Single-Family and Two-Family Objective Design and Development Standards

The City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 698 and Ordinance No. 699 for the implementation of the Single-Family and Two-Family Objective Design and Development Standards (ODDS) on December 15, 2025. With this approval, many Municipal Code Chapters and citywide policies for single-family exterior modifications have been replaced, rescinded, and/or repealed to streamline processes for residents and ensure objective standards of review  for new projects.  

What does this mean for property owners and applicants? 

• Planning project applications submitted on or before February 19, 2026 will be reviewed under the City’s current Municipal Code and Citywide policies (often referred to as “pipeline” projects). For existing Citywide policies, you can visit our website here: https://www.fostercity.org/commdev/page/citywide-policies
• Planning project applications submitted on or after February 19, 2026 must comply with the new objective design and development standards. The new ordinance are available here. 

Citywide policies that were replaced, rescinded, and/or repealed on December 15, 2025 by Resolution No. 2025-107  are:   

• Architectural and Solar Guidelines (adopted 1989, last amended 1997 and reformatted 2001)   
• Policy No. 2001-113 - Awnings (adopted 1996, last amended 2001)   
• Policy No. 2-2000 Reroofing Policy (adopted 2000, last amended 2023)   
• Policy No. 03-001 - Copper Gutters, Downspouts and Flashing Policy (adopted 2003)   
• Policy No. 18-10 Window Replacement Policy (last amended 2010)   
• Policy No. 01-02 - Bay/Bow/Garden and Greenhouse Window Policy (adopted 2002)   
• Policy No. 1-2000 - Solar Impacts (adopted 2000)   
• Policy No. 2-2000 – Exterior Color Change Policy (adopted 2000)   
   

Questions or need assistance? 

If you have questions about how the new standards may apply to your property or a future project, please contact the Planning and Code Enforcement Division of the Community Development Department for guidance. 

Community Development Department 
City of Foster City 
planning@fostercity.org 
 (650) 286-3225