will conduct several public meetings to solicit feedback from the community. Additionally, staff will have tabling events where residents may meet and discuss the proposed standards with city staff.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please join us at one of our upcoming events to learn more about these drafted regulations:
📅 Webinars (online):
October 3, 2025, from 12–1 PM
October 7, 2025, from 12–1 PM
👉 Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 836 7595 1212 | Passcode: 94404
📅 Open House (in-person, 620 Foster City Boulevard):
October 13, 2025, from 5:30–6:30 PM
October 21, 2025, from 5:30–6:30 PM
📅 Pop-up Events at Off the Grid:
October 8, 2025, at 5 PM
Previous Events
June 20, 2024 - Starbucks, Foster Square
July 10, 2024 - Off the Grid
June 14, 2025 - Farmers Market
June 25, 2025 - Off the Grid
October 1, 2025 - Off the Grid
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director, (650) 286-3239, smangalam@fostercity.org
Leslie Carmichael, Consultant Planner, lcarmichael@fostercity.org
