diff --git a/src/api-lib/vnc_api.py b/src/api-lib/vnc_api.py
index 3deff9309b6..174d2765aa3 100644
--- a/src/api-lib/vnc_api.py
+++ b/src/api-lib/vnc_api.py
@@ -42,13 +42,6 @@ def wrapper(self, *args, **kwargs):
         return func(self, *args, **kwargs)
     return wrapper
 
-def compare_refs(old_refs, new_refs):
-    # compare refs in an object
-    old_ref_dict = dict((':'.join(ref['to']), ref['attr']) for ref in old_refs or [])
-    new_ref_dict = dict((':'.join(ref['to']), ref['attr']) for ref in new_refs or [])
-    return old_ref_dict == new_ref_dict
-# end compare_refs
-
 def get_object_class(res_type):
     cls_name = '%s' %(utils.CamelCase(res_type))
     return utils.str_to_class(cls_name, __name__)
diff --git a/src/config/common/utils.py b/src/config/common/utils.py
index 78ee5daaa49..457e3e1dd77 100644
--- a/src/config/common/utils.py
+++ b/src/config/common/utils.py
@@ -178,3 +178,9 @@ def shareinfo_from_perms2(field):
     return x
 # end
 
+def compare_refs(old_refs, new_refs):
+    # compare refs in an object
+    old_ref_dict = dict((':'.join(ref['to']), ref.get('attr')) for ref in old_refs or [])
+    new_ref_dict = dict((':'.join(ref['to']), ref.get('attr')) for ref in new_refs or [])
+    return old_ref_dict == new_ref_dict
+# end compare_refs
diff --git a/src/config/common/vnc_amqp.py b/src/config/common/vnc_amqp.py
index bd6f2385a80..4f9481d3d78 100644
--- a/src/config/common/vnc_amqp.py
+++ b/src/config/common/vnc_amqp.py
@@ -38,8 +38,8 @@ def msgbus_store_err_msg(self, msg):
         self.msg_tracer.error = msg
 
     def msgbus_trace_msg(self):
-            self.msg_tracer.trace_msg(name='MessageBusNotifyTraceBuf',
-                                      sandesh=self.logger._sandesh)
+        self.msg_tracer.trace_msg(name='MessageBusNotifyTraceBuf',
+                                  sandesh=self.logger._sandesh)
 
     def _vnc_subscribe_callback(self, oper_info):
         self._db_resync_done.wait()
@@ -137,7 +137,11 @@ def handle_update(self):
             return
 
         try:
-            self.obj.update()
+            if self.obj.update() == False:
+                # If update returns a False it indicates nothing has changed.
+                # If it returns True or None, then some change was detected.
+                # If no change, then terminate dependency tracker
+                return
         except NoIdError:
             obj_id = self.oper_info['uuid']
             self.logger.warning('%s uuid %s update caused NoIdError' %
diff --git a/src/config/common/vnc_db.py b/src/config/common/vnc_db.py
index bd0aca26f7a..997f57c08a3 100644
--- a/src/config/common/vnc_db.py
+++ b/src/config/common/vnc_db.py
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@
 """
 from exceptions import NoIdError
 from vnc_api.gen.resource_client import *
-from utils import obj_type_to_vnc_class
+from utils import obj_type_to_vnc_class, compare_refs
+
 
 class DBBase(object):
     # This is the base class for all DB objects. All derived objects must
@@ -191,6 +192,7 @@ def get_single_ref_attr(self, ref_type, obj):
         return None
     # end get_single_ref_attr
 
+    # Update a single ref. Return True if any update was made
     def update_single_ref(self, ref_type, obj):
         if isinstance(obj, dict):
             refs = obj.get(ref_type+'_refs') or obj.get(ref_type+'_back_refs')
@@ -204,14 +206,17 @@ def update_single_ref(self, ref_type, obj):
             new_key = None
         old_key = getattr(self, ref_type, None)
         if old_key == new_key:
-            return
-        ref_obj = self.get_obj_type_map()[ref_type].get(old_key)
-        if ref_obj is not None:
-            ref_obj.delete_ref(self.obj_type, self.get_key())
-        ref_obj = self.get_obj_type_map()[ref_type].get(new_key)
-        if ref_obj is not None:
-            ref_obj.add_ref(self.obj_type, self.get_key())
+            return False
+        ref_cls = self.get_obj_type_map().get(ref_type)
+        if ref_cls:
+            ref_obj = ref_cls.get(old_key)
+            if ref_obj is not None:
+                ref_obj.delete_ref(self.obj_type, self.get_key())
+            ref_obj = ref_cls.get(new_key)
+            if ref_obj is not None:
+                ref_obj.add_ref(self.obj_type, self.get_key())
         setattr(self, ref_type, new_key)
+        return True
     # end update_single_ref
 
     def set_children(self, ref_type, obj):
@@ -226,6 +231,7 @@ def set_children(self, ref_type, obj):
         setattr(self, ref_type+'s', new_refs)
     # end set_children
 
+    # Update a multiple refs. Return True if any update was made
     def update_multiple_refs(self, ref_type, obj):
         if isinstance(obj, dict):
             refs = obj.get(ref_type+'_refs') or obj.get(ref_type+'_back_refs')
@@ -238,6 +244,8 @@ def update_multiple_refs(self, ref_type, obj):
             new_key = self._get_ref_key(ref, ref_type)
             new_refs.add(new_key)
         old_refs = getattr(self, ref_type+'s')
+        if old_refs == new_refs:
+            return False
         for ref_key in old_refs - new_refs:
             ref_obj = self.get_obj_type_map()[ref_type].get(ref_key)
             if ref_obj is not None:
@@ -247,8 +255,15 @@ def update_multiple_refs(self, ref_type, obj):
             if ref_obj is not None:
                 ref_obj.add_ref(self.obj_type, self.get_key())
         setattr(self, ref_type+'s', new_refs)
+        return True
     # end update_multiple_refs
 
+    def update_refs(self, ref_type, obj):
+        if hasattr(self, ref_type):
+            return self.update_single_ref(ref_type, obj)
+        elif isinstance(getattr(self, ref_type+'s', None), set):
+            return self.update_multiple_refs(ref_type, obj)
+
     def update_multiple_refs_with_attr(self, ref_type, obj):
         if isinstance(obj, dict):
             refs = obj.get(ref_type+'_refs') or obj.get(ref_type+'_back_refs')
@@ -261,17 +276,21 @@ def update_multiple_refs_with_attr(self, ref_type, obj):
             new_key = self._get_ref_key(ref, ref_type)
             new_refs[new_key] = ref.get('attr')
         old_refs = getattr(self, ref_type+'s')
+        update = False
         for ref_key in set(old_refs.keys()) - set(new_refs.keys()):
+            update = True
             ref_obj = self.get_obj_type_map()[ref_type].get(ref_key)
             if ref_obj is not None:
                 ref_obj.delete_ref(self.obj_type, self.get_key())
         for ref_key in new_refs:
             if ref_key in old_refs and new_refs[ref_key] == old_refs[ref_key]:
                 continue
+            update = True
             ref_obj = self.get_obj_type_map()[ref_type].get(ref_key)
             if ref_obj is not None:
                 ref_obj.add_ref(self.obj_type, self.get_key(), new_refs[ref_key])
         setattr(self, ref_type+'s', new_refs)
+        return update
     # end update_multiple_refs
 
     @classmethod
@@ -305,6 +324,36 @@ def read_vnc_obj(cls, uuid=None, fq_name=None, obj_type=None, fields=None):
         return obj
     # end read_vnc_obj
 
+    def update_vnc_obj(self, obj=None):
+        if obj:
+            old_obj = None
+            self.obj = obj
+        else:
+            old_obj = getattr(self, 'obj', None)
+            uuid = getattr(self, 'uuid', None)
+            if uuid:
+                self.obj = self.read_vnc_obj(uuid=uuid)
+            else:
+                self.obj = self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
+
+        changed = []
+        for field in self.ref_fields or []:
+            old_field = getattr(old_obj, field+'_refs', None)
+            new_field = getattr(self.obj, field+'_refs', None)
+            if compare_refs(old_field, new_field):
+                continue
+            self.update_refs(field, self.obj)
+            changed.append(field)
+        for field in self.prop_fields or []:
+            old_field = getattr(old_obj, field, None)
+            new_field = getattr(self.obj, field, None)
+            if old_field == new_field:
+                continue
+            if hasattr(self, field):
+                setattr(self, field, new_field)
+            changed.append(field)
+        return changed
+
     @classmethod
     def list_obj(cls, obj_type=None, fields=None):
         obj_type = obj_type or cls.obj_type
diff --git a/src/config/schema-transformer/config_db.py b/src/config/schema-transformer/config_db.py
index f0029d82207..5262af939e7 100644
--- a/src/config/schema-transformer/config_db.py
+++ b/src/config/schema-transformer/config_db.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 #
 # Copyright (c) 2015 Juniper Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.
 #
-
 """
 This file contains config data model for schema transformer
 """
@@ -19,7 +18,8 @@
 import itertools
 import cfgm_common as common
 from netaddr import IPNetwork, IPAddress
-from cfgm_common.exceptions import *
+from cfgm_common.exceptions import NoIdError, RefsExistError, BadRequest
+from cfgm_common.exceptions import HttpError
 from cfgm_common import svc_info
 from cfgm_common.vnc_db import DBBase
 from vnc_api.vnc_api import *
@@ -57,8 +57,8 @@ def _access_control_list_update(acl_obj, name, obj, entries):
             return acl_obj
         except (NoIdError, BadRequest) as e:
             DBBaseST._logger.error(
-                "Error while creating acl %s for %s: %s"%(
-                name, obj.get_fq_name_str(), str(e)))
+                "Error while creating acl %s for %s: %s" %
+                (name, obj.get_fq_name_str(), str(e)))
         return None
     else:
         if entries is None:
@@ -80,11 +80,11 @@ def _access_control_list_update(acl_obj, name, obj, entries):
             DBBaseST._vnc_lib.access_control_list_update(acl_obj)
         except HttpError as he:
             DBBaseST._logger.error(
-                "HTTP error while updating acl %s for %s: %d, %s"%(
-                name, obj.get_fq_name_str(), he.status_code, he.content))
+                "HTTP error while updating acl %s for %s: %d, %s" %
+                (name, obj.get_fq_name_str(), he.status_code, he.content))
         except NoIdError:
-            DBBaseST._logger.error("NoIdError while updating acl %s for %s"%(
-                                   name, obj.get_fq_name_str()))
+            DBBaseST._logger.error("NoIdError while updating acl %s for %s" %
+                                   (name, obj.get_fq_name_str()))
     return acl_obj
 # end _access_control_list_update
 
@@ -92,6 +92,15 @@ def _access_control_list_update(acl_obj, name, obj, entries):
 class DBBaseST(DBBase):
     obj_type = __name__
     _indexed_by_name = True
+    ref_fields = []
+    prop_fields = []
+
+    def update(self, obj=None):
+        return self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+
+    def delete_obj(self):
+        for ref_field in self.ref_fields:
+            self.update_refs(ref_field, {})
 
     def evaluate(self):
         # Implement in the derived class
@@ -114,6 +123,11 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
             st_obj.object_uuid = self.obj.uuid
         except AttributeError:
             pass
+        st_obj.obj_refs = [self._get_sandesh_ref_list(field)
+                           for field in self.ref_fields]
+        st_obj.properties = [sandesh.PropList(field, str(getattr(self, field)))
+                             for field in self.prop_fields
+                             if hasattr(self, field)]
         return st_obj
 
     def _get_sandesh_ref_list(self, ref_type):
@@ -121,7 +135,7 @@ def _get_sandesh_ref_list(self, ref_type):
             ref = getattr(self, ref_type)
             refs = [ref] if ref else []
         except AttributeError:
-            refs = getattr(self, ref_type+'s')
+            refs = getattr(self, ref_type + 's')
             if isinstance(refs, dict):
                 refs = refs.keys()
         return sandesh.RefList(ref_type, refs)
@@ -152,8 +166,9 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj):
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
         self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(uuid=self.uuid)
-        self.update_autonomous_system(self.obj.autonomous_system)
-        self.update_ibgp_auto_mesh(self.obj.ibgp_auto_mesh)
+        ret = self.update_autonomous_system(self.obj.autonomous_system)
+        ret = self.update_ibgp_auto_mesh(self.obj.ibgp_auto_mesh) or ret
+        return ret
     # end update
 
     @classmethod
@@ -169,12 +184,12 @@ def get_ibgp_auto_mesh(cls):
     @classmethod
     def update_autonomous_system(cls, new_asn):
         if int(new_asn) == cls._autonomous_system:
-           return
+            return False
         # From the global route target list, pick ones with the
         # changed ASN, and update the routing instances' referred
         # by the route target
         for route_tgt in RouteTargetST.values():
-            _,asn,target = route_tgt.obj.get_fq_name()[0].split(':')
+            _, asn, target = route_tgt.obj.get_fq_name()[0].split(':')
             if int(asn) != cls.get_autonomous_system():
                 continue
             if int(target) < common.BGP_RTGT_MIN_ID:
@@ -214,6 +229,7 @@ def update_autonomous_system(cls, new_asn):
             RouteTargetST.delete_vnc_obj(old_rtgt_obj.get_fq_name()[0])
 
         cls._autonomous_system = int(new_asn)
+        return True
     # end update_autonomous_system
 
     def evaluate(self):
@@ -230,7 +246,10 @@ def evaluate(self):
     def update_ibgp_auto_mesh(cls, value):
         if value is None:
             value = True
+        if cls._ibgp_auto_mesh == value:
+            return False
         cls._ibgp_auto_mesh = value
+        return True
     # end update_ibgp_auto_mesh
 
 # end GlobalSystemConfigST
@@ -243,14 +262,16 @@ def update_ibgp_auto_mesh(cls, value):
 class VirtualNetworkST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'virtual_network'
+    ref_fields = ['network_policy', 'virtual_machine_interface', 'route_table',
+                  'bgpvpn', 'network_ipam']
+    prop_fields = ['virtual_network_properties', 'route_target_list',
+                   'multi_policy_service_chains_enabled']
 
     def me(self, name):
         return name in (self.name, 'any')
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None, acl_dict=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=name)
         self.name = name
-        self.uuid = self.obj.uuid
         self.network_policys = OrderedDict()
         self.virtual_machine_interfaces = set()
         self.connections = set()
@@ -260,13 +281,15 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj=None, acl_dict=None):
         self.dynamic_acl = None
         self.acl_rule_count = 0
         self.multi_policy_service_chains_enabled = None
+        self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        self.uuid = self.obj.uuid
         for acl in self.obj.get_access_control_lists() or []:
             if acl_dict:
                 acl_obj = acl_dict[acl['uuid']]
             else:
-                acl_obj = self.read_vnc_obj(acl['uuid'],
-                                            obj_type='access_control_list',
-                                            fields=['access_control_list_hash'])
+                acl_obj = self.read_vnc_obj(
+                    acl['uuid'], obj_type='access_control_list',
+                    fields=['access_control_list_hash'])
             if acl_obj.name == self.obj.name:
                 self.acl = acl_obj
             elif acl_obj.name == 'dynamic':
@@ -316,7 +339,7 @@ def get_routes(self):
     # end
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(uuid=self.uuid)
+        ret = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
 
         old_policies = set(self.network_policys.keys())
         self.network_policys = OrderedDict()
@@ -327,31 +350,30 @@ def update(self, obj=None):
             self.add_policy(policy_name)
         for policy_name in old_policies - set(self.network_policys.keys()):
             policy = NetworkPolicyST.get(policy_name)
-            if not policy:
-                continue
-            policy.virtual_networks.discard(self.name)
+            if policy:
+                policy.virtual_networks.discard(self.name)
 
         for policy_name in set(self.network_policys.keys()) - old_policies:
             policy = NetworkPolicyST.get(policy_name)
-            if not policy:
-                continue
-            policy.virtual_networks.add(self.name)
+            if policy:
+                policy.virtual_networks.add(self.name)
 
-        self.update_multiple_refs('route_table', self.obj)
-        self.update_multiple_refs('bgpvpn', self.obj)
+        old_ipams = self.ipams
         self.ipams = {}
         for ipam_ref in self.obj.get_network_ipam_refs() or []:
             subnet = ipam_ref['attr']
-            self.ipams[':'.join(ipam_ref['to'])] = subnet
-        self.update_ipams()
+            ipam_fq_name = ':'.join(ipam_ref['to'])
+            if self.ipams.get(ipam_fq_name) != subnet:
+                self.ipams[ipam_fq_name] = subnet
+        if self.ipams != old_ipams:
+            self.update_ipams()
         prop = self.obj.get_virtual_network_properties(
         ) or VirtualNetworkType()
         self.set_properties(prop)
         self.set_route_target_list(self.obj)
-        mpsce = self.obj.get_multi_policy_service_chains_enabled()
-        if mpsce != self.multi_policy_service_chains_enabled:
-            self.multi_policy_service_chains_enabled = mpsce
-            self.multi_policy_service_chains_status_changed = True
+        self.multi_policy_service_chains_status_changed = (
+            'multi_policy_service_chains_enabled' in ret)
+        return ret
     # end update
 
     def _update_primary_ri_to_service_ri_connection(self, sc, si_name,
@@ -422,7 +444,8 @@ def delete_inactive_service_chains(self, old_scs, new_scs=None):
             if remote_vn is None:
                 remote_service_chain_list = []
             else:
-                remote_service_chain_list = remote_vn.service_chains.get(self.name)
+                remote_service_chain_list = remote_vn.service_chains.get(
+                    self.name)
 
             # Get a list of this VN's service chains which has a
             # remote VN name as one of its service endpoints.
@@ -438,8 +461,8 @@ def delete_inactive_service_chains(self, old_scs, new_scs=None):
             #         VNs that are referring to this SC.
             service_chain_list = old_scs[remote_vn_name]
             for service_chain in service_chain_list or []:
-                if new_scs and service_chain in (new_scs.get(remote_vn_name)
-                                                 or []):
+                if new_scs and service_chain in (new_scs.get(remote_vn_name) or
+                                                 []):
                     continue
                 if service_chain in (remote_service_chain_list or []):
                     service_chain.destroy()
@@ -486,12 +509,15 @@ def add_policy(self, policy_name, attrib=None):
             self._logger.error("Cannot assign policy %s to %s: sequence "
                                "number is not available" % (policy_name,
                                                             self.name))
-            return
+            return False
 
+        if self.network_policys.get(policy_name) == attrib:
+            return False
         self.network_policys[policy_name] = attrib
         self.network_policys = OrderedDict(sorted(self.network_policys.items(),
                                            key=lambda t:(t[1].sequence.major,
                                                          t[1].sequence.minor)))
+        return True
     # end add_policy
 
     def get_primary_routing_instance(self):
@@ -540,7 +566,7 @@ def add_service_chain(self, svn, dvn, proto, prule):
             return {}
         if self.name == remote_vn:
             self._logger.error("Service chain source and dest vn are same: %s"
-                    % self.name)
+                               % self.name)
             return None
         if remote_vn == 'any':
             remote_vns = self.get_vns_in_project()
@@ -639,11 +665,11 @@ def get_route_target(self):
     # end get_route_target
 
     def set_route_target(self, rtgt_name):
-        _,asn,target = rtgt_name.split(':')
+        _, asn, target = rtgt_name.split(':')
         if int(asn) != GlobalSystemConfigST.get_autonomous_system():
             return
         self._route_target = int(target)
-    #end set_route_target
+    # end set_route_target
 
     @staticmethod
     def _ri_needs_external_rt(vn_name, ri_name):
@@ -680,8 +706,9 @@ def expand_connections(self):
     def set_properties(self, properties):
         if self.allow_transit == properties.allow_transit:
             # If allow_transit didn't change, then we have nothing to do
-            return
+            return False
         self.allow_transit = properties.allow_transit
+        ret = False
         for sc_list in self.service_chains.values():
             for service_chain in sc_list:
                 if not service_chain.created:
@@ -705,6 +732,8 @@ def set_properties(self, properties):
                     # if the network is not a transit network any more, then we
                     # need to delete the route target from service RIs
                     ri.update_route_target_list(rt_del=[self.get_route_target()])
+                ret = True
+        return ret
     # end set_properties
 
     def get_route_target_lists(self, obj):
@@ -771,7 +800,7 @@ def set_route_target_list(self, obj):
              self.bgpvpn_export_rt_list)
         )
         if not (rt_add or rt_add_export or rt_add_import or rt_del):
-            return
+            return False
         for rt in itertools.chain(rt_add, rt_add_export, rt_add_import):
             RouteTargetST.locate(rt)
 
@@ -789,7 +818,7 @@ def set_route_target_list(self, obj):
         for route in self.get_routes():
             prefix = route.prefix
             nexthop = route.next_hop
-            (left_ri, si) = self._get_routing_instance_from_route(nexthop)
+            (left_ri, _) = self._get_routing_instance_from_route(nexthop)
             if left_ri is None:
                 continue
             left_ri.update_route_target_list(rt_add_import=rt_add,
@@ -821,6 +850,7 @@ def set_route_target_list(self, obj):
                 # if other routing instances are referring to this target,
                 # it will be deleted when those instances are deleted
                 pass
+        return True
     # end set_route_target_list
 
     # next-hop in a route contains fq-name of a service instance, which must
@@ -838,7 +868,7 @@ def _get_routing_instance_from_route(self, next_hop):
         left_vn = VirtualNetworkST.get(si.left_vn_str)
         if left_vn is None:
             self._logger.error("Virtual network %s not present"
-                    % si.left_vn_str)
+                               % si.left_vn_str)
             return (None, None)
         return (left_vn.get_primary_routing_instance(), si)
     # end _get_routing_instance_from_route
@@ -878,13 +908,14 @@ def uve_send(self, deleted=False):
                 # one way connection
                 vn_trace.partially_connected_networks.append(rhs)
         # end for
-        vn_msg = UveVirtualNetworkConfigTrace(data=vn_trace, sandesh=self._sandesh)
+        vn_msg = UveVirtualNetworkConfigTrace(data=vn_trace,
+                                              sandesh=self._sandesh)
         vn_msg.send(sandesh=self._sandesh)
     # end uve_send
 
     def get_service_name(self, sc_name, si_name):
         name = "service-%s-%s" % (sc_name, si_name)
-        return "%s:%s" %(self.obj.get_fq_name_str(), name.replace(':', '_'))
+        return "%s:%s" % (self.obj.get_fq_name_str(), name.replace(':', '_'))
     # end get_service_name
 
     @staticmethod
@@ -1074,19 +1105,19 @@ def policy_to_acl_rule(self, prule, dynamic):
                     if self.me(sa.virtual_network):
                         service_ri = service_ris.get(da.virtual_network, [None])[0]
                     elif self.me(da.virtual_network):
-                        service_ri = service_ris.get(sa.virtual_network, [None, None])[1]
+                        service_ri = service_ris.get(sa.virtual_network,
+                                                     [None, None])[1]
                     acl = self.add_acl_rule(
-                            sa, sp, da, dp, arule_proto, rule_uuid,
-                            prule.action_list, prule.direction,
-                            service_ri)
+                        sa, sp, da, dp, arule_proto, rule_uuid,
+                        prule.action_list, prule.direction, service_ri)
                     result_acl_rule_list.append(acl)
                     acl_direction_comp = self._manager._args.acl_direction_comp
-                    if ((prule.direction == "<>") and (sa != da or sp != dp)
-                         and (not acl_direction_comp)):
+                    if ((prule.direction == "<>") and
+                            (sa != da or sp != dp) and
+                            (not acl_direction_comp)):
                         acl = self.add_acl_rule(
-                                da, dp, sa, sp, arule_proto, rule_uuid,
-                                prule.action_list, prule.direction,
-                                service_ri)
+                            da, dp, sa, sp, arule_proto, rule_uuid,
+                            prule.action_list, prule.direction, service_ri)
                         result_acl_rule_list.append(acl)
 
                 # end for sp, dp
@@ -1222,18 +1253,21 @@ def evaluate(self):
                         dst_address.subnet = None
                         dst_address.subnet_list = []
 
-                    acl = self.add_acl_rule(src_address, PortType(), dst_address,
-                                       PortType(), "any", rule.get_rule_uuid(),
-                                       ActionListType("deny"), rule.direction)
+                    acl = self.add_acl_rule(
+                        src_address, PortType(), dst_address, PortType(),
+                        "any", rule.get_rule_uuid(), ActionListType("deny"),
+                        rule.direction)
 
                     acl_list.append(acl)
 
                     acl_direction_comp = self._manager._args.acl_direction_comp
-                    if ((rule.direction == "<>") and (src_address != dst_address)
-                         and (not acl_direction_comp)):
-                        acl = self.add_acl_rule(src_address, PortType(), dst_address,
-                                           PortType(), "any", rule.get_rule_uuid(),
-                                           ActionListType("deny"), rule.direction)
+                    if ((rule.direction == "<>") and
+                            (src_address != dst_address) and
+                            (not acl_direction_comp)):
+                        acl = self.add_acl_rule(
+                            src_address, PortType(), dst_address, PortType(),
+                            "any", rule.get_rule_uuid(),
+                            ActionListType("deny"), rule.direction)
                         acl_list.append(acl)
                 # end for rule
 
@@ -1345,21 +1379,15 @@ def get_prefixes(self, ip_version):
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(VirtualNetworkST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
+        resp.obj_refs.extend([
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('routing_instance'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('network_policy'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine_interface'),
             sandesh.RefList('virtual_network', self.connections),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('route_table'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('service_chain'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('bgpvpn'),
-        ]
-        resp.properties = [
+            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('service_chain')
+        ])
+        resp.properties.extend([
             sandesh.PropList('route_target', self.get_route_target()),
             sandesh.PropList('network_id',
                              str(self.obj.get_virtual_network_network_id())),
-            sandesh.PropList('multi_service_chains',
-                             str(self.multi_policy_service_chains_enabled)),
             sandesh.PropList('rt_list', ', '.join(self.rt_list)),
             sandesh.PropList('import_rt_list',
                              ', '.join(self.import_rt_list)),
@@ -1370,7 +1398,7 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
                              ', '.join(self.bgpvpn_import_rt_list)),
             sandesh.PropList('bgpvpn_export_rt_list',
                              ', '.join(self.bgpvpn_export_rt_list)),
-        ]
+        ])
         return resp
     # end handle_st_object_req
 
@@ -1407,8 +1435,7 @@ def reinit(cls):
         for ri, val in cls._object_db._rt_cf.get_range():
             rt = val['rtgt_num']
             asn = GlobalSystemConfigST.get_autonomous_system()
-            rt_key = "target:%s:%s" % (
-                GlobalSystemConfigST.get_autonomous_system(), rt)
+            rt_key = "target:%s:%s" % (asn, rt)
             if rt_key not in cls:
                 cls._object_db.free_route_target(ri)
     # end reinit
@@ -1423,7 +1450,7 @@ def __init__(self, rt_key, obj=None):
     # end __init__
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        pass
+        return False
 
     @classmethod
     def delete_vnc_obj(cls, key):
@@ -1442,6 +1469,7 @@ def delete_vnc_obj(cls, key):
 class NetworkPolicyST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'network_policy'
+    prop_fields = ['network_policy_entries']
     _internal_policies = set()
     _service_instances = {}
     _network_policys = {}
@@ -1489,14 +1517,20 @@ def get_by_service_instance(cls, si_name):
         return cls._service_instances.get(si_name, set())
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.add_rules(self.obj.get_network_policy_entries())
+        ret = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if ret:
+            self.add_rules(self.obj.get_network_policy_entries())
+        return ret
     # end update
 
     def add_rules(self, entries):
         if entries is None:
+            if not self.rules:
+                return False
             self.rules = []
         else:
+            if self.rules == entries.policy_rule:
+                return False
             self.rules = entries.policy_rule
         np_set = set()
         si_set = set()
@@ -1531,6 +1565,7 @@ def add_rules(self, entries):
                 policy.network_policys = policy_set
         self.referred_policies = np_set
         self.update_service_instances(si_set)
+        return True
     # end add_rules
 
     def update_service_instances(self, si_set):
@@ -1586,6 +1621,7 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
 class RouteTableST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'route_table'
+    prop_fields = ['routes']
 
     _service_instances = {}
 
@@ -1597,20 +1633,20 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.routes = []
         self.update(obj)
         self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_network', self.obj)
+        self.update_multiple_refs('logical_router', self.obj)
     # end __init__
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.routes = []
-        routes = self.obj.get_routes()
-        if routes:
-            self.routes = routes.get_route() or []
-        si_set = set()
-        for route in self.routes:
-            if route.next_hop_type != 'ip-address':
-                si_set.add(route.next_hop)
-        self.update_service_instances(si_set)
-        self.update_multiple_refs('logical_router', self.obj)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'routes' in changed:
+            if self.routes is None:
+                self.routes = []
+            else:
+                self.routes = self.routes.get_route() or []
+            si_set = set([route.next_hop for route in self.routes
+                          if route.next_hop_type != 'ip-address'])
+            self.update_service_instances(si_set)
+        return changed
     # end update
 
     def update_service_instances(self, si_set):
@@ -1665,6 +1701,7 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
 class SecurityGroupST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'security_group'
+    prop_fields = ['security_group_entries', 'configured_security_group_id']
     _sg_dict = {}
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None, acl_dict=None):
@@ -1676,11 +1713,12 @@ def _get_acl(uuid):
         self.name = name
         self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=name)
         self.uuid = self.obj.uuid
-        self.config_sgid = None
+        self.configured_security_group_id = None
         self.sg_id = None
         self.ingress_acl = None
         self.egress_acl = None
         self.referred_sgs = set()
+        self.security_group_entries = None
         acls = self.obj.get_access_control_lists()
         for acl in acls or []:
             if acl['to'][-1] == 'egress-access-control-list':
@@ -1694,20 +1732,21 @@ def _get_acl(uuid):
     # end __init__
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(uuid=self.uuid)
-        self.rule_entries = self.obj.get_security_group_entries()
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
         # TODO(ethuleau): We keep the virtual network and security group ID
         #                 allocation in schema and in the vnc API for one
         #                 release overlap to prevent any upgrade issue. So the
         #                 following code need to be remove in release (3.2 + 1)
-        config_id = self.obj.get_configured_security_group_id() or 0
-        self.set_configured_security_group_id(config_id)
-        self.process_referred_sgs()
+        if 'configured_security_group_id' in changed:
+            self.set_configured_security_group_id()
+        if changed:
+            self.process_referred_sgs()
+        return changed
     # end update
 
     def process_referred_sgs(self):
-        if self.rule_entries:
-            prules = self.rule_entries.get_policy_rule() or []
+        if self.security_group_entries:
+            prules = self.security_group_entries.get_policy_rule() or []
         else:
             prules = []
 
@@ -1743,11 +1782,9 @@ def process_referred_sgs(self):
     #                 allocation in schema and in the vnc API for one
     #                 release overlap to prevent any upgrade issue. So the
     #                 following code need to be remove in release (3.2 + 1)
-    def set_configured_security_group_id(self, config_id):
-        if self.config_sgid == config_id:
-            return
-        self.config_sgid = config_id
+    def set_configured_security_group_id(self):
         sg_id = self.obj.get_security_group_id()
+        config_id = self.configured_security_group_id or 0
         if sg_id is not None:
             sg_id = int(sg_id)
         if config_id:
@@ -1774,6 +1811,7 @@ def set_configured_security_group_id(self, config_id):
         if sg_id != int(self.obj.get_security_group_id()):
             self._vnc_lib.security_group_update(self.obj)
         self.sg_id = self.obj.get_security_group_id()
+        return True
     # end set_configured_security_group_id
 
     def delete_obj(self):
@@ -1786,12 +1824,12 @@ def delete_obj(self):
         #                 release overlap to prevent any upgrade issue. So the
         #                 following code need to be remove in release (3.2 + 1)
         sg_id = self.obj.get_security_group_id()
-        if sg_id is not None and not self.config_sgid:
+        if sg_id is not None and not self.configured_security_group_id:
             if sg_id < SGID_MIN_ALLOC:
                 self._object_db.free_sg_id(sg_id)
             else:
                 self._object_db.free_sg_id(sg_id-SGID_MIN_ALLOC)
-        self.rule_entries = None
+        self.security_group_entries = None
         self.process_referred_sgs()
     # end delete_obj
 
@@ -1802,8 +1840,8 @@ def update_policy_entries(self):
         ingress_acl_entries = AclEntriesType()
         egress_acl_entries = AclEntriesType()
 
-        if self.rule_entries:
-            prules = self.rule_entries.get_policy_rule() or []
+        if self.security_group_entries:
+            prules = self.security_group_entries.get_policy_rule() or []
         else:
             prules = []
 
@@ -1898,11 +1936,10 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('security_group'),
             sandesh.RefList('referred_security_group', self.referred_sgs)
         ]
-        resp.properties = [
+        resp.properties.extend([
             sandesh.PropList('sg_id', str(self.sg_id)),
-            sandesh.PropList('configured_id', str(self.config_sgid))
         ] + [sandesh.PropList('rule', str(rule))
-             for rule in self.rule_entries.get_policy_rule() or []]
+             for rule in self.security_group_entries.get_policy_rule() or []])
         return resp
     # end handle_st_object_req
 # end class SecurityGroupST
@@ -1973,7 +2010,7 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
         # Nothing to do
-        pass
+        return False
 
     @classmethod
     def create(cls, fq_name, vn_obj, has_pnf=False):
@@ -2306,7 +2343,8 @@ def update_static_routes(self):
             for route_table_name in route_tables:
                 route_table = RouteTableST.get(route_table_name)
                 if route_table is None or not route_table.routes:
-                    self._logger.debug("route table/routes None for: " + route_table_name)
+                    self._logger.debug("route table/routes None for: " +
+                                       route_table_name)
                     continue
                 route_targets = set()
                 for lr_name in route_table.logical_routers:
@@ -2331,8 +2369,9 @@ def update_static_routes(self):
                     all_route_targets |= route_targets
 
         if old_route_target_list != all_route_targets:
-            self.update_route_target_list(rt_add_import=all_route_targets - old_route_target_list,
-                                          rt_del=old_route_target_list - all_route_targets)
+            self.update_route_target_list(
+                    rt_add_import=all_route_targets - old_route_target_list,
+                    rt_del=old_route_target_list - all_route_targets)
 
         #update static ip routes
         vn_obj = VirtualNetworkST.get(self.virtual_network)
@@ -2575,7 +2614,7 @@ def update_ipams(self, vn2_name):
 
     def log_error(self, msg):
         self.error_msg = msg
-        self._logger.error('service chain %s: %s' %(self.name, msg))
+        self._logger.error('service chain %s: %s' % (self.name, msg))
     # end log_error
 
     def _get_vm_pt_info(self, vm_pt, mode):
@@ -2960,7 +2999,7 @@ def _port_is_subset(lhs, rhs):
     @staticmethod
     def _address_is_subset(lhs, rhs):
         if not(rhs.subnet or lhs.subnet or lhs.subnet_list or rhs.subnet_list):
-             return rhs.virtual_network in [lhs.virtual_network, 'any']
+            return rhs.virtual_network in [lhs.virtual_network, 'any']
         l_subnets = lhs.subnet_list or []
         if lhs.subnet:
             l_subnets.append(lhs.subnet)
@@ -3010,18 +3049,25 @@ def update_acl_entries(self, acl_entries):
 class BgpRouterST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'bgp_router'
+    prop_fields = ['bgp_router_parameters']
+    ref_fields = ['bgp_as_a_service']
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
         self.asn = None
         self.bgp_as_a_service = None
+        self.vendor = None
+        self.identifier = None
+        self.router_type = None
+        self.source_port = None
         self.update(obj)
     # end __init__
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.set_params(self.obj.get_bgp_router_parameters())
-        self.update_single_ref('bgp_as_a_service', self.obj)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'bgp_router_parameters' in changed:
+            self.set_params(self.obj.get_bgp_router_parameters())
+        return changed
     # end update
 
     def delete_obj(self):
@@ -3059,9 +3105,10 @@ def update_global_asn(self, asn):
 
     def update_autonomous_system(self, asn):
         if self.asn == int(asn):
-            return
+            return False
         self.asn = int(asn)
         self.update_peering()
+        return True
     # end update_autonomous_system
 
     def evaluate(self):
@@ -3107,17 +3154,17 @@ def update_bgpaas_client(self, bgpaas):
             return -1
         update = False
         params = self.obj.get_bgp_router_parameters()
-        if params.autonomous_system != int(bgpaas.asn):
-            params.autonomous_system = int(bgpaas.asn)
+        if params.autonomous_system != int(bgpaas.autonomous_system):
+            params.autonomous_system = int(bgpaas.autonomous_system)
             update = True
-        ip = bgpaas.ip_address or vmi.get_primary_instance_ip_address()
+        ip = bgpaas.bgpaas_ip_address or vmi.get_primary_instance_ip_address()
         if params.address != ip:
             params.address = ip
             update = True
         if params.identifier != ip:
             params.identifier = ip
             update = True
-        if bgpaas.obj.bgpaas_suppress_route_advertisement:
+        if bgpaas.bgpaas_suppress_route_advertisement:
             if params.gateway_address:
                 params.gateway_address = None
                 update = True
@@ -3193,7 +3240,6 @@ def update_peering(self):
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(BgpRouterST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = []
         resp.properties = [
             sandesh.PropList('asn', str(self.asn)),
             sandesh.PropList('vendor', self.vendor),
@@ -3207,14 +3253,24 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
 class BgpAsAServiceST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'bgp_as_a_service'
+    prop_fields = ['bgpaas_ip_address', 'autonomous_system',
+                   'bgpaas_session_attributes',
+                   'bgpaas_suppress_route_advertisement',
+                   'bgpaas_ipv4_mapped_ipv6_nexthop']
+    ref_fields = ['virtual_machine_interface', 'bgp_router']
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=name)
         self.virtual_machine_interfaces = set()
         self.bgp_routers = set()
         self.bgpaas_clients = {}
-        self.update(self.obj)
+        self.bgpaas_ip_address = None
+        self.autonomous_system = None
+        self.bgpaas_session_attributes = None
+        self.bgpaas_suppress_route_advertisement = None
+        self.bgpaas_ipv4_mapped_ipv6_nexthop = None
+        self.peering_attribs = None
+        self.update(obj)
         self.set_bgpaas_clients()
     # end __init__
 
@@ -3228,23 +3284,17 @@ def set_bgpaas_clients(self):
     # end set_bgp_clients
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.ip_address = self.obj.get_bgpaas_ip_address()
-        self.asn = self.obj.get_autonomous_system()
-        session_attrib = self.obj.get_bgpaas_session_attributes()
-        bgp_session = BgpSession()
-        if session_attrib:
-            bgp_session.attributes=[session_attrib]
-        self.peering_attribs = BgpPeeringAttributes(session=[bgp_session])
-        self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_machine_interface', self.obj)
-        self.update_multiple_refs('bgp_router', self.obj)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'bgpaas_session_attributes' in changed:
+            session_attrib = self.bgpaas_session_attributes
+            bgp_session = BgpSession()
+            if session_attrib:
+                bgp_session.attributes=[session_attrib]
+            peering_attribs = BgpPeeringAttributes(session=[bgp_session])
+            self.peering_attribs = BgpPeeringAttributes(session=[bgp_session])
+        return changed
     # end update
 
-    def delete_obj(self):
-        self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_machine_interface', {})
-        self.update_multiple_refs('bgp_router', {})
-    # end delete_obj
-
     def evaluate(self):
         for name in (self.virtual_machine_interfaces -
                      set(self.bgpaas_clients.keys())):
@@ -3289,9 +3339,9 @@ def create_bgp_router(self, name):
         else:
             bgp_router = self._vnc_lib.bgp_router_read(id=bgpr.obj.uuid)
             src_port = bgpr.source_port
-        ip = self.ip_address or vmi.get_primary_instance_ip_address()
+        ip = self.bgpaas_ip_address or vmi.get_primary_instance_ip_address()
         params = BgpRouterParams(
-            autonomous_system=int(self.asn) if self.asn else None,
+            autonomous_system=int(self.autonomous_system) if self.autonomous_system else None,
             address=ip,
             identifier=ip,
             source_port=src_port,
@@ -3312,23 +3362,14 @@ def create_bgp_router(self, name):
         self.bgpaas_clients[name] = router_fq_name
     # end create_bgp_router
 
-    def handle_st_object_req(self):
-        resp = super(BgpAsAServiceST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine_interface'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('bgp_router')
-        ]
-        resp.properties = [
-            sandesh.PropList('ip_address', self.ip_address),
-            sandesh.PropList('asn', str(self.asn))
-        ]
-        return resp
-    # end handle_st_object_req
 # end class BgpAsAServiceST
 
 class VirtualMachineInterfaceST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'virtual_machine_interface'
+    ref_fields = ['virtual_network', 'virtual_machine', 'port_tuple',
+                  'logical_router', 'bgp_as_a_service', 'routing_instance']
+    prop_fields = ['virtual_machine_interface_properties']
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
@@ -3344,28 +3385,21 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.floating_ips = set()
         self.alias_ips = set()
         self.routing_instances = {}
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=name)
+        self.update(obj)
         self.uuid = self.obj.uuid
         self.update_multiple_refs('instance_ip', self.obj)
         self.update_multiple_refs('floating_ip', self.obj)
         self.update_multiple_refs('alias_ip', self.obj)
         self.vrf_table = jsonpickle.encode(self.obj.get_vrf_assign_table())
-        self.update(self.obj)
     # end __init__
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(uuid=self.obj.uuid)
-        self.update_single_ref('virtual_network', self.obj)
-        if self.obj.parent_type == 'virtual-machine':
-            self.add_to_parent(self.obj)
-            self.virtual_machine = self.obj.get_parent_fq_name_str()
-        else:
-            self.update_single_ref('virtual_machine', self.obj)
-        self.update_multiple_refs('port_tuple', self.obj)
-        self.update_single_ref('logical_router', self.obj)
-        self.update_single_ref('bgp_as_a_service', self.obj)
-        self.set_properties()
-        self.update_routing_instances(self.obj.get_routing_instance_refs())
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'virtual_machine_interface_properties' in changed:
+            self.set_properties()
+        if 'routing_instance' in changed:
+            self.update_routing_instances(self.obj.get_routing_instance_refs())
+        return changed
     # end update
 
     def delete_obj(self):
@@ -3390,31 +3424,39 @@ def evaluate(self):
     def get_any_instance_ip_address(self, ip_version=0):
         for ip_name in self.instance_ips:
             ip = InstanceIpST.get(ip_name)
-            if ip is None or ip.address is None:
+            if ip is None or ip.instance_ip_address is None:
                 continue
             if not ip.service_instance_ip:
                 continue
             if not ip_version or ip.ip_version == ip_version:
-                return ip.address
+                return ip.instance_ip_address
         return None
     # end get_any_instance_ip_address
 
     def get_primary_instance_ip_address(self, ip_version=4):
         for ip_name in self.instance_ips:
             ip = InstanceIpST.get(ip_name)
-            if ip.is_primary() and ip.address and ip_version == ip.ip_version:
-                return ip.address
+            if ip.is_primary() and ip.instance_ip_address and ip_version == ip.ip_version:
+                return ip.instance_ip_address
         return None
     # end get_primary_instance_ip_address
 
     def set_properties(self):
         props = self.obj.get_virtual_machine_interface_properties()
         if props:
-            self.service_interface_type = props.service_interface_type
-            self.interface_mirror = props.interface_mirror
+            service_interface_type = props.service_interface_type
+            interface_mirror = props.interface_mirror
         else:
-            self.service_interface_type = None
-            self.interface_mirror = None
+            service_interface_type = None
+            interface_mirror = None
+        ret = False
+        if service_interface_type != self.service_interface_type:
+            self.service_interface_type = service_interface_type
+            ret = True
+        if interface_mirror != self.interface_mirror:
+            self.interface_mirror = interface_mirror
+            ret = True
+        return ret
     # end set_properties
 
     def update_routing_instances(self, ri_refs):
@@ -3556,21 +3598,21 @@ def recreate_vrf_assign_table(self):
             ip_list = []
             for ip_name in self.instance_ips:
                 ip = InstanceIpST.get(ip_name)
-                if ip and ip.address:
-                    ip_list.append(ip)
+                if ip and ip.instance_ip_address:
+                    ip_list.append((ip.ip_version, ip.instance_ip_address))
             for ip_name in self.floating_ips:
                 ip = FloatingIpST.get(ip_name)
-                if ip and ip.address:
-                    ip_list.append(ip)
+                if ip and ip.floating_ip_address:
+                    ip_list.append((ip.ip_version, ip.floating_ip_address))
             for ip_name in self.alias_ips:
                 ip = AliasIpST.get(ip_name)
-                if ip and ip.address:
-                    ip_list.append(ip)
-            for ip in ip_list:
-                if ip.ip_version == 6:
-                    address = AddressType(subnet=SubnetType(ip.address, 128))
+                if ip and ip.alias_ip_address:
+                    ip_list.append((ip.ip_version, ip.alias_ip_address))
+            for (ip_version, ip_address) in ip_list:
+                if ip_version == 6:
+                    address = AddressType(subnet=SubnetType(ip_address, 128))
                 else:
-                    address = AddressType(subnet=SubnetType(ip.address, 32))
+                    address = AddressType(subnet=SubnetType(ip_address, 32))
 
                 mc = MatchConditionType(src_address=address,
                                         protocol='any',
@@ -3611,15 +3653,15 @@ def recreate_vrf_assign_table(self):
                                                          ignore_acl=True)
                             vrf_table.add_vrf_assign_rule(vrf_rule)
                             policy_rule_count += 1
-                        #end for dp
-                    #end for sp
+                        # end for dp
+                    # end for sp
                 # end for service_chain
             # end for service_chain_list
 
             if policy_rule_count == 0:
                 vrf_table = None
             self._set_vrf_assign_table(vrf_table)
-        #end for vm_pt_list
+        # end for vm_pt_list
     # end recreate_vrf_assign_table
 
     def _set_vrf_assign_table(self, vrf_table):
@@ -3636,15 +3678,11 @@ def _set_vrf_assign_table(self, vrf_table):
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(VirtualMachineInterfaceST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
+        resp.obj_refs.extend([
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('instance_ip'),
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('floating_ip'),
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('alias_ip'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_network'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('port_tuple'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('logical_router'),
-        ]
+        ])
         resp.properties = [
             sandesh.PropList('service_interface_type',
                              self.service_interface_type),
@@ -3686,139 +3724,90 @@ def get_ipv4_mapped_ipv6_gateway(self):
 class InstanceIpST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'instance_ip'
+    prop_fields = ['instance_ip_address', 'service_instance_ip',
+                   'instance_ip_secondary']
+    ref_fields = ['virtual_machine_interface']
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
         self.is_secondary = False
         self.virtual_machine_interfaces = set()
         self.ip_version = None
+        self.instance_ip_address = None
+        self.service_instance_ip = None
+        self.instance_ip_secondary = False
         self.update(obj)
     # end __init
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.address = self.obj.get_instance_ip_address()
-        if self.address:
-            self.ip_version = IPAddress(self.address).version
-        self.service_instance_ip = self.obj.get_service_instance_ip()
-        self.is_secondary = self.obj.get_instance_ip_secondary() or False
-        self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_machine_interface', self.obj)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'instance_ip_address' in changed and self.instance_ip_address:
+            self.ip_version = IPAddress(self.instance_ip_address).version
+        return changed
     # end update
 
     def is_primary(self):
-        return not self.is_secondary
-    #end
-
-    def delete_obj(self):
-        self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_machine_interface', {})
-
-    def handle_st_object_req(self):
-        resp = super(InstanceIpST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine_interface'),
-        ]
-        resp.properties = [
-            sandesh.PropList('address', self.address),
-            sandesh.PropList('service_instance_ip',
-                             str(self.service_instance_ip)),
-        ]
-        return resp
-    # end handle_st_object_req
+        return not self.instance_ip_secondary
 # end InstanceIpST
 
 
 class FloatingIpST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'floating_ip'
-
+    prop_fields = ['floating_ip_address']
+    ref_fields = ['virtual_machine_interface']
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
         self.virtual_machine_interface = None
         self.ip_version = None
+        self.floating_ip_address = None
         self.update(obj)
     # end __init
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.address = self.obj.get_floating_ip_address()
-        if self.address:
-            self.ip_version = IPAddress(self.address).version
-        self.update_single_ref('virtual_machine_interface', self.obj)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'floating_ip_address' in changed and self.floating_ip_address:
+            self.ip_version = IPAddress(self.floating_ip_address).version
+        return changed
     # end update
-
-    def delete_obj(self):
-        self.update_single_ref('virtual_machine_interface', {})
-
-    def handle_st_object_req(self):
-        resp = super(FloatingIpST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine_interface'),
-        ]
-        resp.properties = [
-            sandesh.PropList('address', self.address),
-        ]
-        return resp
-    # end handle_st_object_req
 # end FloatingIpST
 
 
 class AliasIpST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'alias_ip'
+    prop_fields = ['floating_ip_address']
+    ref_fields = ['virtual_machine_interface']
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
         self.virtual_machine_interface = None
+        self.alias_ip_address = None
         self.ip_version = None
         self.update(obj)
     # end __init
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.address = self.obj.get_alias_ip_address()
-        if self.address:
-            self.ip_version = IPAddress(self.address).version
-        self.update_single_ref('virtual_machine_interface', self.obj)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'alias_ip_address' in changed and self.alias_ip_address:
+            self.ip_version = IPAddress(self.alias_ip_address).version
+        return changed
     # end update
-
-    def delete_obj(self):
-        self.update_single_ref('virtual_machine_interface', {})
-
-    def handle_st_object_req(self):
-        resp = super(AliasIpST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine_interface'),
-        ]
-        resp.properties = [
-            sandesh.PropList('address', self.address),
-        ]
-        return resp
-    # end handle_st_object_req
 # end AliasIpST
 
 
 class VirtualMachineST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'virtual_machine'
-
+    ref_fields = ['service_instance']
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
         self.virtual_machine_interfaces = set()
         self.service_instance = None
         self.update(obj)
         self.uuid = self.obj.uuid
-    # end __init__
-
-    def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
         self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_machine_interface', self.obj)
-        self.update_single_ref('service_instance', self.obj)
-    # end update
-
-    def delete_obj(self):
-        self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_machine_interface', {})
-        self.update_single_ref('service_instance', {})
-    # end delete_obj
+    # end __init__
 
     def get_vmi_by_service_type(self, service_type):
         for vmi_name in self.virtual_machine_interfaces:
@@ -3840,13 +3829,12 @@ def get_service_mode(self):
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(VirtualMachineST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
+        resp.obj_refs.extend([
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine_interface'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('service_instance'),
-        ]
-        resp.properties = [
+        ])
+        resp.properties.extend([
             sandesh.PropList('service_mode', self.get_service_mode()),
-        ]
+        ])
         return resp
     # end handle_st_object_req
 # end VirtualMachineST
@@ -3855,18 +3843,20 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
 class LogicalRouterST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'logical_router'
-
+    ref_fields = ['virtual_machine_interface', 'route_table', 'bgpvpn']
+    prop_fields = ['configured_route_target_list']
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
         self.virtual_machine_interfaces = set()
         self.virtual_networks = set()
         self.route_tables = set()
         self.rt_list = set()
+        self.configured_route_target_list = None
         self.bgpvpns = set()
         self.bgpvpn_rt_list = set()
         self.bgpvpn_import_rt_list = set()
         self.bgpvpn_export_rt_list = set()
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=name)
+        self.update_vnc_obj()
 
         rt_ref = self.obj.get_route_target_refs()
         old_rt_key = None
@@ -3887,17 +3877,8 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         if old_rt_key:
             RouteTargetST.delete_vnc_obj(old_rt_key)
         self.route_target = rt_key
-
-        self.update(self.obj)
     # end __init__
 
-    def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(uuid=self.obj.uuid)
-        self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_machine_interface', self.obj)
-        self.update_multiple_refs('route_table', self.obj)
-        self.update_multiple_refs('bgpvpn', self.obj)
-    # end update
-
     def evaluate(self):
         self.update_virtual_networks()
         self.set_route_target_list()
@@ -3987,9 +3968,9 @@ def set_route_target_list(self):
         old_bgpvpn_export_rt_list = self.bgpvpn_export_rt_list.copy()
 
         # Set the system allocated route target
-        rt_list = self.obj.get_configured_route_target_list()\
+        config_rt_list = self.configured_route_target_list\
             or RouteTargetList()
-        self.rt_list = set(rt_list.get_route_target())
+        self.rt_list = set(config_rt_list.get_route_target())
 
         # Get BGP VPN's route targets associated to that router
         self.bgpvpn_rt_list = set()
@@ -4038,22 +4019,18 @@ def delete_route_targets(route_targets=None):
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(LogicalRouterST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine_interface'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_network'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('bgpvpn'),
+        resp.obj_refs.extend([
             sandesh.RefList('route_target', self.rt_list),
-        ]
-        resp.properties = [
+        ])
+        resp.properties.extend([
             sandesh.PropList('route_target', self.route_target),
-            sandesh.PropList('configured_rt_list', ', '.join(self.rt_list)),
             sandesh.PropList('bgpvpn_router_target_list',
                              ', '.join(self.bgpvpn_rt_list)),
             sandesh.PropList('bgpvpn_import_route_targt_list',
                              ', '.join(self.bgpvpn_import_rt_list)),
             sandesh.PropList('bgpvpn_export_route_target_list',
                              ', '.join(self.bgpvpn_export_rt_list)),
-        ]
+        ])
         return resp
     # end handle_st_object_req
 # end LogicalRouterST
@@ -4062,6 +4039,8 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
 class ServiceInstanceST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'service_instance'
+    ref_fields = ['virtual_machine', 'service_template']
+    prop_fields = ['service_instance_properties']
     vn_dict = {}
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
@@ -4086,15 +4065,18 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
         self.unset_vn_si_mapping()
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_machine', self.obj)
-        st_refs = self.obj.get_service_template_refs()
-        if st_refs:
-            self.service_template = ':'.join(st_refs[0]['to'])
-        props = self.obj.get_service_instance_properties()
-        if props:
-            self.add_properties(props)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'service_template' in changed:
+            st_refs = self.obj.get_service_template_refs()
+            if st_refs:
+                self.service_template = ':'.join(st_refs[0]['to'])
+        if 'service_instance_properties' in changed:
+            changed.remove('service_instance_properties')
+            props = self.obj.get_service_instance_properties()
+            if props:
+                changed = self.add_properties(props)
         self.set_vn_si_mapping()
+        return changed
     # end update
 
     def get_allocated_interface_ip(self, side, version):
@@ -4140,15 +4122,22 @@ def get_virtual_networks(self, si_props):
     # end get_si_vns
 
     def add_properties(self, props):
-        self.left_vn_str, self.right_vn_str = self.get_virtual_networks(props)
+        left_vn_str, right_vn_str = self.get_virtual_networks(props)
+        ret = (self.auto_policy == props.auto_policy)
+        if (left_vn_str, right_vn_str) != (self.left_vn_str, self.right_vn_str):
+            self.left_vn_str = left_vn_str
+            self.right_vn_str = right_vn_str
+            ret = True
         if not props.auto_policy:
-            return self.delete_properties()
+            self.delete_properties()
+            return ret
         self.auto_policy = True
         if (not self.left_vn_str or not self.right_vn_str):
             self._logger.error(
                 "%s: route table next hop service instance must "
-                "have left and right virtual networks"% self.name)
-            return self.delete_properties()
+                "have left and right virtual networks" % self.name)
+            self.delete_properties()
+            return ret
 
         policy_name = "_internal_" + self.name
         addr1 = AddressType(virtual_network=self.left_vn_str)
@@ -4175,13 +4164,14 @@ def add_properties(self, props):
 
     def set_vn_si_mapping(self):
         if self.left_vn_str:
-            ServiceInstanceST.vn_dict.setdefault(self.left_vn_str, set()).add(self)
+            ServiceInstanceST.vn_dict.setdefault(self.left_vn_str,
+                                                 set()).add(self)
     # end set_vn_si_mapping
 
     def unset_vn_si_mapping(self):
         if self.left_vn_str:
             try:
-                ServiceInstanceST.vn_dict.setdefault(self.left_vn_str, set()).remove(self)
+                ServiceInstanceST.vn_dict[self.left_vn_str].remove(self)
                 if not ServiceInstanceST.vn_dict[self.left_vn_str]:
                     del ServiceInstanceST.vn_dict[self.left_vn_str]
             except KeyError:
@@ -4224,8 +4214,8 @@ def _update_service_template(self):
             st_obj = self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.service_template,
                                        obj_type='service_template')
         except NoIdError:
-            self._logger.error("NoIdError while reading service template "
-                               + self.service_template)
+            self._logger.error("NoIdError while reading service template " +
+                               self.service_template)
             return
         st_props = st_obj.get_service_template_properties()
         self.service_mode = st_props.get_service_mode() or 'transparent'
@@ -4248,21 +4238,19 @@ def get_virtualization_type(self):
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(ServiceInstanceST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_machine'),
+        resp.obj_refs.extend([
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('port_tuple'),
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('service_template'),
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('network_policy'),
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('route_table'),
-        ]
-        resp.properties = [
+        ])
+        resp.properties.extend([
             sandesh.PropList('left_network', self.left_vn_str),
             sandesh.PropList('right_network', self.right_vn_str),
             sandesh.PropList('auto_policy', str(self.auto_policy)),
             sandesh.PropList('service_mode', self.get_service_mode()),
             sandesh.PropList('virtualization_type',
                              self.get_virtualization_type()),
-        ]
+        ])
         return resp
     # end handle_st_object_req
 # end ServiceInstanceST
@@ -4271,6 +4259,7 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
 class RoutingPolicyST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'routing_policy'
+    ref_fields = ['service_instance']
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
@@ -4287,7 +4276,9 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
     # end __init__
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'service_instance' not in changed:
+            return False
         new_refs = dict((':'.join(ref['to']), ref['attr'])
                         for ref in self.obj.get_service_instance_refs() or [])
         for ref in set(self.service_instances.keys()) - set(new_refs.keys()):
@@ -4299,6 +4290,7 @@ def update(self, obj=None):
             if si:
                 si.routing_policys[self.name] = new_refs[ref]
         self.service_instances = new_refs
+        return True
     # end update
 
     def add_routing_instance(self, ri, seq):
@@ -4321,10 +4313,9 @@ def delete_routing_instance(self, ri):
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(RoutingPolicyST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('service_instance'),
+        resp.obj_refs.extend([
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('routing_instance'),
-        ]
+        ])
         return resp
     # end handle_st_object_req
 # end RoutingPolicyST
@@ -4333,37 +4324,40 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
 class RouteAggregateST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'route_aggregate'
+    prop_fields = ['aggregate_route_entries']
+    ref_fields = ['service_instance', 'routing_instance']
 
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
         self.service_instances = {}
         self.routing_instances = set()
+        self.aggregate_route_entries = None
         self.update(obj)
     # end __init__
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
-        self.route_entries = self.obj.get_aggregate_route_entries()
-        new_refs = dict((':'.join(ref['to']), ref['attr'].interface_type)
-                        for ref in self.obj.get_service_instance_refs() or [])
-        for ref in set(self.service_instances.keys()) - set(new_refs.keys()):
-            si = ServiceInstanceST.get(ref)
-            if si and self.name in si.route_aggregates:
-                del si.route_aggregates[self.name]
-        for ref in set(new_refs.keys()):
-            si = ServiceInstanceST.get(ref)
-            if si:
-                si.route_aggregates[self.name] = new_refs[ref]
-        self.service_instances = new_refs
-        self.update_multiple_refs('routing_instance', self.obj)
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if 'service_instance' in changed:
+            new_refs = dict((':'.join(ref['to']), ref['attr'].interface_type)
+                            for ref in self.obj.get_service_instance_refs() or [])
+            for ref in set(self.service_instances.keys()) - set(new_refs.keys()):
+                si = ServiceInstanceST.get(ref)
+                if si and self.name in si.route_aggregates:
+                    del si.route_aggregates[self.name]
+            for ref in set(new_refs.keys()):
+                si = ServiceInstanceST.get(ref)
+                if si:
+                    si.route_aggregates[self.name] = new_refs[ref]
+            self.service_instances = new_refs
+        return changed
     # end update
 
     def add_routing_instance(self, ri):
         if ri.name in self.routing_instances:
             return
-        if not self.route_entries or not self.route_entries.route:
+        if not self.aggregate_route_entries or not self.aggregate_route_entries.route:
             return
-        ip_version = IPNetwork(self.route_entries.route[0]).version
+        ip_version = IPNetwork(self.aggregate_route_entries.route[0]).version
         if ip_version == 4:
             if ri.service_chain_info is None:
                 self._logger.error("No ipv4 service chain info found for %s"
@@ -4400,10 +4394,9 @@ def delete_routing_instance(self, ri):
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(RouteAggregateST, self).handle_st_object_req()
-        resp.obj_refs = [
-            self._get_sandesh_ref_list('service_instance'),
+        resp.obj_refs.extend([
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('routing_instance'),
-        ]
+        ])
         return resp
     # end handle_st_object_req
 # end RouteAggregateST
@@ -4425,6 +4418,7 @@ def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
 
     def update(self, obj=None):
         self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
+        return False
     # end update
 
     def delete_obj(self):
@@ -4464,24 +4458,31 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
 class BgpvpnST(DBBaseST):
     _dict = {}
     obj_type = 'bgpvpn'
-
+    prop_fields = ['route_target_list', 'import_route_target_list',
+                   'export_route_target_list']
     def __init__(self, name, obj=None):
         self.name = name
         self.virtual_networks = set()
         self.logical_routers = set()
+        self.rt_list = set()
+        self.import_rt_list = set()
+        self.export_rt_list = set()
         self.update(obj)
-
-    def update(self, obj=None):
-        self.obj = obj or self.read_vnc_obj(fq_name=self.name)
         self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_network', self.obj)
         self.update_multiple_refs('logical_router', self.obj)
-        self.get_route_target_lists()
+
+    def update(self, obj=None):
+        changed = self.update_vnc_obj(obj)
+        if set(self.prop_fields) & set(changed):
+            self.get_route_target_lists()
+        return changed
 
     def delete_obj(self):
         self.update_multiple_refs('virtual_network', {})
         self.update_multiple_refs('logical_router', {})
 
     def get_route_target_lists(self):
+        old_lists = (self.rt_list, self.import_rt_list, self.export_rt_list)
         rt_list = self.obj.get_route_target_list()
         if rt_list:
             self.rt_list = set(rt_list.get_route_target())
@@ -4503,6 +4504,8 @@ def get_route_target_lists(self):
         # if any RT exists in rt_list, remove it from import/export lists
         self.import_rt_list -= self.rt_list
         self.export_rt_list -= self.rt_list
+        return old_lists != (self.rt_list, self.import_rt_list,
+                             self.export_rt_list)
 
     def handle_st_object_req(self):
         resp = super(BgpvpnST, self).handle_st_object_req()
@@ -4510,12 +4513,4 @@ def handle_st_object_req(self):
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('virtual_network'),
             self._get_sandesh_ref_list('logical_router'),
         ]
-        resp.properties = [
-            sandesh.PropList('bgpvpn_type', self.obj.get_bgpvpn_type()),
-            sandesh.PropList('rt_list', ', '.join(self.rt_list)),
-            sandesh.PropList('import_rt_list',
-                             ', '.join(self.import_rt_list)),
-            sandesh.PropList('export_rt_list',
-                             ', '.join(self.export_rt_list)),
-        ]
         return resp
diff --git a/src/config/schema-transformer/test/test_route_table.py b/src/config/schema-transformer/test/test_route_table.py
index cf74bf5761e..e10bc390807 100644
--- a/src/config/schema-transformer/test/test_route_table.py
+++ b/src/config/schema-transformer/test/test_route_table.py
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ def _match_route_table(vn, prefix, next_hop, communities,
                     found = True
                     break
             if found != should_be_present:
-                raise Exception("route " + prefix + "" + next_hop + "not found")
+                raise Exception("route %s %s not found" % (prefix, next_hop))
             return
 
         _match_route_table(vn1, "1.1.1.1/0", "10.10.10.10", ['1:1'])