Several of these changes involved language that will make affordable housing more of a priority in the city’s residential planning process. Following a comprehensive review, the commission approved motions to recommend that the city council certify and adopt the housing element amendment. The commission went on to discuss and approve a draft of proposed Architectural Guidelines for Sutter Creek’s historic residential zone. The guidelines include regulations for the design of new buildings, in addition to historic structure preservation, and are meant to “suggest an approach to design that will help sustain the character of the community that is so appealing to residents and visitors alike.” The Planning Commission’s recommendation to the city council included the formation of an architectural advisory committee, with the job of overseeing building projects in the historic-residential zone.