Council directs work on commercial objective design standards and authorizes continuing contract with JZMK up to $80,000
February 24, 2026 | Laguna Woods City, Orange County, California
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The Laguna Woods City Council on Feb. 24 advanced work on commercial objective design standards intended to guide the appearance and site design of future commercial development.
City Manager Chris introduced the project and the council invited Drew (Andrew) Watkins of JZMK Partners to present design options and community feedback. Watkins said objective design standards create measurable rules for building form, materials, landscaping, lighting and parking so future projects are more predictable and consistent with Laguna Woods character.
“Objective design standards give residents and builders clear expectations, fewer surprises, and a fair approval process,” Drew Watkins said during the presentation.
Work to date and preferences: The design team summarized community workshop results and staff input and proposed a mission‑revival base style with optional Spanish Revival elements. Council members discussed materials and safety concerns — including coordinating landscaping with Orange County Fire Authority fire‑resilience guidance — and debated the use of accent colors, tiled details, parapets, awnings and terracotta paving in pedestrian areas (several council members cautioned about tripping or accessibility issues with certain tile finishes).
Urban design: Resident Dennis Harper, a retired architect, urged expanding the project’s scope to include urban design and public‑space improvements — pedestrian connectivity, plazas and rethinking strip‑mall frontage — not only facades. Staff and the consultant confirmed site‑design topics such as pedestrian access, EV charging and shade trees are part of the anticipated public‑review draft.
Contract authorization: After council discussion and public comment, Council Member Moore moved to waive the competitive‑bidding provision in the municipal code and authorize the city manager to continue agreements with JZMK Partners Inc. to complete preparation and adoption of the design standards in an amount not to exceed $80,000 (including work already completed). The council approved the measure by voice vote. The agenda report and discussion show staff and consultants will produce a public‑review draft as the next deliverable and return for further council direction and formal consideration.
What to watch: The public‑review draft will show site‑design standards (pedestrian and bicycle access, potential public‑space requirements and parking‑lot design) as well as the recommended architectural style guidance. The city expects a draft to be released for public input before bringing a final document back for formal action.
City Manager Chris introduced the project and the council invited Drew (Andrew) Watkins of JZMK Partners to present design options and community feedback. Watkins said objective design standards create measurable rules for building form, materials, landscaping, lighting and parking so future projects are more predictable and consistent with Laguna Woods character.
“Objective design standards give residents and builders clear expectations, fewer surprises, and a fair approval process,” Drew Watkins said during the presentation.
Work to date and preferences: The design team summarized community workshop results and staff input and proposed a mission‑revival base style with optional Spanish Revival elements. Council members discussed materials and safety concerns — including coordinating landscaping with Orange County Fire Authority fire‑resilience guidance — and debated the use of accent colors, tiled details, parapets, awnings and terracotta paving in pedestrian areas (several council members cautioned about tripping or accessibility issues with certain tile finishes).
Urban design: Resident Dennis Harper, a retired architect, urged expanding the project’s scope to include urban design and public‑space improvements — pedestrian connectivity, plazas and rethinking strip‑mall frontage — not only facades. Staff and the consultant confirmed site‑design topics such as pedestrian access, EV charging and shade trees are part of the anticipated public‑review draft.
Contract authorization: After council discussion and public comment, Council Member Moore moved to waive the competitive‑bidding provision in the municipal code and authorize the city manager to continue agreements with JZMK Partners Inc. to complete preparation and adoption of the design standards in an amount not to exceed $80,000 (including work already completed). The council approved the measure by voice vote. The agenda report and discussion show staff and consultants will produce a public‑review draft as the next deliverable and return for further council direction and formal consideration.
What to watch: The public‑review draft will show site‑design standards (pedestrian and bicycle access, potential public‑space requirements and parking‑lot design) as well as the recommended architectural style guidance. The city expects a draft to be released for public input before bringing a final document back for formal action.
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