Join CPF for a comprehensive two-part training on Objective Design Standards (ODS) and their implications for historic resources in California. The program will introduce what ODS are, how they differ from traditional subjective design guidelines, and the statutory framework that requires or enables their adoption at the local level. Special attention will be given to how ODS intersect with preservation goals, including their application to historic districts, landmarks, contributing and non-contributing buildings, and adjacency conditions.

Part 1 will focus on case studies from jurisdictions across the state, showcasing real-world examples of how ODS are applied in historic contexts. These examples will highlight both successful strategies and common challenges, illustrating how ODS can support preservation goals while meeting housing and planning mandates. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how standards can be structured to address historic resources, districts, and adjacent contexts in ways that are measurable, defensible, and preservation-sensitive.

Part 2 will feature a moderated discussion with practitioners who have developed and applied ODS in preservation-sensitive settings. Panelists will share experiences and strategies for crafting defensible, objective standards that balance housing and planning mandates with the stewardship of historic resources. An extended Q&A will allow participants to raise jurisdiction-specific challenges and learn from peers.

Speakers: Kristi Bascom, Urban Planner, Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP; Steve Buckley, Planning Services Manager, City of Alameda; Rosie Dyste, Interim Principal Planner, City of Santa Barbara; Dana Falk, Project Planner – Long Range Planning, City of Santa Barbara; Lisa Krause, Senior Housing Policy Specialist, California Department of Housing and Community Development; Alan A Loomis, AICP, Principal of Urban Design at PlaceWorks; Rebecca Salgado, Technical Preservation Specialist, San Francisco Planning Department; Garen Yolles, Senior Urban Designer, City of West Hollywood

California Preservation Foundation, Webinar, September 18 and September 25, 2025