Piedmont Municipal Code Div. 17.67 Ministerial Design Review Permit

It is the intent of the City in establishing this ordinance to support equitable distribution of affordable housing units across the City; promote and enhance community design and neighborhoods; remove barriers to development and access to housing through clear and objective standards; and facilitate the development of new multifamily housing units.

A. Piedmont Objective Design Standards. The City Council has adopted the Piedmont Objective Design Standards that are available online and at City Hall. The Piedmont Objective Design Standards are for the review of projects that meet the requirements for ministerial review. The Piedmont Objective Design Standards are one of the criteria for the applicant and Director in determining whether a specific project conforms to section 17.67.060 Standards; Findings. (Ord. 788 N.S., 02/2026)

B. Director. The Director will prepare:

1. The permit application forms; and
2. Information to provide technical assistance to residents and applicants.
   C. Voluntary discretionary review. Any applicant eligible for ministerial design review pursuant to section 17.67.030, may submit in writing to the Director a voluntary request to have the design review permit application considered according to the provisions of division 17.66 to receive discretionary design review for the applicant’s development proposal.

A. Permit required. A ministerial design review permit is required for any development which meets the eligibility criteria for ministerial review under State law, subject to review under Chapter 17 division 17.38, (2) Two-unit housing developments and/or urban lot splits, which are subject to review under Chapter 17 division 17.54, and (3) other ministerial projects including certain multifamily and mixed-use developments as required by law; (Ord. 788 N.S., 02/2026)

B. The building official will not issue a building permit under chapter 8 of the City of Piedmont City Code until the applicant has obtained the required ministerial design review permit. The city will not allow demolition pursuant to division 17.67 unless the applicant has

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approval of plans for a replacement structure pursuant to this chapter 17 and has obtained a building permit under chapter 8.

A. Director.

1. Applicability. The Director has the authority to review and approve a ministerial design review permit application submitted pursuant to section 17.67.030, and any application to amend a previously approved ministerial design review permit, pursuant to State law.
2. Notice. No notice shall be provided for ministerial design review applications submitted pursuant to section 17.67.030.
3. Standards and Findings. In reviewing an application for a ministerial design review permit, the Director shall apply the standards set forth in section 17.67.060, Standards; Findings.

Appeal. A. Application. An applicant for a ministerial design review permit must submit a complete application, accompanied by plans and materials in the form approved by the Director, and the application fee, which fee shall be established by resolution. The Director may waive in writing submission of items deemed unnecessary to determine compliance with this chapter. An application is considered complete in accordance with section 17.60.020.
B. Notice and hearing. The Director shall review the ministerial design review permit application without notice or public hearing, unless otherwise required by State law. C. Decision. The Director shall notify the applicant of the decision in writing.
D. Director’s decision is final. Permits approved by the Director for ministerial design review permit applications are final.

The Director may not approve a permit application as provided under section 17.67.030.A unless the Director first finds that the design of the project conforms to all of the following standards:

A. The proposed development meets the criteria for ministerial approval under State law.

B. The proposed development meets applicable design standards as provided in the Piedmont Objective Design Standards, as they may be amended from time to time by the City Council.

C. The proposed development complies with zoning ordinance regulations for the zone in

which the project site is located. (Ord. 788 N.S., 02/2026)

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