City of Sacramento Development Services Department

Neighborhood Design Guidelines

They provide consistent design principles for residential and commercial structures to contribute to the creation of a neighborhood with a positive, cohesive sense of place, and can improve the overall character of the neighborhood by making it a more attractive, safe, and inviting place to live.

The Design Guidelines have been created for use by residents, developers, design professionals, City of Sacramento (City) planning staff, and the City’s design review boards. They are intended to facilitate the design review process by helping applicants and staff identify and devise solutions for design issues early in the application process. In summary, these Design Guidelines are intended to:

  • create a sense of place and enhance community identity;
  • promote neighborhood pride;
  • encourage high-quality development and creative design options;
  • provide clear and usable design direction to project applicants, developers, designers, and City planning staff;
  • protect and enhance property values and community economic viability; and
  • facilitate a clear and expeditious project review process.

Projects will be reviewed for compliance with the design principles identified in this document. Although it is understood that not all design principles will be applicable to all proposed projects, conformance with relevant principles is required.

Overall, the Design Guidelines are intended to encourage consistent design while allowing for variety and innovation. City staff do not advocate a particular architectural style or styles, and will review all applications on the basis of this document.
Page last modified 02/25/2008 at 4:41 PM