“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” The DEIR states that the operational Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) impact of the 2040 General Plan would be significant and unavoidable. Caltrans encourages policies and programs related to land use and circulation that increase density, improve regional accessibility, and reduce VMT. For additional TDM options, please refer to the Federal Highway Administration’s Integrating Demand Management into the Transportation Planning Process: A Desk Reference, Chapter 8 (link).
Multimodal Transportation Planning
Please review and include the reference to the Caltrans District 4 Pedestrian Plan (2021) and the Caltrans District 4 Bike Plan (2018) in the DEIR. These two plans studied existing conditions for walking and biking along and across the State Transportation Network (STN) in the nine-county Bay Area and developed a list of location-based and prioritized needs.
Please note that any Complete Streets reference should be updated to reflect Caltrans Director’s Policy 37 (link) that highlights the importance of addressing the needs of non-motorists and prioritizing space-efficient forms of mobility, while also facilitating goods movement in a manner with the least environmental and social impacts. This supersedes Deputy Directive 64-R1, and further builds upon its goals of focusing on the movement of people and goods.
Thank you again for including Caltrans in the environmental review process. Should you have any questions regarding this letter or for future project referrals, please contact [email protected].
Sincerely,
YUNSHENG LUO
Branch Chief, Local Development Review
Office of Regional and Community Planning
c: State Clearinghouse
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Letter A3
COMMENTER: Yunsheng Luo, Senior Planner, California Department of Transportation DATE: October 13, 2023
Response A3-1
The commenter summarizes the proposed plan and explains Caltrans’ focus on maximizing efficient development patterns, innovative travel demand reduction strategies, and multimodal improvements. The commenter encourages policies and programs related to land use and circulation that increase density, improve regional accessibility, and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) given the Draft EIR’s significant and unavoidable finding. The commenter references the Federal Highway Administration Integrating Demand Management into the Transportation Planning Process: A Desk Reference, Chapter 8 as a source of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) options.
The City acknowledges the commenter’s suggestion. As noted by the commenter, the Draft EIR analysis has found that the 2040 General Plan’s VMT impacts would be significant and unavoidable, and provides Mitigation Measure TRA-2, which is designed to reduce VMT impacts by requiring project-level VMT analysis, application of TDM measures and project design measures that would reduce VMT, and participation in a regional VMT impact fee program or exchange/banking program if and when one is implemented. The Draft EIR impact discussion also references City General Plan policies that would reduce VMT through promoting accessibility, encouraging non-vehicle transportation modes, and improving access to transit services.
The commenter’s reference to the FHWA Desk Reference on Integrating Demand Management into the Transportation Planning Process is noted. Chapter 8 of this reference covers integration of TDM at the local planning level. The 2040 General Plan includes policies related to integrating TDM into local development planning and participating in regional TDM efforts, consistent with the Desk Reference’s recommendations. No revisions to the Draft EIR are required in response to this comment.
Response A3-2
The commenter encourages the City to review and include Caltrans District 4 Pedestrian Plan (2021) and the Caltrans District 4 Bike Plan (2018) in the Draft EIR. The commenter also notes that any Complete Streets reference should be updated to reflect Caltrans Director’s Policy 37 (which supersedes Deputy Directive 64) that highlights the importance of addressing the needs of nonmotorists and prioritizing space-efficient forms of mobility, while also facilitating goods movement in a manner with the least environmental and social impacts.
The City is familiar with the Caltrans District 4 Pedestrian Plan (2021) and Caltrans District 4 Bike Plan (2018), and references to these plans will be included in the Transportation Setting of the Final EIR. The Bike Plan contains one mid-tier project to reconstruct and square up the ramp ends at the Bollinger Canyon Road/I-680 interchange and provide bike lanes and conflict striping through the interchange. The City of San Ramon looks forward to working with Caltrans to plan and implement these improvements. The City also looks forward to working with Caltrans to provide pedestrian improvements at other I-680 crossings in San Ramon, as recommended in the Pedestrian Plan. The City notes that no specific projects are identified in the Pedestrian Plan. 2-10
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This comment is acknowledged. In response to this comment, the reference to Caltrans District 4 Pedestrian Plan (2021) and Caltrans District 4 Bike Plan (2018), and the Caltrans Director’s Policy 37 have been added to EIR Section 3.12, Transportation, starting on Page 3.12-15 under the California Department of Transportation Planning Documents header of the Draft EIR:
CALTRANS DISTRICT 4 PEDESTRIAN PLAN (2021)
The Caltrans District 4 Pedestrian Plan (2021) implements the Vision Statement and Goals in Toward an Active California, the statewide bicycle and pedestrian plan, and is part of a comprehensive planning process to identify locations with bicycle and pedestrian needs in each Caltrans district across California. The plan is used by Caltrans staff, as well as regional and local agency partners, to address high priority needs along and across the State Transportation Network, which includes the State Highway System and all other multimodal facilities owned and operated by Caltrans, including parallel paths, frontage roads, and other facilities. This plan complements the District 4 Bike Plan, which was completed in 2018 and is described below1.
CALTRANS DISTRICT 4 BIKE PLAN (2018)
The Caltrans District 4 Bike Plan (2018) identifies infrastructure improvements that can enhance bicycle safety and mobility throughout District 4 and remove some of the barriers to bicycling in the region. The plan was developed in cooperation with local and regional partners to ensure that the improvements on the State highway system complement proposals for local networks.2
CALTRANS DIRECTOR’S POLICY 37
The Caltrans’ Director’s Policy 37 (December 2021) supersedes policy DD-64-R2 (October 2014) and notes that all transportation projects funded or overseen by Caltrans will provide comfortable, convenient, and connected complete streets facilities for people walking, biking, and taking transit or passenger rail unless an exception is documented and approved3.
1 California Department of Transportation. 2021. District 4 Pedestrian Plan for the Bay Area. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dotmedia/programs/transportation-planning/documents/active-transportation-complete-streets/district4-finalreport-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2023).
2 California Department of Transportation. 2018. District 4 Bike Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dotmedia/district-4/documents/d4-bike-plan/caltransd4bikeplan_report_lowres-r6.pdf (accessed October 2023). 3 California Department of Transportation. 2021. Director’s Policy 37. December 7, 2021. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dotmedia/programs/esta/documents/dp-37-complete-streets-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2023). 2-11
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By email only to Cindy Yee [[email protected]]
Ms. Cindy Yee, Senior Planner
City of San Ramon
7000 Bollinger Canyon Road
San Ramon, CA 94583
RE: Comments on San Ramon General Plan Update Draft Environmental Impact Report:
Transportation Section and Appendix E Transportation Impact Analysis Report Dear Ms. Yee:
I am pleased to submit my comments on the Transportation Section (TS) and Appendix E Transportation Impact Analysis Report (TIA) of the San Ramon General Plan Update Draft Environmental Report (DEIR). This letter presents my summary qualifications and comments 1 on each of these documents. The words below convey my opinion of matters that require revision to provide clear, complete descriptions and details of the analyses conducted.
Summary of Qualifications
I am a registered Civil Engineer and Traffic Engineer in California and have over 40 years of diverse experience covering all phases of project delivery, including preliminary assessment, conceptual planning, feasibility, design, and construction. I have demonstrated expertise in transportation, traffic, and transit planning, engineering, and design related to transit-oriented development, transit facilities, parking facilities, roadway and highway improvements, large and small development projects, neighborhood, community, downtown, city, subarea, county, and sub-regional plans, and transit and highway corridors. Finally, I have authored and managed dozens of transportation and circulation studies supporting environmental impact reports for transportation improvements and development projects of all kinds and sizes.
Comments on the TS
1. (p. 3.12-19) The “CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies” paragraph is confusing and should be revised to clarify this critical guidance.
1. Both of the cited CCTA references contain a document called "VMT Analysis Methodology for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa." This document is in Appendix F in the Growth Management Implementation Guide, dated February 17, 2021, and Appendix A in the Final Technical Procedures, dated November 2022. Both documents contain a flow chart titled "Figure 1 - CCTA VMT Analysis Process." Finally, quoting from the opening paragraph of the subject VMT Analysis Methodology for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa: "This guidance is intended to assist lead agencies in their CEQA VMT analysis consistent with new requirements of the CCTA Growth Management Program (GMP)."
Documents reviewed: San Ramon General Plan Update Draft Environmental Report (DEIR) > 1 Transportation Section (Rincon Consultants, Inc., August 30, 2023) and Appendix E Transportation Impact Analysis Report (Fehr & Peers, Revised Draft San Ramon 2040 General Plan Transportation Impact Assessment, June 2023)
KRUPKA CONSULTING
431 Yale Drive | San Mateo, CA | 94402
650.504.2299 | [email protected] | pkrupkaconsulting.com Letter O1
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2. This section should clearly state that the City will follow the latest CCTA guidance referred to as "VMT Analysis Methodology for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa," which is Appendix A in the CCTA Final Technical Procedures, dated November 2022, to evaluate land use projects that are subject to CEQA as discussed in Section 3.12.4, Impacts and Mitigation Measures.
2. (p. 3.12-21) In the last bullet on this page, please clarify that the model land uses were adjusted to reflect the non-residential building area proposed in addition to housing units, as cited in Table 2-1 on page 2-6. This comment applies to other such references in the document.
3. (p. 3.12-35) The first sentence in the first paragraph is incomplete because it says that ONLY 2040 General Plan VMT per employee would exceed the impact threshold; Table 3.12 -2 states that General Plan VMT per resident also exceeds the impact threshold. The third sentence in the first paragraph repeats this error. Also, the use of the general terms “VMT per capita” and “VMT per employee” instead of the more specific terms “Home-Based VMT per Resident” and “Home-Work VMT per Employee” can confuse the reader and should be revised.
4. (p. 3.12-35) The second and third paragraphs qualify Mitigation Measure TRA-2 should be reviewed for relevance and, if suitable, included there. Apparently preconceived, the “conclusion" (third paragraph) should logically be placed after describing the mitigation measure elements.
5. p. 3.12-35 - 3.12-37 Mitigation Measure TRA-2 Prepare and Implement VMT Reduction Measures as written is inadequate because it does not state what the City shall do to comply with the CCTA Growth Management Program requirements in light of the significant and unavoidable finding. I believe the language used in Section 1.3.4.2.3 of the TIA could replace the entirety of this discussion to resolved this inadequacy, provided it addresses my other TIA comments below.
6. p. 3.12-40 The remark below about cumulative impacts shown in Table 3.12-5 is a stretch given the reduction in VMT between the existing value and proposed plan value - 0.02 VMT/Service Population - is essentially null (0.001%).
1. “Countywide boundary VMT per service population would decrease with the proposed plan, reflecting the travel efficiency that generally results from more dense, mixed-use development provided with the proposed plan.” Comments on the TIA
1. (p. 17) The “CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies” paragraph is confusing and should be revised to clarify this critical guidance. See Comment 1 (TS) above.
2. (p. 22) In the third bullet on this page, please clarify that the model land uses were adjusted to reflect the non-residential building area proposed in addition to housing units.
3. (p. 23) Guiding policies highlighted in this section 1.3.4 of the TIA appear to mimic those cited in the DEIR 3.12. Given each document employs a different presentation style regarding facilities covered, it would be prudent for the City team to cross-check all referenced policies in the two documents to confirm there are no conflicting statements.
4. (p. 27) The concluding statement regarding this impact would be enhanced and better highlighted with language like that used for Impact 2 on page 30.
5. (p. 36) The Impact 5 introduction would be enhanced and consistent with previous statements by adding “conflict with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b) because it would” between “would” and “generate”.
6. (p. 37) In the last paragraph, second sentence, the addition of “A” after “Appendix” would clarify this reference.
7. (p. 39) Referring to the last paragraph, third sentence, see Comment 6 (TS) above.
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8. (p. 39) The last sentence on this page contradicts this respective statement on page
3.12-41 in the TS, which I believe to be true: “Therefore, the cumulative impact related to VMT would be significant and unavoidable.”
9. (p. 40) The first sentence under Section 1.3.4.2.3 is misleading given it states “…(i.e. no specific employment use changes were identified)…”. As noted in Comment 2 above, please clarify that non-residential land use changes were identified.
10. (p. 40) In the second paragraph, the third sentence ends with “…Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology) describes options for mitigation of VMT impacts.” This needs careful review and clarification to blend elements of the noted reference material to meet the needs of this TIA.
1. In fact, the referenced guiding document is titled "VMT Analysis Methodology for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa" and describes the assumptions and procedures I believe the City intends to apply to “implement VMT reduction measures” as the title of this mitigation measure indicates.
2. The subsequent text describing “options” is out of place and confusing to me, given I believe the author’s use of “shall” means the noted types of mitigations shall be considered.
3. Finally, as noted in Comment 1 (TS) above, the CCTA Final Technical Procedures, dated November 2022, contains a newer version of the "VMT Analysis Methodology for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa” (see Appendix A) than one the CCTA Growth Management Implementation Guide, which is referenced in the TIA. Shouldn’t the newer version be referenced?
11. (p. 40) The end of item 1 of the list here includes “Part 3, above.” Please clarify this is a reference to material in the CCTA document. This is another example of the larger matter discussed in Comment 10 above.
12. (p. 40) The last paragraph should be revised to reflect it is pertinent to VMT analysis and not limited to the referenced VMT reduction measures. This could be addressed by replacing “with the following TDM” with “incorporating, but not limited to, VMT reduction mitigation measures listed in Table 5”.
13. (p. 42) The style break noted in Comment 5 above is repeated here for Impact 6 and on page 46 for Impact 7. Using consistent “would not” language for these impact threshold discussions would enhance reader interpretation.
14. (Appendix A) To be clear to the reader that this is part of the TIA, the information documented herein should include source and date as well as Fehr & Peers report identification (footer).
Conclusion
The TS and TIA do not clearly and completely document critical context, procedures, and results as noted above. Revisions should be made to enhance these documents to aid the public and City officials in rendering necessary judgments regarding their adequacy.
Please contact me if you have any questions or other requests.
Sincerely,
KRUPKA CONSULTING
Paul J. Krupka, PE
Sole Proprietor
Registered Professional Engineer in California > Civil C 47497, Traffic TR 1574 O1-14
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Letter O1
COMMENTER: Paul Krupka, Registered Professional Engineer, Krupka Consulting DATE: October 16, 2023
Response O1-1
The commenter states that the “CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies” paragraph in Draft EIR Section 3.12, Transportation, is confusing and should be rewritten, and provides information on the VMT Analysis Methodology for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa County.
The text describing and referencing the CCTA VMT analysis guidance in EIR Section 3.12, Transportation¸ on Pages 3.12-19, 3.12-20, and 3.12-35 are revised to refer to the most recent version. Note that the guidance published in the CCTA Technical Procedures in November 2022 is essentially unchanged from the guidance published in the Growth Management Implementation Guide in February 2021, with the exception of updated references to source documents published by Caltrans and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association.
EIR Section 3.12, Transportation, on Pages 3.12-19, 3.12-20, and 3.12-35 are revised as follows:
CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies
The CCTA has developed guidance for member jurisdictions to use in developing their own VMT analysis methods, metrics, and thresholds of significance. The latest CCTA’s guidance is VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021) and CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures, Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology November 2022) describes the recommendations. A flow chart describing the recommended methodology is included in the Technical Appendix (Appendix 1) to Appendix E. At the time of publishing, the City of San Ramon has chosen to follow the CCTA guidance. More detail on the VMT analysis methodology, metrics, and thresholds of significance are provided in Section 3.12.4, Impacts and Mitigation Measures.
VMT Impact Methodology and Assumptions
Since SB 743 eliminated the use of level of service (LOS) for CEQA impact analysis purposes, that method is not utilized in this analysis. The analysis in this document examines potential roadway transportation impacts under current CEQA criteria. The primary quantitative measure of roadway impacts is VMT. The VMT analysis methodology utilizes the procedures described in the CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November 2022). The procedures are summarized below.
MITIGATION MEASURE TRA-2 PREPARE AND IMPLEMENT VMT REDUCTION MEASURES The CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology) VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November 2022) 2-15
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describes options for mitigation of VMT impacts. The first two options below apply to development projects and plans, and the third applies at a General Plan area-wide scale.
Response O1-2
The commenter requests that Section 3.12, Transportation, be clarified to state that the model land uses were adjusted to reflect the housing units and non-residential building areas proposed.
The non-residential land uses in the VMT modelling were taken from the Contra Costa Countywide Travel Demand Model and were not adjusted for this analysis. Please refer to Response O2-4 for further explanation. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-3
The commenter states that Section 3.12, Transportation, incorrectly states that only 2040 General Plan VMT per employee would exceed thresholds; however, the section also states that the General Plan VMT per resident also exceeds thresholds.
The referenced sentences in the first paragraph on Page 3.12-35 of Section 3.12, Transportation is revised to include VMT per capita. Note that the finding that both VMT rates would exceed the threshold is also provided in the last paragraph on Page 3.12-14. Regarding the use of terms ‘VMT per Employee’ and ‘VMT per Capita’ in certain instances, as opposed to the more complete ‘HomeBased VMT per Resident’ and ‘Home-Work VMT per Employee’, these choices were made to improve readability and the City maintains that the information is clear as written.
EIR Section 3.12, Transportation, on Page 3.12-35 is revised as follows:
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in marginal reductions in VMT per capita and VMT per employee from existing conditions, but VMT per capita and VMT per employee would still exceed the impact threshold. Implementing the 2040 General Plan policies listed above under Impact TRA-1 would reduce VMT through promoting accessibility, encouraging non-vehicle transportation modes, and improving access to transit services. Even with the 2040 General Plan policies to reduce VMT, it is possible that VMT per capita and per employee would still remain above applicable thresholds. Although VMT per capita and employee would be reduced as a result of the 2040 General Plan, according to OPR guidance on the application of SB 743, a VMT impact is still significant if VMT per capita or employee remains above 15 percent below the existing baseline. Thus, with respect to consistency with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b), the operational VMT impact of the 2040 General Plan would be significant and unavoidable since VMT per resident and employee would be greater than 17.3 and 12.8, respectively, in the 2040 General Plan area, and Mitigation Measure TRA-2 would be required.
Response O1-4
The commenter requests that the second and third paragraphs on Page 3.12-35 in Section 3.12, Transportation, be added to Mitigation Measure TRA-2 if suitable to include.
In EIR Section 3.12, Transportation, on Page 3.12-35, the second and third paragraphs are intended to introduce the mitigation measure and describe its expected effectiveness. The finding that the impact would remain significant and unavoidable is provided after the description of the mitigation measure. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
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Response O1-5
The commenter states that Mitigation Measure TRA-2 is inadequate, because it does not state what the City will do to comply with the CCTA Growth Management Program.
The City believes that the wording of Mitigation Measure TRA-2 adequately describes how the City would comply with the CCTA Growth Management Program Guidelines. The measure states that projects have the option of changing the project’s characteristics to reduce VMT, or implementing a TDM plan to reduce VMT, and that the City shall require preparation of TDM plans for projects that do not meet the CCTA screening criteria and thresholds. While the wording of Mitigation Measure TRA-2 is somewhat different than the wording in Transportation Impact Assessment (TIA) (Appendix E to the Draft EIR) in Section 1.3.4.2.3, the intent and proposed City action is nonetheless clear. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-6
The commenter questions the accuracy of the statement in Section 3.21, Transportation, that “Countywide boundary VMT per service population would decrease with the proposed plan, reflecting the travel efficiency that generally results from more dense, mixed-use development provided with the proposed plan” given that the reduction in VMT is essentially null (0.001%).
The referenced reduction in countywide boundary VMT per service population is small, but the effect is nonetheless a reduction, and should be disclosed. VMT changes on a countywide scale are generally expected to be small when considering development changes in only one city. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-7
The commenter states that the “CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies” paragraph in the TIA is confusing and should be revised to clarify the guidance.
The reference to the CCTA guidance is revised throughout the TIA (Appendix E to the Draft EIR), similar to the revisions in Draft EIR Section 3.12, Transportation. See Response O1-1 for further explanation.
Response O1-8
The commenter requests that that the TIA be clarified to state that the model land uses were adjusted to reflect the housing units and non-residential building areas proposed.
See Response O1-7. No further revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-9
The commenter requests that the policies in Section 3.1.4 of the TIA be cross-checked against Section
3.12, Transportation, of the Draft EIR to ensure they do not conflict.
The content referenced by the commenter is included Draft EIR Section 3.12, Transportation, and is consistent. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary. 2-17
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Response O1-10
The commenter states that the conclusion under “Roadway Facilities” in Impact 1 in the TIA should be enhanced and consistent with the language used in the conclusion of Impact 2.
The concluding statement requested is provided on page 26 of the TIA, after the listing of relevant 2040 General Plan policies. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-11
The commenter provides suggested revisions to the introduction of Impact 5 in the TIA.
The comment is noted. The requested wording is provided directly above the impact statement, so was not repeated in the interest of enhancing readability. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-12
This commenter suggests revising the TIA to revise reference to the “Appendix to “Appendix A.” As there is only one appendix to the TIA, such an edit is not warranted. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-13
This commenter refers to the previous comment.
See Response O1-12. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-14
This commenter states that the conclusion in the TIA that cumulative VMT impacts would be less than significant conflicts with the conclusion in the Draft EIR that cumulative VMT impacts would be significant and unavoidable.
The finding in the Draft EIR Section 3.12, Transportation, Page 3.12-41 is the City’s CEQA finding for the cumulative VMT impact and is based on the OPR guidance cited on Draft EIR Page 3.12-40. A long-term plan’s cumulative impact should generally be considered to have the same significance conclusion as its project-level impact. In contrast, the TIA includes a finding of less than significant based on the fact that the analysis shows the cumulative boundary VMT within the County would be reduced with the proposed plan. The TIA is intended to present the analysis results and provide input for the Draft EIR; additional CEQA expertise and judgment on the part of the City and its CEQA document preparers is then applied to prepare the Draft EIR. In this instance, the Draft EIR made a conservative VMT impact conclusion. This explains the different descriptions of the cumulative impact in the two documents. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-15
This comment states that the first sentence in Section 1.3.4.2.3 of the TIA is misleading. The commenter also requests that the TIA be revised to clarify that non-residential land use changes were identified.
See Response O1-2. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary. 2-18
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Response O1-16
The commenter provides suggested revisions to the second paragraph on page 40 of the TIA.
Regarding the reference to the VMT analysis guidance, the revisions were made under Response O1-7. Regarding the use of the term “options”, this text is a summary of the content in the VMT analysis guidance. The rest of the mitigation measure text describes how the City would implement VMT reduction measures for projects, through requiring VMT screening analysis and full analysis for projects that do not screen out and requiring TDM plans for projects with VMT impacts. Regarding the CCTA guidance please refer to Response O1-7. No further revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-17
The commenter requests that a reference to the CCTA document be added to page 40 of the TIA.
Items 1 – 3 on page 40 on the TIA are presented as a direct excerpt from the VMT analysis guidance, and the reference to “Part 3, above” should be understood as referring to that document. As noted in Response to Comment O1-7, the reference to the VMT guidance is updated to refer to the most recent version. No further revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-18
The commenter provides suggested edits to page 40 of the TIA.
On page 40 of the TIA, the last paragraph is intended to introduce a list of mitigation measures, displayed in Table 5, to be included in project-level TDM plans. This is not an exhaustive list of the measures that could be included. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-19
The commenter proposes the use of similar wording as they noted under Response O1-11 to enhance readability.
See Response O1-11. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O1-20
The commenter states that Appendix A of the TIA should include a source, date, and footer.
The TIA (Draft EIR Appendix E) includes the source (Fehr & Peers) and date (June 2023) on the cover page of the report itself. No additional change is needed. 2-19
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Via Electronic Mail
To: Ms. Cindy Yee, Senior Planner, City of San Ramon
[email protected]; [email protected]
RE: Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Report for the San Ramon 2040 General Plan (State Clearinghouse No. 2022060549)
Dear Ms. Yee:
On behalf of Citizens Against Market Place Apartment/Condo Development, I am writing to provide comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the San Ramon 2040 General Plan (“DEIR”). I relayed similar positions in my oral statements to the Planning Commission on September 19th. These comments focus on three primary deficiencies in the DEIR: (1) The failure to account for the vehicle miles traveled (“VMT”) impacts of increasing number of residents driving farther to meet retail demand that are and will be unmet within the City; (2) the failure to identify “areas of known controversy” related to the insufficiency of local retail and the environmental impact of that shortage; and (3) the failure to consider a realistic alternative that specifically improves protection of retail, similar to environmentally superior Alternative 2, but without the very unpopular, extreme core residential densification.
1. The Problem of Retail Deficiency is Not Addressed by the DEIR Land use arrangement is one of the most significant drivers of automobile trips. In a heavily car-dependent community with limited public transit, situating retail far from residences makes it impractical to access it by foot or bicycle. The City is facing a population boom while failing to craft long-term zoning policies to accommodate the retail needs of current and future residents. This will have tremendous vehicle traffic-related environmental impacts that are not discussed in the DEIR.
Ariel Strauss, Of-Counsel
2748 Adeline Street, Ste. A
Berkeley, CA 94703
510-900-9502 x 702
[email protected]
www.greenfirelaw.com
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Packet Pg. 141 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- 2 “[A]s part of the City of San Ramon’s General Plan Update process[,]” in May 2022, The Natelson Dale Group, Inc., provided the City a San Ramon: Retail Development Opportunities Analysis (“Retail Opportunity Analysis”).1 This analysis detailed “substantial existing ‘leakage’ [purchases lost to surrounding cities] of resident retail demand” in the amount of approximately $280 million annually and projected an opportunity for between 1,100,000 and 1,800,000 square feet of new net retail space through 2040.2 The DEIR incorporated this projection by recounting that “retail floor area is expected to have a demand of up to 1,800,000 square feet.”3 The DEIR estimates that the proposed project “could result in an increase in population that would exceed ABAG population forecasts by 35 percent by 2040.”4 At the same time, the project would add only approximately 347,000 square feet for all non-residential building types, including office space, retail and industrial.5 This is dramatically less than what would be appropriate based on the Retail Opportunity Analysis and also far less than under the current General Plan (no project option): “4,900,000 gsf of non- residential buildout is anticipated under the adopted (2035) San Ramon General Plan, compared to 347,339 gsf of non-residential buildout anticipated under the proposed plan.”6
The DEIR is deficient by failing to consider the necessity to provide for increasing local retail needs and accurately account for the VMT impacts of that failure. Under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the City must consider activities causing either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment.7 VMT analysis must assess the “significance of transportation impacts” of the project; “‘vehicle miles traveled’ refers to the amount and distance of automobile travel attributable to a project.”8 The Office of Planning and Research Technical Advisory on Evaluation Transportation Impacts in CEQA (December 2018) (“Technical Advisory”) clarifies that VMT is not calculated merely by looking at the trips to-and-from the site.
The assessment should cover the full area in which driving patterns are expected to change.
As with other types of projects, the VMT estimation should not be truncated at a modeling 1 Retail Opportunity Analysis at 3.
2 Id. at 2, 6
3 DEIR at 2-11.
4 Id. at ES-18.
5 Id. at 2-6.
6 Id. at 5-3.
7 Pub. Res. Code, § 21065.
8 CEQA Guidelines, § 15064.3.
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Packet Pg. 142 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- 3 or jurisdictional boundary for convenience of analysis when travel behavior is substantially affected beyond that boundary.9
With respect to retail in particular, the Technical Advisory further explains:
By adding retail opportunities into the urban fabric and thereby improving retail destination proximity, local-serving retail development tends to shorten trips and reduce VMT. Thus, lead agencies generally may presume such development creates a less-than-significant transportation impact. Regional-serving retail development, on the other hand, which can lead to substitution of longer trips for shorter ones, may tend to have a significant impact.10 However, the DEIR categorically neglects to discuss City-wide VMT benefits of improved shopping access. The Transportation Impact Assessment (June 2023) by Fehr Peers attached to the DEIR has only four passing references to “retail” (primarily as quotes from the General Plan or generic headings). It entirely fails to include any mention of the impact of community-serving retail square footage falling further out of proportion with a growing population, and the resultant need to drive farther to meet every-day needs. The discussion of VMT is limited to considering trips created by traveling to and from development in the City but does not consider the consequences of forcing residents to drive farther on account of the lack of access to local retail. The mismatch between residential development and commercial access is arguably the most significant environmental problem facing the City, but it is ignored by the DEIR. The DEIR claims that “All environmental issue areas are analyzed in detail in this EIR.”11 This is plainly incorrect.
2. Lack of Sufficient Community-Serving Retail is an “Area of Known Controversy”
“The EIR scoping process did not identify areas of known controversy for the proposed plan.” 12 This is unreasonable and shows a lack of due diligence. The failure of the City to provide adequate retail, and the VMT-related impacts of that problem, was the focus of thousands of comments by the public in connection with the Market Place project approval (DP 2022-0007) and a central element of an active CEQA lawsuit filed against the City (Contra Costa Superior Court Case No. N23-0770, filed April 19, 2023). The City is obligated to identify 9 Technical Advisory at 19.
10 Id. at 13; see also, p. 26 (“As an illustration, assessing the total change in VMT for a grocery store built in a food desert that diverts trips from more distant stores could reveal a net VMT reduction.”). 11 DEIR at ES-2.
12 Id.
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Packet Pg. 143 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- 4 known areas of controversy related to potential environmental impacts.13 This section of the DEIR is plainly noncompliant.
3. The DEIR does Not Include Sufficient Consideration of Alternatives to the Proposed Project
The DEIR recognizes that “the proposed 2040 General Plan already meets and exceeds the RHNA requirements, meaning that an increase in residential buildout under this potential alternative would far exceed RHNA requirements beyond the need for additional residential development.”
14 In connection with the Market Place project application review, thousands of residents expressed strong opposition to extreme residential densification and high rises while demanding more and better community-serving retail opportunities. Yet, the DEIR did not consider an alternative that protects retail without residential densification in excess of the level of the proposed project.
The DEIR notes it scoped but did not analyze a “reduced residential” alternative that would not meet the City’s mandatory Regional Housing Needs Allocation (“RHNA”) requirements.15 Of course, the City should not consider a legally noncompliant option. Instead of offering a straw man, however, the City must evaluate an option that meets RHNA requirements and incorporates the retail protections of environmentally-superior Alternative 2 (such as a “retail shopping” designation) without adding significant high density residential.
Adding these protections to the proposed project or an alternative would reduce the environmental impact of the project and further numerous City objectives, including the following policies:16
• 5.6-I-20: Encourage local commerce to reduce commute distances for employment and shopping needs.
• 2.3-G-2: Provide adequate land use designations to accommodate planned development, with business and commercial areas complementing residential and public development in location/access, mix of uses, attractiveness, and environmental quality. • 2.3-G-5: Strengthen the retail sector in San Ramon in order to expand retail and restaurant options for residents and employees and to increase the tax base. 13 CEQA Guidelines, § 15123, subd. (b)(2); see also, City of Maywood v. Los Angeles Unified School Dist. (2012) 208 Cal.App.4th 362, 373.
14 DEIR at 5-27.
15 Id.
16 Id. at 2-45, 2-46
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Packet Pg. 144 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- 5 “[P]ublic agencies should not approve projects as proposed if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures available which would substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of such projects[.]”17 Consequently, the City must consider a politically feasible alternative the protects and promotes community-serving retail.
4. Conclusion
The City is obligated to respond to and discuss these comments in the final EIR.18 Furthermore, because the DEIR is deficient, it must be revised to accurately analyze the VMT impacts of inadequate retail and consider an alternative that will seek to remedy this deficiency.
Respectfully,
GREENFIRE LAW, PC
Ariel Strauss, Of-Counsel
Attorneys for Citizens Against Market Place Apartment/Condo Development 17 Pub. Resources Code, § 21002.
18 CEQA Guidelines, §15088(c).
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Packet Pg. 145 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- City of San Ramon Responses to Comments
2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report
Letter O2
COMMENTER: Ariel Strauss, Of-Counsel, Greenfire Law, Attorneys for Citizens Against Market Place Apartment/Condo Development
DATE: October 16, 2023
Response O2-1
The commenter states that their comments focus on three primary deficiencies in the Draft EIR: (1) The failure to account for the vehicle miles traveled (“VMT”) impacts of increasing number of residents driving farther to meet retail demand that are and will be unmet within the City; (2) the failure to identify “areas of known controversy” related to the insufficiency of local retail and the environmental impact of that shortage; and (3) the failure to consider a realistic alternative that specifically improves protection of retail, similar to environmentally superior Alternative 2, but without the very unpopular, extreme core residential densification.
See Responses O2-2 through O2-6.
Response O2-2
The commenter states that land use arrangement is one of the most significant drivers of the automobile trips and would have vehicle-related environmental impacts that are not discussed in the Draft EIR.
The City agrees that land use mix and location is an important factor contributor to the amount of VMT generated within a city or region, and that longer trips between uses will generally make walking and bicycling for those trips less practical. Traffic congestion is not a required topic under CEQA pursuant to California Senate Bill 743, which mandates the use of VMT to analyze transportation-related environmental impacts instead of the use of level of service. With regard to the VMT impacts discussed in the Draft EIR, see Response O2-4. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O2-3
The commenter states that the population growth and non-residential development identified in the Draft EIR is less than what would be appropriate based on the Retail Opportunity Analysis and the current General Plan.
Draft EIR Table 2-1 shows the overall land use components and associated population summary for the 2040 General Plan. This indicates the net change in residential units (10,155), non-residential gross square footage (347,339), and population (26,269) between existing baseline (2022) and projected 2040 General Plan buildout (2040). The residential units are based on the 2023-2031 Housing Element projections and infill redevelopment opportunities, and the non-residential gross square footage is per the City’s understanding of growth potential within existing and recently vacated specific plan areas as well as mixed-use designated areas that informed development of the 2040 General Plan Land Use Element. Per the table footnote, the 2040 population estimate assumes approximately 2.92 persons per household per California Department of Finance, and then a 5 percent projected vacancy rate was applied to further adjust. Furthermore, CEQA analysis focuses 2-25
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Packet Pg. 146 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- City of San Ramon Responses to Comments
2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report
on the environmental impacts of the proposed plan and is not required to address economic effects, including those related to retail opportunities. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O2-4
The commenter states that the Draft EIR is deficient, because it fails to consider the necessity to provide local retail needs and accurately account for VMT impacts.
Regarding the VMT analysis provided in the Draft EIR, the analysis methodology follows the commenter’s referenced guidance in OPR’s Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, as well as the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s guidance on VMT analysis which is contained in Appendix A of the CCTA Technical Procedures (November 2022). Specifically, Homebased VMT per resident and Home-work VMT per employee are assessed for the city as a whole, including the full trip lengths for all trips (i.e., trip lengths are not truncated at the city or county boundary). A separate, cumulative analysis is also provided that assesses the net change in total year 2040 VMT within Contra Costa County, with the project; this analysis captures the net effect of the project on travel behavior changes, within the county in which San Ramon sits.
With regard to the non-residential (office, retail, and industrial) land use assumptions in the VMT analysis, the 2040 No Project (current 2035 General Plan) and 2040 With Project (2040 General Plan) analyses rely on the land use data included in the Contra Costa Countywide Travel Demand Model, which includes substantial growth in all three non-residential categories. In the model, a growth of approximately 8,700 employees, very roughly corresponding to about 4.6 million square feet of non-residential development, is included within the city of San Ramon. Roughly 750,000 square feet of this development is in the retail category. The CCTA developed the model’s land use assumptions based on ABAG population and employment forecasts for the Bay Area and individual counties, and the process included review and input from individual cities with regard to the geographic allocation of the growth. Because the model’s objective is to be consistent with regional land use forecasts, significant deviation from the model’s assumptions would require a re-allocation of development potential to other cities and counties represented in the model. Because (1) the City of San Ramon does not control planning and zoning decisions for other jurisdictions, (2) ultimately the development market plays a primary role in determining the location, type and density of development, and (3) such a reallocation would introduce substantial uncertainty into the VMT analysis, a re-allocation of the model’s non-residential land uses in San Ramon was not undertaken.
It is also important to note that such a re-allocation, if performed, would need to apply to both the 2040 No Project (2035 General Plan) and 2040 With Project (2040 General Plan) scenarios, since the 2035 General Plan would also not be expected to have calculated non-residential land uses that are substantially lowers than the model’s assumptions.
As noted in the comment’s second excerpt from the Technical Advisory¸ local-serving retail may be found to reduce VMT while regional-serving retail may increase VMT. Such determinations require more project details than are available in a programmatic General Plan EIR analysis, and would thus need to be made on a project-by-project basis. As such, the Draft EIR cannot provide a quantitative assessment of any citywide benefits of adding retail, as the comment suggests. The analysis provided in the Draft EIR does include the effect of trips travelling between all residences in San Ramon to all destinations within San Ramon, the County, and the region. Therefore, no revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
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2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report
Response O2-5
The commenter states that Draft EIR fails to identify lack of sufficient community-serving retail as an area of known controversy.
CEQA solely requires the identification of areas of known controversy as they relate to physical environmental impacts. As such, economic effects, including related to amount of retail included in the 2040 General Plan Land Use Element, are not required to be included in the EIR as an area of known controversy. In addition, this comment does not disagree with the EIR conclusions or mitigation related to environmental impacts. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O2-6
The commenter states that the Draft EIR does not include sufficient consideration of alternatives, because it did not consider an alternative that protects retail without residential densification in excess of the level of the proposed 2040 General Plan.
In Draft EIR Chapter 5, EIR Alternatives, EIR Alternative 2 included and assessed both the residential units to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirement as well as new infill mixed use within the City Core and additional retail shopping compared to the proposed plan. The retail preservation under EIR Alternative 2 is assumed specifically with redevelopment of the Chevron site.
The anticipated overall non-residential gross square footage reduction under EIR Alternative 2 would be the result of a reduction in office land uses rather than retail land uses across San Ramon.
EIR Alternative 2 would focus on more transit-oriented, mixed-use land uses, including shops and a diversity of housing opportunities, and redesignate 41.4-acres within four existing mixed-use shopping centers as “Retail Shopping” to promote infill development. CEQA analysis focuses on the environmental impacts of the proposed plan and is not required to address economic effects, including those related to retail opportunities. Nonetheless, EIR Alternative 2 was deemed the environmentally superior alternative in the Draft EIR Alternatives comparison analysis (see Draft EIR p. 5-29) and will be considered by the City as part of EIR Findings. Furthermore, this comment does not disagree with the EIR Alternatives conclusions related to environmental impacts. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
Response O2-7
This comment states that the Draft EIR is deficient and should be revised to accurately analyze the VMT impacts of inadequate retail and consider an alternative that will seek to remedy this deficiency.
See Responses O2-2 through O2-6.
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Packet Pg. 148 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- Verbal Comment Received During September 19, 2023 Draft EIR Public Meeting Greenfire Law (attorneys for CAMPAD), Ariel Strauss
• Concerned about the lack of adequate protection of retail. Does not like idea of converting retail to residential.
• There is no EIR Alternative to protect retail.
• EIR pp. 2-6 identifies there is less non-residential development expected by General Plan 2040 buildout than what is recommended by the 2022 retail development opportunity study and far less than the non-residential development estimate from the General Plan 2035 shown on EIR pp. 5-3.
• No alternative considered that targets protection of retail without the extreme increase in core densification.
• The DEIR exclusively focuses on VMT trips between home and work; were VMT impacts considered for longer trips for shopping outside of San Ramon? Letter O3
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Packet Pg. 149 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- City of San Ramon Responses to Comments
2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report
Letter O3
COMMENTER: Ariel Strauss, Of-Counsel, Greenfire Law, Attorneys for Citizens Against Market Place Apartment/Condo Development
DATE: September 19, 2023
Response O3-1
The commenter expresses concern about the lack of adequate protection of retail. The commenter expresses opposition to conversion of retail to residential uses.
The commenter’s opposition to conversion of retail is acknowledged. This comment does not contain a substantive comment on the analysis or conclusions in the Draft EIR. No further response is required.
Response O3-2
The commenter states that the Draft EIR does not include an alternative that protects retail.
See Response O2-6.
Response O3-3
The commenter states that page 2-6 of the Draft EIR identifies less non-residential development expected by the General Plan 2040 buildout than what is recommended by the 2022 retail development opportunity study and far less than the non-residential development estimate from the General Plan 2035.
See Response O2-3.
Response O3-4
The commenter states that the Draft EIR does not include an alternative that protects retail without the extreme increase in core densification.
See Response O2-6.
Response O3-5
The commenter asks if VMT impacts considered longer trips for shopping outside of San Ramon.
See Response O2-4.
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Packet Pg. 150 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- Ticket: [#20231003231814]
Name: sue bock
e-mail: [email protected]
Climate Action Plan Comment:
We request that our voices in San Ramon be heard regarding the CAP evolution. San Ramon city council needs to be aware of the impacts their decisions will determine their impact on the environment and 1. Take advantage of the governmental monies that are available for San Ramon can benefit everyone. 2. Is the city ready to claim the monies and what will happen if we miss th opportunities.
Page title: Home
Letter P1
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Packet Pg. 151 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- City of San Ramon Responses to Comments
2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report
Letter P1
COMMENTER: Sue Bock
DATE: October 3, 2023
Response P1-1
The commenter states that City’s decisions on the CAP will impact the environment and that the City should take advantage of government funds that are available.
The San Ramon Climate Action Plan (CAP) is still in the planning stages. Once the City is further in the CAP planning process, the City plans on holding a public meeting regarding the proposed CAP greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures as well as regarding the Draft CAP document itself.
This comment is not related to the Draft EIR, and no revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary. 2-31
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Packet Pg. 152 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- Ticket: [#20231011185105]
Name: Wendy
e-mail: [email protected]
Climate Action Plan Comment:
Hello. I am looking for information on AB 1346 (signed by Governor Newsom in 2021 to take effect in 2024) in the Plan and what the City of San Ramon and residents can do to prepare for the changes brought about by this legislation. This legislation addresses greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, and noise, three important areas of the Plan. Thank you.
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Letter P2
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2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report
Letter P2
COMMENTER: Wendy Lee
DATE: October 11, 2023
Response P2-1
The commenter requests additional information on Assembly Bill 1346 and what residents can do to prepare for changes resulting from the legislation.
Assembly Bill 1346 requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations by July 1, 2022 to prohibit engine exhaust emissions from new small off-road engines, which are often used in lawn and garden equipment. The regulations would apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as CARB determines it is feasible, whichever is later. To support the transition to zero-emission small off-road equipment, the bill requires CARB to identify and, to the extent feasible, make available funding for commercial rebate or similar incentive funding as part of any updates to existing applicable funding program guidelines, for local air districts to implement. Because the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exclusive jurisdiction over emissions regulations, the EPA must approve any changes to CARB’s regulations before they are adopted by CARB. CARB’s amendments to their Small Off-Road Engine Regulation to comply with Assembly Bill 1346 are currently undergoing review by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
CARB and the local air districts are responsible for developing and implementing regulations to achieve zero emissions from small off-road engines sold in California. It is not the City’s responsibility to phase out the use of the small off-road equipment that the bill addresses, and is therefore not applicable to the policies outlined in the 2040 General Plan. No revisions to the Draft EIR are necessary.
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Packet Pg. 154 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- Verbal Comment Received During September 19, 2023 Draft EIR Public Meeting Call-in User 1 (name not provided)
• Have concerns with zoning amendment to remove creek setback regulations. • Have issues with my own property and soil settlement issues that went through an extensive legal process with the HOA.
• Referenced the submitted Federal Realty public comment letter and stated no response or change has been provided.
• Retail is very important to the community.
Letter P3
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Packet Pg. 155 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- City of San Ramon Responses to Comments
2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report
Letter P3
COMMENTER: Call-in User 1
DATE: September 19, 2023
Response P3-1
The commenter states that they have concerns with zoning amendment to remove creek setback regulations.
The commenter’s concern with the zoning amendment to remove creek setback regulations is acknowledged. This comment does not contain a substantive comment on the analysis or conclusions in the Draft EIR. No further response is required.
Response P3-2
The comment states their property has soil settlement issues.
The comment is acknowledged. This comment does not contain a substantive comment on the analysis or conclusions in the Draft EIR. No further response is required.
Response P3-3
The commenter stated no responses to Federal Realty’s public comment letter on the 2040 General Plan non-retail policy have been provided.
The comment is acknowledged. This comment does not contain a substantive comment on the analysis or conclusions in the Draft EIR. No further response is required.
Response P3-4
The commenter states that retail is very important to the community.
The commenter’s support for retail development is acknowledged. This comment does not contain a substantive comment on the analysis or conclusions in the Draft EIR. No further response is required.
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Packet Pg. 156 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- Verbal Comment Received During September 19, 2023 Draft EIR Public Meeting Jim Blickenstaff
• Visual/Aesthetics impacts were not considered; ambitiously building a lot of housing and those will have negative visual impacts and should be clarified as a significant impact in the EIR. • Wants DEIR public review/comment period extended.
Letter P4
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Letter P4
COMMENTER: Jim Blickenstaff
DATE: September 19, 2023
Response P4-1
The commenter states that aesthetics was not covered in the Draft EIR, and that negative visual impacts from additional housing should be identified as a significant impact.
Impacts related to aesthetics were addressed in Section 4.1, Aesthetics, of the Draft EIR. Specifically, as required by CEQA Guidelines Appendix G, the Draft EIR analyzed impacts related to scenic vistas, scenic resources within a state scenic highway, conflicts with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality, and light and glare.
Impacts to scenic vistas was discussed under Impact AES-1 in Section 4.1. As discussed under Impact AES-1, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would occur within the urbanized areas of the General Plan area. These areas are highly developed with retail, restaurant, commercial, and residential land uses ranging up to 85 feet tall. Publicly available views throughout the General Plan area are largely limited by intervening development and topography, mature landscaping, and large street or median trees. None of the scenic views of open space areas are designated as “vistas” or “scenic corridors” within the adopted 2035 San Ramon General Plan or the proposed 2040 General Plan. However, the 2040 General Plan Land Use Element and Open Space and Conservation Element contain guiding policies and implementing policies that would minimize impacts to scenic views of the surrounding hills and natural features from future residential development would be less than significant.
Impacts to scenic resources within a State scenic highway was discussed under Impact AES-2 in Section 4.1. As discussed in AES-2, the 2040 General Plan would direct future development in such a way as to minimize the impacts of growth by emphasizing the intensification and reuse of already developed areas, thus minimizing pressure to develop on the remaining open space that could contain scenic resources within State scenic highways in San Ramon and instead directing growth and development to infill areas. Therefore, impacts related to damage of scenic resources within a State scenic highway would be less than significant.
Impacts related to scenic quality were analyzed in Impact AES-3. The significance criterion listed in CEQA Guidelines Appendix G thresholds include the following question related to scenic quality:
a) In non-urbanized areas, would the project substantially degrade existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? As discussed under Impact AES-3, San Ramon is characterized as a suburban residential community, as approximately 60 percent of the General Plan area’s developed land is occupied with residential uses. The 2040 General Plan would facilitate infill development and redevelopment projects within existing urban areas, as such Section 4.1, Aesthetics, of the Draft EIR appropriately considers whether the 2040 General Plan would conflict with applicable zoning or other regulations governing scenic quality. As stated in the Draft EIR, implementation of the guiding policies and implementing policies of the 2040 General Plan EIR, partnered with conformance to San Ramon Municipal Code and Zoning Code requirements, would ensure that development facilitated by the 2040 General 2-37
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Final Environmental Impact Report
Plan would be visually compatible with San Ramon’s overall form and would improve underutilized parcels through architectural and landscape design. As such, the 2040 General Plan would not conflict with San Ramon regulations governing visual character or quality and impacts would be less than significant. Because San Ramon is located in an urbanized area, CEQA does not require that the Draft EIR consider if the project substantially degrade existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings, because this significance criterion is only applicable to nonurbanized areas.
Impacts from additional light and glare resulting from residential development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan were considered under Impact AES-4 in Section 4.1. While development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would create new sources of light and glare in the General Plan area, the 2040 General Plan would reinforce and improve lighting standards and requirements outlined in the San Ramon Municipal Code to reduce light pollution and glare. Compliance with 2040 General Plan goals and policies and the San Ramon Municipal Code would ensure that impact related to light and glare would be less than significant.
The commenter does not provide any specifics or substantiation as to why negative visual impacts from additional housing should be identified as a significant impact. The Draft EIR considers visual impacts resulting from the 2040 General Plan and concludes that impacts would be less than significant, and no revisions to the Draft EIR are required.
Response P4-2
The commenter requested that the public review period on the Draft EIR be extended.
CEQA Guidelines Section 21091(a) states that a Draft EIR be circulated for at least 30-days and that a Draft EIR be circulated for at least 45-days for projects where a state agency is the lead agency, a responsible agency, or a trustee agency; a state agency otherwise has jurisdiction by law; or the project is of sufficient statewide, regional, or areawide significance. The duration of the public review period complied with the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 21091(a). Specifically, the Draft EIR was circulated for a 48-day public review period from August 30, 2023 through October 16, 2023, which exceeded the required 45-day public review period being a “project” of areawide significance as a citywide general plan update. An extension of the Draft EIR public review period is not required. Furthermore, this comment does not contain a substantive comment on the analysis or conclusions in the Draft EIR; as such, no revisions to the EIR are required, 2-38
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Packet Pg. 159 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- Verbal Comment Received During September 19, 2023 Draft EIR Public Meeting Vice Chair Kuznik
• As we are adding housing, we are adding sensitive receptors. It does not seem like there is a mechanism for which the EIR monitors or accounts for more noise.
Letter P5
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Packet Pg. 160 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- City of San Ramon Responses to Comments
2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report
Letter P5
COMMENTER: Vice Chair Kuznik
DATE: September 19, 2023
Response P5-1
The commenter states that Draft EIR does not account for increased noise resulting from more housing and additional sensitive receptors.
The California Supreme Court in a December 2015 opinion (California Building Industry Assn. v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District) confirmed that CEQA is concerned with the impacts of a project on the environment, not the effects the existing environment may have on a project.
Therefore, the Draft EIR analyzes noise generated from additional residential development, and not noise impacts to additional residents (which are considered sensitive receptors). Population growth resulting from the development of additional housing was factored into the noise analysis under Impact N-1 in Section 3.10, Noise, of the Draft EIR. As discussed in Section 3.10.4 of the Draft EIR, implementation of the 2040 General Plan would allow additional buildout, which would generate new vehicle trips that could incrementally increase the exposure of land uses along roadways to operation roadway vehicle noise. Increases in roadway vehicle noise levels for the General Plan 2040 Buildout condition compared to existing conditions were estimated based on predicted future roadway volumes, which account for population growth resulting from General Plan 2040 Buildout.
Impact N-1 of the Draft EIR also considers that noise generated from increased residential development, such as from landscaping, maintenance activities, and mechanical equipment such as ground-level and rooftop ventilation and heating (HVAC) systems. No revisions to the Draft EIR are required.
2-40
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Errata
The following are revisions to the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the San Ramon 2040 General Plan. These revisions are minor modifications and clarifications to amplify, correct, supplement, or clarify, information in the public review Draft EIR. The revisions do not constitute “significant new information,” because they do not result in a new avoidable significant impact, substantially increase the severity of any environmental impacts, identify a feasible plan alternative considerably different from others previously analyzed, or involve new mitigation measures or substantial revisions to mitigation measures that were included in the Draft EIR (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5). Therefore, recirculation of the Draft EIR is not warranted.
The revisions are listed by the section and page number. All additions to the text are underlined (underlined), and all deletions from the text are stricken (stricken).
Text Changes in Response to Public Comments
The following text changes to the Draft EIR were made in response to public comments received during public circulation of the Draft EIR. Refer to Chapter 2 for the responses to public comments.
Executive Summary
Mitigation Measure TRA-2 was updated for accuracy on Page ES-22 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
MITIGATION MEASURE TRA-2 PREPARE AND IMPLEMENT VMT REDUCTION MEASURES The CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology) VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November 2022) describes options for mitigation of VMT impacts. The first two options below apply to development projects and plans, and the third applies at a General Plan area-wide scale.
This revision adds more accurate information to Mitigation Measure TRA-2. As noted below under “Transportation,” this revision to Mitigation Measure TRA-2 was also made in Section 3.12, Transportation. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure TRA2 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Section 3.5, Geology and Soils
Pages 3.5-18 and 3.5-19
Regulatory setting information was updated for accuracy on Pages 3.5-18 and 3.5-19 under the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act heading in Section 3.5, Geology and Soils, of the Draft EIR:
The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act regulates development near the surface traces of active faults to mitigate the hazard of surface fault rupture. Essentially, this Act contains two requirements: (1) it prohibits the location of most structures for human
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occupancy across the trace of active faults; and (2) it establishes Earthquake Fault Zones and requires geologic/seismic studies of most proposed development of buildings for human occupancy within 50 feet of the zone. The Earthquake Fault Zones are delineated and defined by the State Geologist and identify areas where potential surface rupture along a fault could occur. The nearest Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone is located along the Calaveras Fault to the west of I-680 in the western portion of San Ramon and extends in a north to south direction.
This revision adds more accurate and complete information to the geology and soils regulatory setting. This revision to the Draft EIR does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Section 3.12, Transportation
Regulatory setting information was added for accuracy and completeness on Page 3.12-15 under the California Department of Transportation Planning Documents heading in Section 3.12, Transportation, of the Draft EIR:
CALTRANS DISTRICT 4 PEDESTRIAN PLAN (2021)
The Caltrans District 4 Pedestrian Plan (2021) implements the Vision Statement and Goals in Toward an Active California, the statewide bicycle and pedestrian plan, and is part of a comprehensive planning process to identify locations with bicycle and pedestrian needs in each Caltrans district across California. The plan is used by Caltrans staff, as well as regional and local agency partners, to address high priority needs along and across the State Transportation Network, which includes the State Highway System and all other multimodal facilities owned and operated by Caltrans, including parallel paths, frontage roads, and other facilities. This plan complements the District 4 Bike Plan, which was completed in 2018 and is described below1.
CALTRANS DISTRICT 4 BIKE PLAN (2018)
The Caltrans District 4 Bike Plan (2018) identifies infrastructure improvements that can enhance bicycle safety and mobility throughout District 4 and remove some of the barriers to bicycling in the region. The plan was developed in cooperation with local and regional partners to ensure that the improvements on the State highway system complement proposals for local networks.2
CALTRANS DIRECTOR’S POLICY 37
The Caltrans’ Director’s Policy 37 (December 2021) supersedes policy DD-64-R2 (October 2014) and notes that all transportation projects funded or overseen by Caltrans will provide comfortable, convenient, and connected complete streets facilities for people walking, 1 California Department of Transportation. 2021. District 4 Pedestrian Plan for the Bay Area. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dotmedia/programs/transportation-planning/documents/active-transportation-complete-streets/district4-finalreport-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2023).
2 California Department of Transportation. 2018. District 4 Bike Plan for the San Francisco Bay Area. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dotmedia/district-4/documents/d4-bike-plan/caltransd4bikeplan_report_lowres-r6.pdf (accessed October 2023).
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biking, and taking transit or passenger rail unless an exception is documented and approved3.
This revision adds more accurate and complete information to the transportation regulatory setting.
This revision to the Draft EIR does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Regulatory setting information was updated for accuracy on Page 3.12-19 under the CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies heading in Section 3.12, Transportation, of the Draft EIR:
CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies
The CCTA has developed guidance for member jurisdictions to use in developing their own VMT analysis methods, metrics, and thresholds of significance. The latest CCTA’s guidance is VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021) and CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures, Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology November 2022) describes the recommendations. A flow chart describing the recommended methodology is included in the Technical Appendix (Appendix 1) to Appendix E. At the time of publishing, the City of San Ramon has chosen to follow the CCTA guidance. More detail on the VMT analysis methodology, metrics, and thresholds of significance are provided in Section 3.12.4, Impacts and Mitigation Measures.
This revision adds more accurate and complete information to the transportation regulatory setting.
This revision to the Draft EIR does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
The Approach to Analysis section was updated for accuracy on Page 3.12-20 under the VMT Impact Methodology and Assumptions heading in Section 3.12, Transportation, of the Draft EIR:
VMT Impact Methodology and Assumptions
Since SB 743 eliminated the use of level of service (LOS) for CEQA impact analysis purposes, that method is not utilized in this analysis. The analysis in this document examines potential roadway transportation impacts under current CEQA criteria. The primary quantitative measure of roadway impacts is VMT. The VMT analysis methodology utilizes the procedures described in the CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November 2022). The procedures are summarized below.
This revision adds more accurate and complete information to the transportation Approach to Analysis section. This revision to the Draft EIR does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
3 California Department of Transportation. 2021. Director’s Policy 37. December 7, 2021. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dotmedia/programs/esta/documents/dp-37-complete-streets-a11y.pdf (accessed October 2023).
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Mitigation Measure TRA-2 was updated for accuracy on Page 3.12-35 under the Mitigation Measure heading in Section 3.12, Transportation, of the Draft EIR:
MITIGATION MEASURE TRA-2 PREPARE AND IMPLEMENT VMT REDUCTION MEASURES The CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology) VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November 2022) describes options for mitigation of VMT impacts. The first two options below apply to development projects and plans, and the third applies at a General Plan area-wide scale.
This revision adds more accurate information to Mitigation Measure TRA-2. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure TRA-2 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Impact TRA-2 was updated for accuracy on Page 3.12-35 under the Operation heading in Section
3.12, Transportation, of the Draft EIR:
Development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan would result in marginal reductions in VMT per capita and VMT per employee from existing conditions, but VMT per capita and VMT per employee would still exceed the impact threshold. Implementing the 2040 General Plan policies listed above under Impact TRA-1 would reduce VMT through promoting accessibility, encouraging non-vehicle transportation modes, and improving access to transit services. Even with the 2040 General Plan policies to reduce VMT, it is possible that VMT per capita and per employee would still remain above applicable thresholds. Although VMT per capita and employee would be reduced as a result of the 2040 General Plan, according to OPR guidance on the application of SB 743, a VMT impact is still significant if VMT per capita or employee remains above 15 percent below the existing baseline. Thus, with respect to consistency with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b), the operational VMT impact of the 2040 General Plan would be significant and unavoidable since VMT per resident and employee would be greater than 17.3 and 12.8, respectively, in the 2040 General Plan area, and Mitigation Measure TRA-2 would be required.
This revision adds more accurate and complete information to the impact analysis included in the transportation section. This revision to the Draft EIR does not change the findings or significance conclusions disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Appendix E, Traffic Impact Assessment
The following changes were made to the Traffic Impact Assessment (Appendix E of the Draft EIR).
Regulatory setting information was updated for accuracy on Page 17 of the Traffic Impact Assessment under the CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies heading in Appendix E of the Draft EIR:
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1.2.3.4 CCTA VMT Guidance for Member Agencies
The CCTA has developed guidance for member jurisdictions to use in developing their own VMT analysis methods, metrics, and thresholds of significance. The latest CCTA guidance is VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November 2022). Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology) describes the recommendations. A flow chart describing the recommended methodology is included in the Technical Appendix. At the time of publishing, the City of San Ramon has chosen to follow the CCTA guidance. More detail on the VMT analysis methodology, metrics, and thresholds of significance are provided in Section 4.14.3, Methodology and Assumptions.
This revision adds more accurate and complete information to the regulatory setting in the Traffic Impact Assessment. This revision to the Traffic Impact Assessment does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Section 1.3.3, Methodology and Assumptions for VMT Analysis, was updated for accuracy on Page 20 of the Traffic Impact Assessment in Appendix E of the Draft EIR:
The VMT analysis methodology utilizes the procedures described in the CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November 2022). The procedures are summarized below.
This revision adds more accurate and complete information to the methodology and assumptions in the Traffic Impact Assessment. This revision to the Traffic Impact Assessment does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Section 1.3.4.2.3, Mitigation Measure: Implement VMT Reduction Measures, was updated for accuracy on Page 40 of the Traffic Impact Assessment in Appendix E of the Draft EIR:
Individual housing project development proposals that do not screen out from VMT impact analysis shall provide a quantitative VMT analysis using the methods applied in this EIR, with modifications if appropriate based on future changes the City of San Ramon practices and CCTA VMT analysis methodology guidelines. Projects which result in a significant impact shall include travel demand management measures and physical measures to reduce VMT.
The CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F (CCTA Recommended Methodology) VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November 2022) describes options for mitigation of VMT impacts. The first two options below apply to development projects and plans, and the third applies at a Citywide scale.
This revision adds more accurate information to the mitigation measures in the Traffic Impact Assessment. This revision is not a substantial revision to the proposed mitigation measures and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
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Additional Text Changes
In addition to text changes made in response to public comments, the following text changes were made to the Draft EIR for accuracy and completeness.
Executive Summary
Page ES-9
Mitigation Measure CR-1 was updated for accuracy on Page ES-9 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
CR-1 Prepare a Historical Resources Evaluation Prior to Approval for Projects Involving Buildings 45 Years or Older and Implement Mitigation Prior to and During Construction. A historic resources evaluation for projects involving buildings 45 years or older shall be prepared as follows:
All properties 45 years of age or older as deemed appropriate by the San Ramon Community Development Director shall be evaluated within their historic context and documented in a report meeting the State Office of Historic Preservation guidelines. The evaluation shall be prepared by a qualified architectural historian or historian who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in architectural history or history (as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 61). The qualified architectural historian or historian shall conduct an intensive-level evaluation in accordance with the guidelines and best practices promulgated by the State Office of Historic Preservation to identify potential historical resources within the proposed development site. All properties 45 years of age or older as deemed appropriate by the San Ramon Community Development Director shall be evaluated within their historic context and documented in a report meeting the State Office of Historic Preservation guidelines. Such evaluated properties shall be documented on Department of Parks and Recreation Series 523 Forms. The report shall be submitted to the City for review and concurrence. If the property is already listed in the NRHP or CRHR, the historical resources evaluation described above shall not be required. If historical resources are identified within the site of a proposed development, efforts shall be made to the extent feasible to ensure that impacts are mitigated. Application of mitigation shall generally be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the Professional Qualification Standards, unless unnecessary in the circumstances (e.g., preservation in place). In conjunction with a development application that may affect the historical resource, the historical resources evaluation report shall also identify and specify the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities.
Efforts shall be made to the greatest extent feasible to ensure that the relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration of the resource is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings. Application of the Standards shall be overseen by a qualified architectural historian or historic architect meeting the Professional Qualification Standards. In conjunction with a development application that may affect the historical resource, a report identifying
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and specifying the treatment of character-defining features and construction activities shall be provided to the City for review and concurrence. As applicable, the report shall demonstrate how a project complies with the Standards and be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to the issuance of permits. If significant historical resources are identified on a development site and compliance with the Standards and or avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be established and undertaken. Mitigation measures may include documentation of the historical resource in the form of a Historic American Building Survey (HABS) report, or equivalent. The report shall comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Architectural and Engineering Documentation and shall generally follow the HABS Level III requirements, including digital photographic recordation, detailed historic narrative report, and compilation of historic research. The documentation shall be completed by a qualified architectural historian or historian who meets the Professional Qualification Standards and submitted to the City prior to issuance of any permits for demolition or alteration of the historical resource.
This revision to Mitigation Measure CR-1 was made for consistency with Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure CR-1 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Page ES-10
Mitigation Measure CR-2 was updated for accuracy on Page ES-10 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
Mitigation Measure CR-2: Prepare an Archaeological Resources Assessment prior to Project Approval and Implement Mitigation prior to and during Construction. An archaeological resources assessment for projects involving ground disturbance shall be prepared as follows:
Assessments shall include a California Historical Resources Information System records search at the Northwest Information Center (NAHC) and a Sacred Lands File search maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission. The records searches will characterize the results of previous cultural resource surveys and disclose any cultural resources that have been recorded and/or evaluated in and around a project site. A Phase I pedestrian survey shall be undertaken at a project site that is on previously undeveloped land in order to locate any surface cultural materials. By performing a records search, consultation with the NAHC, and a Phase I survey, a qualified archaeologist shall be able to classify a project site as having high, medium, or low sensitivity for archaeological resources.
If the Phase I archaeological survey identifies resources that may be affected by a project, the archaeological resources assessment shall also include Phase II testing and evaluation. If resources are determined significant or unique through Phase II testing and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific mitigation measures shall be identified in the Phase II evaluation. These measures shall include, but would not be limited to, a Phase III data recovery program, avoidance, or other appropriate actions to be determined by a qualified archaeologist in consultation with the City and any interested Tribes, as stated in the 2040 General Plan Tribal Consultation Implementation Program outlined by Guiding Policy ENV-5 and Guiding Policy 8.7-G-1. If
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significant archaeological resources cannot be avoided, impacts may be reduced to lessthan-significant levels by adding fill soils on top of the sites rather than cutting into cultural deposits. Alternatively, and/or in addition, a data collection program may be warranted, including mapping the location of artifacts, surface collection of artifacts, or excavation of the cultural deposit to characterize the nature of the buried portions of sites. Curation of the excavated artifacts or samples shall occur as specified by the archaeologist in consultation with the City and any interested Tribes. As stated in the 2040 General Plan Tribal Consultation Implementation Program outlined by Guiding Policy ENV-5 and Guiding Policy 8.7-G-1, the final disposition of artifacts not directly associated with Native American graves shall be negotiated during consultation with interested tribes. If Native American tribes do not accept the artifact, it shall be offered to an institution staffed by qualified professionals, as determined by the City Planner.
Artifacts include material recovered from all phases of work, including the initial survey, testing, indexing, data recovery, and monitoring.
This revision to Mitigation Measure CR-2 was made for consistency with Section 3.4, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure CR-2 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Page ES-14
Mitigation Measure GHG-1 was updated for accuracy on Page ES-14 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
GHG-1 Adopt and Implement a San Ramon Qualified Climate Action Plan and San Ramon CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds. The City shall adopt an updated, qualified San Ramon Climate Action Plan (CAP) by the end of 2024 and include targets that reflect those set by SB 32 to reduce GHG emissions by 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030 and AB 1279 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The updated, qualified San Ramon CAP shall be implemented and tracked/monitored by the City in accordance with the CAP-established timeline and details.
Implementation measures in an updated Climate Action Plan to achieve the 2030 and 2045 targets shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
Develop and adopt Zero Net Energy requirements for new and remodeled residential and non-residential development;
Develop and adopt a building electrification ordinance for existing and proposed structures;
Expand charging infrastructure and parking for electric vehicles; Implement carbon sequestration by expanding the urban forest, participating in soilbased or compost application sequestration initiatives, supporting regional open space protection, and/or incentivizing rooftop gardens; and
Implement policies and measures included in the 2022 California Climate Change Scoping Plan, such as mobile source strategies for increasing clean transit options and zero emissions vehicles by providing electric vehicle charging stations.
The City shall also adopt San Ramon CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds of Significance that are consistent with an updated, qualified San Ramon Climate Action Plan by the end of 2024 for use in future CEQA GHG emissions analyses through 2030 and consistent with SB 32. In addition, upon completion of future climate action plan updates and as necessary, the City
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shall update the CEQA GHG emissions thresholds of significance to be consistent with each climate action plan update.
This revision to Mitigation Measure GHG-1 was made for consistency with Section 3.6, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure GHG-1 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Page ES-18
Mitigation Measure NOI-1 was updated for accuracy on Page ES-18 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
NOI-1 Include and Implement Construction Noise Reduction Measures. To minimize noise during construction, construction contractors shall implement the following measures for construction activities conducted within the City San Ramon. Construction plans submitted to the City shall include construction noise analysis and identify these measures on demolition, grading, and construction plans submitted to the City. The City of San Ramon Building Division and/or Public Works Department shall verify that grading, demolition, and/or construction plans submitted to the City include these notations prior to issuance of demolition, grading and/or building permits.
This revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-1 was made for consistency with Section 3.10, Noise. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-1 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Page ES-19
Mitigation Measure NOI-2 was updated for accuracy on Page ES-19 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
NOI-2 Implement Operational Roadway Vehicle Noise Reduction Measures. To reduce operational roadway vehicle noise, the City shall implement a developer fair share mitigation program to fund the following measures for projects operated on the following roadway segments within the City San Ramon: Dougherty Road Boulevard between Bollinger Canyon Road (north) and Bollinger Canyon Road (South), San Ramon Valley Boulevard between the northern City limit and Crow Canyon Road, Camino Ramon between Crow Canyon Road and Norris Canyon Road, and Camino Ramon between Norris Canyon Road and Bollinger Canyon Road. The City shall retain a qualified acoustical consultant to prepare a San Ramon-wide Roadway Vehicle Noise Reduction Study that specifies, at a minimum, the specific locations, extent, height of sound walls, and other design details such as “quiet pavement” to reduce roadway vehicle noise impacts at impacted roadways throughout San Ramon. The study shall also include an estimated cost of improvement along each impacted roadway segment to inform the developer fair share mitigation program. Roadway vehicle noise reduction measures may include, but are not limited to:
This revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-2 was made for consistency with Section 3.10, Noise. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-2 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
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Page ES-20
Mitigation Measure NOI-3 was updated for accuracy on Page ES-20 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
NOI-3 Prepare a Noise and Vibration Analysis and Implement Construction Vibration Control Measures and Screening Distances. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a project requiring a) pile driving during construction within 135 feet of fragile structures such as (historical resources), 100 feet of non-engineered timber and masonry buildings (e.g., most residential buildings), b) or within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster); bc) a vibratory roller within 40 feet of fragile historical resources or 25 feet of any other structure; or a dozer or other large earthmoving equipment within 20 feet for a fragile historical structure and/or cd) 15 feet of any other structure, the project applicant shall prepare a groundborne noise and vibration analysis to assess and mitigate potential noise and vibration impacts related to these construction activities. This noise and vibration analysis shall be conducted by a qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or engineer. The vibration levels shall not exceed FTA architectural damage thresholds (e.g.,
0.12 in/sec PPV for fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec PPV for non-engineered timber and masonry buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for engineered concrete and masonry). If vibration levels would exceed this threshold, alternative uses such as drilling piles as opposed to pile driving, static rollers as opposed to vibratory rollers, and lower horsepower earthmoving equipment shall be used. If necessary, construction vibration monitoring shall be conducted to ensure FTA vibration thresholds are not exceeded. This revision to Mitigation Measure N-3 was made for consistency with Section 3.10, Noise. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure N-3 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
This revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-3 was made for consistency with Section 3.10, Noise. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-3 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Page ES-25
Impact UTIL-1 was updated for accuracy on Page ES-22 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
Impact UTL-1. Development under the 2040 General Plan would increase demand for water, wastewater, stormwater, and telecommunications services. While uUtility facilities and infrastructure development and relocation facilitated by the proposed plan would occur in developed areas of San Ramon where such facilities exist, construction-related impacts would be significant and Unavoidable even with mitigation. impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
This revision corrects the information in the Executive Summary for consistency with Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems, of the Draft EIR. This revision to the Draft EIR does not result in a new avoidable significant effect or substantially increase the severity of any environmental impacts identified in the Draft EIR.
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Page ES-25
The Mitigation Measure(s) column was updated for accuracy under Utilities and Service Systems on Page ES-25 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
Mitigation Measures AQ-1, AQ-2, AQ-3, BIO-1, BIO-2, CR-1, CR-2, CR-2, CR-3, CR-4, GEO-1, GHG-1, HAZ-1, NOI-1, NOI-2, NOI-3, TRA-1, TRA-2, UTL-1, and UTL-2 This revision corrects the information in the Executive Summary for consistency with Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems, of the Draft EIR. This revision to the Draft EIR does not result in a new avoidable significant effect or substantially increase the severity of any environmental impacts identified in the Draft EIR.
Page ES-26
Mitigation Measure was updated for accuracy on Page ES-26 in Table ES-1 in the Executive Summary section of the Draft EIR:
UTL-2 Provide Adequate Wastewater Infrastructure and Treatment for Projects. To ensure adequate wastewater infrastructure and treatment, as well as consistency with existing utility providers and State regulations, the City shall adopt implement the following measures General Plan policy:
New Policy: The City shall ensure that adequate wastewater facilities and services are available to meet the needs of existing and future development through the following measures:
Infrastructure Maintenance. Infrastructure Maintenance. Collaborate with Central San and Dublin San Ramon Services District in their efforts to maintain wastewater conveyance, treatment, and disposal infrastructure in good working conditions within San Ramon.
New Development. Coordinate the review of development proposals with Central San to ensure that new development can be adequately served.
Wastewater Services Requirement. Require that wastewater services for new development do not negatively affect service to existing uses. Capital Improvements Program. When updating the Capital Improvements Program, identify and include the following:
Projects that could also support green infrastructure improvements. Street improvements consistent with emergency vehicle access standards. City-sponsored projects necessary to maintain or improve levels of performance.
This revision to Mitigation Measure UTL-2 was made for consistency with Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems, of the Draft EIR. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-3 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
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Section 3.10, Noise
Mitigation Measure NOI-3 was updated for accuracy on Page 3.10-30 in Section 3.10, Noise, of the Draft EIR:
NOI-3 Prepare a Noise and Vibration Analysis and Implement Construction Vibration Control Measures and Screening Distances. Prior to issuance of a building permit for a project requiring pile driving during construction a) within 135 feet of fragile structures (historical resources), 100 feet of non-engineered timber and masonry buildings [e.g., most residential buildings], b) or within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster); c) b) a vibratory roller within 40 feet of fragile historical resources or 25 feet of any other structure; and/or d) c) a dozer or other large earthmoving equipment within 20 feet for a fragile historical structure or 15 feet of any other structure, the project applicant shall prepare a groundborne noise and vibration analysis to assess and mitigate potential noise and vibration impacts related to these construction activities. This noise and vibration analysis shall be conducted by a qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or engineer. The vibration levels shall not exceed FTA architectural damage thresholds (e.g.,
0.12 in/sec PPV for fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec PPV for non-engineered timber and masonry buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for engineered concrete and masonry). If vibration levels would exceed this threshold, alternative uses such as drilling piles as opposed to pile driving, static rollers as opposed to vibratory rollers, and lower horsepower earthmoving equipment shall be used. If necessary, construction vibration monitoring shall be conducted to ensure FTA vibration thresholds are not exceeded.
This revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-3 was made for accuracy. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure NOI-3 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems
Mitigation Measure UTL-2 was updated for accuracy on Page 3.13-23 in Section 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems, of the Draft EIR:
MITIGATION MEASURE UTL-2: PROVIDE ADEQUATE WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND TREATMENT FOR
PROJECTS
To ensure adequate wastewater infrastructure and treatment, as well as consistency with existing utility providers and State regulations, the City shall implement the following measures:
Infrastructure Maintenance. Infrastructure Maintenance. Collaborate with Central San and Dublin San Ramon Services District in their efforts to maintain wastewater conveyance, treatment, and disposal infrastructure in good working conditions within San Ramon. New Development. Coordinate the review of development proposals with Central San to ensure that new development can be adequately served.
Wastewater Services Requirement. Require that wastewater services for new development do not negatively affect service to existing uses.
9.1.a
Packet Pg. 173 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- City of San Ramon Errata
2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report 3-13
Capital Improvements Program. When updating the Capital Improvements Program, identify and include the following:
Projects that could also support green infrastructure improvements. Street improvements consistent with emergency vehicle access standards. City-sponsored projects necessary to maintain or improve levels of performance.
This revision to Mitigation Measure UTL-2 was made for accuracy. This revision to the Draft EIR is not a substantial revision to Mitigation Measure UTL-2 and does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
Chapter 4, Other CEQA Sections
Section 4.1.2, Removal of Obstacles to Growth, was updated for accuracy on Page 4-2 in Chapter 4, Other CEQA Sections, of the Draft EIR:
As discussed under Impact LU-1 and LU-2 in Section 3.9, Land Use/Planning and Population/ Housing, much of San Ramon is developed, and the proposed plan encourages infill development to meet San Ramon’s anticipated population and employment growth and housing needs.
This revision adds more accurate information to Chapter 4, Other CEQA Sections. This revision to the Draft EIR does not change the environmental impacts disclosed in the Draft EIR.
The following two paragraphs in Section 4.2, Irreversible Environmental Effects, were updated for accuracy on Page 4-3 in Chapter 4, Other CEQA Sections, of the Draft EIR:
Growth facilitated by the proposed plans would require an irreversible commitment of City services, water supply, and wastewater treatment. As discussed in Section 3.12, Public Services and Recreation, impacts to public services would be reduced to a less-thansignificant level with implementation of policies included in the proposed plans. As discussed in Section 3.13. Utilities and Service Systems, impacts to utilities would remain significant and unavoidable be less than significant after implementation of mitigation as they relate to construction and operation of development facilitated by the proposed plan utility infrastructure.
As discussed in Section 3.10, Noise, implementation of proposed policies and mitigation measures would reduce the noise impacts associated with future growth to a less-thansignificant level. As discussed in Section 3.12, Transportation, the policies in the proposed plan and mitigation measures would reduce many transportation impacts to a less-thansignificant level; however, changes in land use and population growth facilitated by the proposed plan combined with regional population growth would reduce vehicles miles traveled (VMT) per capita; however, VMT per capita would still exceed thresholds result in additional vehicle trips on area roadways, resulting in significant and unavoidable traffic impacts on several roadways.
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Packet Pg. 174 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- City of San Ramon Errata
2040 General Plan
Final Environmental Impact Report 3-14
These revisions correct the information in Chapter 4, Other CEQA Sections, for consistency with the impacts analysis in Sections 3.12, Transportation, and 3.13, Utilities and Service Systems, of the Draft EIR. These revisions to the Draft EIR do not result in a new avoidable significant effect or substantially increase the severity of any environmental impacts identified in the Draft EIR.
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Packet Pg. 175 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- Draft Environmental Impact Report and associated Appendices (dated August 30, 2023, previously provided to Planning Commission and City Council and incorporated by reference)
https://cdnsm5-
hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_10826046/File/Our%20City/Depart ments/Community%20Development/Planning/General%20Plan%202040%20Upd ate/SR2040GeneralPlan_DraftEIRwithAppendices.pdf
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Packet Pg. 176 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
1 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the San Ramon 2040 General Plan
CEQA requires that a reporting or monitoring program be adopted for the conditions of plan or project approval that are necessary to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment (Public Resources Code 21081.6). This mitigation monitoring and reporting program is intended to track and ensure compliance with adopted mitigation measures during the San Ramon 2040 General Plan implementation phase. For each mitigation measure recommended in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR)1 for the San Ramon 2040 General Plan, specifications are made herein that identify the action required, the monitoring that must occur, and the agency or department responsible for oversight.
1 Mitigation measures language was updated in Mitigation Measure TRA-2 between Draft EIR and Final EIR for the San Ramon 2040 General Plan. That revision is reflected in this Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Exhibit 3
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Air Quality
AQ-1 Reduce Construction Criteria Pollutant Emissions
To reduce temporary increases in criteria air
pollutant emissions during the construction phase
for discretionary development projects that are
subject to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and exceed the screening sizes in the Bay
Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
CEQA Guidelines, the City shall require such
projects to evaluate project- specific construction
emissions in conformance with the BAAQMD
methodology. If construction-related criteria air
pollutants exceed the BAAQMD thresholds of
significance, the project applicant shall mitigate the
impacts to a less-than-significant level.
The City shall review and
approve a construction
emissions analysis for
discretionary
development projects
that are subject to CEQA
and exceed BAAQMD
screening sizes
Prior to project
approval
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AQ-2 Reduce Operational Criteria Pollutant Emissions
To reduce long-term increases in air pollutants
during the operation phase for discretionary
development projects that are subject to CEQA and
exceed the screening sizes in the Bay Area Air
Quality Management District (BAAQMD) CEQA
Guidelines, the City shall require such projects to
evaluate project- specific operation emissions in
conformance with BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines. If
operation- related air pollutants exceed the
BAAQMD-adopted thresholds of significance, the
project applicant shall mitigate the impact to a lessthan-significant level.
The City shall review and
approve an operations
emissions analysis for
discretionary
development projects
that are subject to CEQA
and exceed BAAQMD
screening sizes
Prior to project
approval
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AQ-3 Conduct and Implement Construction Health Risk Assessment To identify and reduce potential risk exposure to
nearby sensitive receivers during construction of
individual projects (excluding accessory dwelling
units (ADUs), single-family residences, and
duplexes) where construction activities would a)
occur within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors, b)
last longer than two months, and c) not utilize
equipment rated United States Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA) Tier 4 for equipment of
50 horsepower or more, construction equipment
The City shall review and
approve a construction
HRA or proof that an HRA
is not required for
discretionary
development projects
Prior to project
approval
Periodically City of San
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fitted with Level 3 Diesel Particulate Filters for all
equipment of 50 horsepower or more, and/or
alternative fuel construction equipment, the
project applicant shall coordinate with the City to
determine if a construction health risk assessment
(HRA) shall be performed. If an HRA is to be
performed, the HRA shall determine potential risk
and compare the risk to the following BAAQMD
thresholds:
Non-compliance with Qualified
Community Risk Reduction Plan;
Increased cancer risk of > 10.0 in a
million;
Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0
Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or
Ambient PM2.5 increase of > 0.3 µg/m3
annual average
If risk exceeds the thresholds, measures such as
requiring the use of Tier 4 engines, Level 3 Diesel
Particulate Filters, and/or alternative fuel
construction equipment shall be incorporated to
reduce the exposure risk to acceptable levels.
AQ-4 Reduce Operational Toxic Air Contaminants
To identify and reduce potential risk exposure to
nearby sensitive receivers during the operation
phase for discretionary development projects that
are subject to CEQA and exceed the screening sizes
in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD) CEQA Guidelines, the City shall require
applicants for commercial land uses that would
generate substantial diesel truck travel (i.e., 100
diesel trucks per day or 40 or more trucks with
diesel-powered transport refrigeration units per
day) to contact BAAQMD to determine the
appropriate level of operational health risk
assessment (HRA) required. If required, the
operational HRA shall be prepared in accordance
with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment and BAAQMD requirements and
include mitigation to reduce the exposure risk to an
The City shall review and
approve an operational
HRA or proof that an HRA
is not required for
discretionary commercial
development projects
that would generate
substantial diesel truck
travel
Prior to project
approval
Periodically City of San
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Planning
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acceptable level. Typical measures to reduce risk
impacts may include, but are not limited to:
a. Restricting idling on-site beyond Air Toxic
Control Measures idling restrictions, as feasible.
b. Electrifying warehousing docks.
c. Truck Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable trailer
spaces.
d. Requiring use of newer equipment and/or
vehicles.
Restricting off-site truck travel through the creation
of truck routes.
Biological Resources
BIO-1 Conduct Pre-Construction Bird Surveys and Implement Avoidance and Minimization Measures For construction activities initiated during the bird
nesting season (February 1 – September 15)
involving removal of vegetation that could
potentially serve as habitat for special-status bird
species or other nesting bird habitat, including
abandoned structures and other man-made
features, a pre-construction nesting bird survey
shall be conducted no more than 14 days prior to
initiation of ground disturbance and vegetation
removal activities. The nesting bird preconstruction survey shall be conducted on foot and shall include a buffer around the construction site
at a distance determined by a qualified biologist.
The survey shall be conducted by a biologist
familiar with the identification of avian species
known to occur in California Bay Area communities
(i.e., qualified biologist). If nests are found, an
avoidance buffer shall be determined by a qualified
biologist dependent upon the species, the
proposed work activity, and existing disturbances
associated with land uses outside of the site. The
buffer shall be demarcated by the biologist with
bright orange construction fencing, flagging,
construction lathe, or other means to demarcate
the boundary. All construction personnel shall be
notified as to the existence of the buffer zone and
to avoid entering the buffer zone during the nesting
The City shall verify that
the pre-construction
nesting bird survey
requirement is included
in the construction plans
and specification and site
plans for development
projects. For projects
where construction
activities would be
initiated during the bird
nesting season, the City
shall verify that a
qualified biologist
conducts the preconstruction nesting bird
survey, prepares a survey
report, and implements
the recommendations
specified in the survey
report.
Prior to the
commencement of
construction activities
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season. No ground disturbing activities shall occur
within the buffer until the biologist has confirmed
that breeding/nesting is completed, and the young
have fledged the nest. Encroachment into the
buffer shall occur only at the discretion of the
qualified biologist on the basis that the
encroachment will not be detrimental to an active
nest. A report summarizing the pre-construction
survey(s) shall be prepared by a qualified biologist
and shall be submitted to the City prior to the
commencement of construction activities.
Future project site plans shall include a statement
acknowledging compliance with the federal
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California
Fish and Game Code that includes avoidance of
active bird nests and identification of Best
Management Practices to avoid impacts to active
nests, including checking for nests prior to
construction activities during February 1 to
September 15 and what to do if an active nest is
found so that the nest is not inadvertently
impacted during grading or construction activities.
BIO-2 Conduct Pre-Construction Roosting Bats Surveys and Implement Avoidance Measures Prior to Removal Prior to the removal or alteration of trees and
structures that may serve as roosting habitat for
special-status bat species, a qualified biologist shall conduct a focused survey of all trees and structures
to be removed or impacted by construction
activities to determine whether active roosts of
special-status bats are present on site. The survey
shall be conducted during seasonal periods of bat
activity (March 1 through October 15). The biologist
shall have access to all structures and interior
attics, as needed. If a colony of bats is found
roosting in any structure, tree or other habitat,
further surveys, such as night emergent surveys,
shall be conducted sufficient to determine the
species present and the type of roost (day, night,
maternity, etc.).
Tree or structure removal shall be planned for
either the spring or the fall and timed to ensure
The City shall verify that
special status bat species
habitat assessment
surveys and emergence
surveys are conducted
and site-specific roosting
bat protection plan is
prepared, if required, for
development projects
where trees, abandoned
structures, or other
habitat for roosting bats
is present and
construction activities
may occur during
seasonal periods of bat
activity.
Prior to the
commencement of
construction activities
Periodically City of San
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both suitable conditions for the detection of bats
and adequate time for tree and/or structure
removal to occur during seasonal periods of bat
activity exclusive of the breeding season, as
described below. Trees and/or structures
containing suitable potential bat roost habitat
features shall be clearly marked or identified. If no
bat roosts are found, the results of the survey will
be documented and submitted to the City within 30
days of the survey, after which no further action
will be required.
If day roosts are present, the biologist shall prepare
a site-specific roosting bat protection plan to be
implemented by the contractor following the City’s
approval. The plan shall incorporate the following
guidance as appropriate: When possible, removal of trees/structures identified as suitable roosting habitat shall be
conducted during seasonal periods of bat
activity, including the following:
a) Between September 1 and about October
15, or before evening temperatures fall
below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and/or more
than 0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours
occurs.
b) Between March 1 and April 15, or after
evening temperatures rise above 45
degrees Fahrenheit and/or no more than
0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours occurs.
If a tree /structure must be removed during
the maternity season and is identified as
potentially containing a colonial maternity
roost, then a qualified biologist shall conduct
acoustic emergence surveys or implement
other appropriate methods to further evaluate if the roost is an active maternity roost. Under the biologist’s guidance, the
contractor shall implement measures that
consist of (or exceed) the following:
The City shall ensure that
CDFW has provided
consultation and
approval for bat
mitigation and/or
management plans
created for sites where
special-status bat species
are documented and the
roost site cannot be
avoided by the project.
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a) If it is determined that the roost is not an
active maternity roost, then the roost may
be removed in accordance with the other
requirements of this measure.
b) If it is found that an active maternity roost
of a colonial roosting species is present,
the roost shall not be disturbed during the
maternity season (April 15 to August 31)
or until the maternity roost has dispersed.
Tree removal procedures shall be
implemented using a two-step tree
removal process. This method is
conducted over two consecutive days
and works by creating noise and
vibration by cutting non-habitat
branches and limbs from habitat trees
using chainsaws only (no excavators or
other heavy machinery) on day one. The
noise and vibration disturbance,
together with the visible alteration of
the tree, is very effective in causing bats
that emerge nightly to feed to not
return to the roost that night. The
remainder of the tree is removed on day
two.
Prior to the demolition of vacant
structures within the project site, a
qualified biologist shall conduct a
focused habitat assessment of all
structures to be demolished. The habitat
assessment shall be conducted enough
in advance to ensure the
commencement of building demolition
can be scheduled during seasonal
periods of bat activity (see above), if
required. If no signs of day roosting
activity are observed, no further actions
will be required. If bats or signs of day
roosting by bats are observed, a
qualified biologist will prepare specific
recommendations such as partial
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Packet Pg. 183 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan City of San Ramon
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dismantling to cause bats to abandon
the roost, or humane eviction, both to
be conducted during seasonal periods of
bat activity, if required. Should
maternity roosts be observed the roost
shall not be disturbed during the
maternity season (April 15 to August 31)
or until maternity roost has dispersed. If
project schedules do not allow for
maternity season avoidance, a bat
habitat mitigation and monitoring plan
shall be developed to reduce risks to bat
pups and consultation with CDFW would
be required.
If the qualified biologist determines a roost is used
by a large number of bats (large hibernaculum), bat
boxes shall be installed near the project site. The
number of bat boxes installed will depend on the
size of the hibernaculum and shall be determined
through consultation with California Department of
Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). If a maternity colony has
become established, all construction activities shall
be postponed within a 500-foot buffer around the
maternity colony until it is determined by a
qualified biologist that the young have dispersed.
Once it has been determined that the roost is clear
of bats, the roost shall be removed immediately.
Cultural Resources
CR-1 Prepare a Historical Resources Evaluation Prior to Approval for Projects Involving Buildings 45 Years or Older and Implement Mitigation Prior to and During Construction A historic resources evaluation for projects
involving buildings 45 years or older shall be
prepared as follows:
All properties 45 years of age or older as
deemed appropriate by the San Ramon
Community Development Director shall
be evaluated within their historic
context and documented in a report
meeting the State Office of Historic
Preservation guidelines. The evaluation
shall be prepared by a qualified
architectural historian or historian who
The City shall review and
approve the historical
resources evaluation
report, prepared by a
qualified architectural
historian or historian, for
projects that would alter
or demolish any historical
age features (i.e.,
structures over 45 years
of age)
Prior to project
approval for
development projects
that would alter or
demolish a historical
resource
Periodically City of San
Ramon
Planning
Services
Division
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meets the Secretary of the Interior’s
Professional Qualifications Standards in
architectural history or history (as
defined in Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 36, Part 61). The qualified
architectural historian or historian shall
conduct an intensive-level evaluation in
accordance with the guidelines and best
practices promulgated by the State
Office of Historic Preservation to identify
potential historical resources within the
proposed development site. .Such
evaluated properties shall be
documented on Department of Parks
and Recreation Series 523 Forms. The
report shall be submitted to the City for
review and concurrence. If the property
is already listed in the National Register
of Historic Places (NRHP) or California
Register of Historical Resources (CRHR),
the historical resources evaluation
described above shall not be required.
If historical resources are identified
within the site of a proposed
development, efforts shall be made to
the extent feasible to ensure that
impacts are mitigated. Application of
mitigation shall generally be overseen by
a qualified architectural historian or
historic architect meeting the
Professional Qualification Standards,
unless unnecessary in the circumstances
(e.g., preservation in place). In
conjunction with a development
application that may affect the historical
resource, the historical resources
evaluation report shall also identify and
specify the treatment of characterdefining features and construction activities.
Efforts shall be made to the greatest
extent feasible to ensure that the
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relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration
of the resource is consistent with the
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
the Treatment of Historic Properties
with Guidelines for Preserving,
Rehabilitating, Restoring, and
Reconstructing Historic Buildings.
Application of the Standards shall be
overseen by a qualified architectural
historian or historic architect meeting
the Professional Qualification Standards.
In conjunction with a development
application that may affect the historical
resource, a report identifying and
specifying the treatment of character-
defining features and construction
activities shall be provided to the City for
review and concurrence. As applicable,
the report shall demonstrate how a
project complies with the Standards and
be submitted to the City for review and
approval prior to the issuance of
permits.
If significant historical resources are
identified on a development site and
compliance with the Standards and or
avoidance is not possible, appropriate
site-specific mitigation measures shall
be established and undertaken.
Mitigation measures may include
documentation of the historical resource
in the form of a Historic American
Building Survey (HABS) report, or
equivalent. The report shall comply with
the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
for Architectural and Engineering
Documentation and shall generally
follow the HABS Level III requirements,
including digital photographic
recordation, detailed historic narrative
report, and compilation of historic
research. The documentation shall be
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completed by a qualified architectural
historian or historian who meets the
Professional Qualification Standards and
submitted to the City prior to issuance
of any permits for demolition or
alteration of the historical resource.
CR-2 Prepare an Archaeological Resources Assessment prior to Project Approval and Implement Mitigation prior to and during Construction An archaeological resources assessment for
projects involving ground disturbance shall be
prepared as follows:
Assessments shall include a California Historical
Resources Information System records search
at the Northwest Information Center (NAHC)
and a Sacred Lands File search maintained by
the Native American Heritage Commission. The
records searches will characterize the results of
previous cultural resource surveys and disclose
any cultural resources that have been recorded
and/or evaluated in and around a project site. A
Phase I pedestrian survey shall be undertaken
at a project site that is on previously
undeveloped land in order to locate any surface
cultural materials. By performing a records
search, consultation with the NAHC, and a
Phase I survey, a qualified archaeologist shall be
able to classify a project site as having high,
medium, or low sensitivity for archaeological
resources.
If the Phase I archaeological survey identifies
resources that may be affected by a project, the
archaeological resources assessment shall also
include Phase II testing and evaluation. If
resources are determined significant or unique
through Phase II testing and site avoidance is
not possible, appropriate site-specific
mitigation measures shall be identified in the
Phase II evaluation. These measures shall
include, but would not be limited to, a Phase III
data recovery program, avoidance, or other
appropriate actions to be determined by a
qualified archaeologist in consultation with the
The City shall review and
approve the
archeological resources
assessment for projects
involving ground
disturbance.
Prior to project for
projects involving
ground disturbance
Periodically City of San
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Packet Pg. 187 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan City of San Ramon
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City and any interested Tribes, as stated in the
2040 General Plan Tribal Consultation
Implementation Program outlined by Guiding
Policy ENV-5. If significant archaeological
resources cannot be avoided, impacts may be
reduced to less-than-significant levels by adding
fill soils on top of the sites rather than cutting
into cultural deposits. Alternatively, and/or in
addition, a data collection program may be
warranted, including mapping the location of
artifacts, surface collection of artifacts, or
excavation of the cultural deposit to
characterize the nature of the buried portions
of sites. Curation of the excavated artifacts or
samples shall occur as specified by the
archaeologist in consultation with the City and
any interested Tribes. As stated in the 2040
General Plan Tribal Consultation
Implementation Program outlined by Guiding
Policy ENV-5 and Guiding Policy 8.7-G-1, the
final disposition of artifacts not directly
associated with Native American graves shall be
negotiated during consultation with interested
tribes. If Native American tribes do not accept
the artifact, it shall be offered to an institution
staffed by qualified professionals, as
determined by the City Planner. Artifacts
include material recovered from all phases of
work, including the initial survey, testing,
indexing, data recovery, and monitoring.
CR-3 Stop Work in the Event of Unanticipated Cultural Resources Discoveries during Construction If cultural resources are encountered during
ground-disturbing activities for a project, work in
the immediate area shall be halted and an
archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the
Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for
archaeology in either prehistoric or historic
archaeology shall be contacted immediately to
evaluate the find. If necessary, the evaluation may
require preparation of a treatment plan and
archaeological testing for California Register of
The City shall verify that
the requirement to halt
work in the event
cultural resources are
encountered during
construction are noted in
projects construction
plans and specification
for project involving
ground disturbance. The
Prior to and during
construction
Periodically City of San
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City of San
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Engineering
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Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility. If the
discovery proves to be significant under CEQA and
cannot be avoided by a project, additional work
such as excavating the cultural deposit to fully
characterize its extent, and collecting and curating
artifacts may be warranted to mitigate any
significant impacts to cultural resources. In the
event that archaeological resources of Native
American origin are identified during project
construction, a qualified archaeologist will consult
with the City to begin Native American consultation
procedures.
City shall verify that a
qualified archaeologist is
retained on project sites
whose Phase I
archaeological survey
identifies archaeological
resources that may be
affected. The City shall
review and approve
reports of the findings
and subsequent
evaluations conducted.
Services
Division
CR-4 Suspend Work around Tribal Cultural Resources Identified during Construction In the event that cultural resources of Native
American origin are identified during construction
of a project implemented under the 2040 General
Plan, all earth-disturbing work in the vicinity of the
find shall be temporarily suspended or redirected
until an archaeologist has evaluated the nature and
significance of the find as a cultural resource and an
appropriate local Native American representative is
consulted. If the City, in consultation with local
Native Americans, determines that the resource is a
tribal cultural resource and, thus, significant under
CEQA, a mitigation plan shall be prepared and
implemented in accordance with State guidelines
and in consultation with local Native American
group(s). The mitigation plan shall include
avoidance of the resource or, if avoidance of the
resource is infeasible, the plan shall outline the
appropriate treatment of the resource in
coordination with the appropriate local Native
American tribal representative and, if applicable, a
qualified archaeologist. Examples of appropriate
mitigation for tribal cultural resources include, but
are not limited to, protecting the cultural character
and integrity of the resource, protecting traditional
use of the resource, protecting the confidentiality
of the resource, or heritage recovery.
The City shall verify that
the requirement to halt
work in the event tribal
cultural resources are
encountered during
construction are noted in
projects construction
plans and specification
for project involving
ground disturbance. In
the event of a find, the
City shall consult with
local Native American
Tribes to determine the
nature of the find and
shall confirm a mitigation
plan is prepared and
implemented if the find
is a tribal cultural
resource.
Prior to and during
construction
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Geology and Soils and Mineral Resources
9.1.a
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GEO-1 Protect Paleontological Resources
The City of San Ramon shall provide for the
protection of paleontological resources. The City
shall require the following:
A Qualified Professional Paleontologist
(as defined by SVP14) must be retained
to conduct a paleontological resources
analysis prior to the beginning of
projects involving ground disturbance in
geologic units with high paleontological
sensitivity to determine whether there is
a potential for significant impacts to
paleontological resources.
If potential impacts to paleontological resources
are found to be significant, then a Qualified
Professional Paleontologist shall be retained to
develop and implement a Paleontological
Resources Mitigation Program to ensure that
impacts to paleontological resources are less than
significant.
The City shall review and
approve the
paleontological resources
analysis, prepared by a
Qualified Professional
Paleontologist, for
projects involving ground
disturbance. If required,
the City shall ensure that
a Qualified Professional
Paleontologist prepares
and implements a
Paleontological
Resources Mitigation
Program.
Prior to and during
construction
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions
GHG-1 Adopt and Implement a San Ramon Qualified Climate Action Plan and San Ramon CEQA Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Thresholds The City shall adopt an updated, qualified San
Ramon Climate Action Plan (CAP) by the end of
2024 and include targets that reflect those set by
California Senate Bill 32 to reduce GHG emissions
by 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030 and
California Assembly Bill 1279 to achieve carbon
neutrality by 2045. The updated, qualified San
Ramon CAP shall be implemented and
tracked/monitored by the City in accordance with
the CAP-established timeline and details.
The City shall also adopt San Ramon CEQA GHG
Emissions Thresholds of Significance that are
consistent with an updated, qualified San Ramon
Climate Action Plan by the end of 2024 for use in
future CEQA GHG emissions analyses through 2030
and consistent with SB 32. In addition, upon
completion of future climate action plan updates
and as necessary, the City shall update the CEQA
The City shall adopt a
Qualified Climate Action
Plan and CEQA GHG
Emissions thresholds of
for use in future CEQA
GHG emissions analyses
through 2030.
By the end of 2024 Once City of San
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Planning
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GHG emissions thresholds of significance to be
consistent with each climate action plan update.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials and Wildfire
HAZ-1 Conduct Project Landscape and Slope Design Wildfire Risk Reduction The City shall require projects adjacent to High Fire
Hazard Zones to conduct landscape and slope
design wildfire risk reduction. Project landscape
plans (as made available when project applications
are submitted) shall include fire-resistant
vegetation native to Contra Costa County and/or
the local microclimate of the site and prohibit the
use of fire-prone species especially non-native,
invasive species. Also, if a project site is within a
known landslide area (see Figure 3.5-5 in Section
3.5, Geology and Soils), the site shall be subject to
geotechnical review regarding potential post-fire
slope instability.
The City shall review and
approve landscape plans
for projects adjacent to
High Fire Hazard Zones to
ensure they include
landscape and slope
design wildfire risk
reduction measures. The
City shall ensure that
projects within a
landslide area undergo
geotechnical review
regarding potential postfire slope instability.
Prior to project
approval for projects
adjacent to High Fire
Hazard Zones and
landslide areas
Periodically City of San
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Noise
NOI-1 Include and Implement Construction Noise Reduction Measures To minimize noise during construction, construction
contractors shall implement the following measures
for construction activities conducted within San
Ramon. Construction plans submitted to the City
shall include construction noise analysis and
identify these measures on demolition, grading,
and construction plans submitted to the City. The
City of San Ramon Building Division and/or Public
Works Department shall verify that grading,
demolition, and/or construction plans submitted to
the City include these notations prior to issuance of
demolition, grading and/or building permits.
Mufflers. During excavation and grading
construction phases, all construction
equipment, fixed or mobile, shall be
operated with closed engine doors and
shall be equipped with properly
operating and maintained mufflers
The City shall ensure that
noise reduction
measures are included
on demolition, grading,
and construction plans
for construction projects.
Prior to issuance of
building permits
Prior to issuance of
grading/site
development permits
Periodically City of San
Ramon
Building
Division
City of San
Ramon
Public Works
Department
9.1.a
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consistent with manufacturers’
standards.
Stationary Equipment. All stationary
construction equipment shall be placed
so that emitted noise is directed away
from the nearest sensitive receivers.
Equipment Staging Areas. Equipment
staging shall be located in areas that will
create the greatest distance feasible
between construction-related noise
sources and noise-sensitive receivers.
Smart Back-up Alarms. Mobile
construction equipment shall have smart
back-up alarms that automatically adjust
the sound level of the alarm in response
to ambient noise levels. Alternatively,
back-up alarms shall be disabled and
replaced with human spotters to ensure
safety when mobile construction
equipment is moving in the reverse
direction in compliance with applicable
safety laws and regulations.
Electrically-Powered Tools and
Facilities. Electrical power shall be used
to run air compressors and similar
power tools and to power any
temporary structures, such as
construction trailers or caretaker
facilities, where feasible.
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Noise Disturbance Coordinator. The
project applicant shall designate a
“noise disturbance coordinator”
responsible for responding to any local
complaints about construction noise.
The disturbance coordinator shall
determine the cause of any noise
complaint and shall require that
reasonable measures be implemented
to correct the problem. A telephone
number for the disturbance coordinator
and the City shall be posted at the
construction site.
Temporary Noise Barriers. Erect
temporary noise barriers, where
feasible, when construction noise is
predicted to exceed the acceptable
standards (e.g., 80 dBA Leq at residential
receivers, schools or other sensitive
receptors during the daytime) and when
the anticipated construction duration is
greater than is typical (e.g., two years or
greater). Temporary noise barriers shall
be constructed with solid materials (e.g.,
wood) with a density of at least 1.5
pounds per square foot with no gaps
from the ground to the top of the
barrier. If a sound blanket is used,
barriers shall be constructed with solid
material with a density of at least 1
pound per square foot with no gaps
from the ground to the top of the barrier
and be lined on the construction side
with acoustical blanket, curtain or
equivalent absorptive material rated
sound transmission class (STC) 32 or
higher.
NOI-2 Implement Operational Roadway Vehicle Noise Reduction Measures To reduce operational roadway vehicle noise, the
City shall implement a developer fair share
mitigation program to fund the following measures
The City shall develop
and implement a
Prior to approval of
development projects
Once City of San
Ramon
Planning
9.1.a
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for projects operated on the following roadway
segments within San Ramon: Dougherty Road
between Bollinger Canyon Road (north) and
Bollinger Canyon Road (South), San Ramon Valley
Boulevard between the northern City limit and
Crow Canyon Road, Camino Ramon between Crow
Canyon Road and Norris Canyon Road, and Camino
Ramon between Norris Canyon Road and Bollinger
Canyon Road. The City shall retain a qualified
acoustical consultant to prepare a San Ramon-wide
Roadway Vehicle Noise Reduction Study that
specifies, at a minimum, the specific locations,
extent, height of sound walls, and other design
details such as “quiet pavement” to reduce
roadway vehicle noise impacts at impacted
roadways throughout San Ramon. The study shall
also include an estimated cost of improvement
along each impacted roadway segment to inform
the developer fair share mitigation program.
Roadway vehicle noise reduction measures may
include, but are not limited to:
A. Sound Barrier Walls. The City shall construct
sound barriers (e.g., walls or solid fences) along
impacted roadways where there are no
driveways that would break continuity, and
along the residential portions or other sensitive
receptor locations of such roadways. The sound
walls would be continuous from grade to top,
with no cracks or gaps, and have a minimum
surface density of four pounds per square foot
and a minimum height of six feet, as measured
from the base elevation; and/or
developer fair share
mitigation program.
The City shall retain a
qualified acoustical
consultant to prepare a
Traffic Noise Reduction
Study
on identified roadway
segments
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9.1.a
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B. Special Roadway Paving. The City shall install
“quiet pavement” roadway improvements,
such as rubberized asphalt or open-grade
asphalt concrete overlays along impacted
roadway segments (Dougherty Boulevard
between Bollinger Canyon Road (north) and
Bollinger Canyon Road (South), San Ramon
Valley Boulevard between the City limit and
Crow Canyon Road, Camino Ramon between
Crow Canyon Road and Norris Canyon Road,
and Camino Ramon between Norris Canyon
Road and Bollinger Canyon Road) where sound
barriers (NOI-2A) are determined not to be
feasible.
NOI-3 Prepare a Noise and Vibration Analysis and Implement Construction Vibration Control Measures and Screening Distances Prior to issuance of a building permit for a project
requiring pile driving during construction a) within
135 feet of fragile structures (historical resources),
100 feet of non-engineered timber and masonry
buildings (e.g., most residential buildings), or within 75 feet of engineered concrete and masonry (no
plaster); b) a vibratory roller within 40 feet of
fragile historical resources or 25 feet of any other
structure; and/or c) a dozer or other large
earthmoving equipment within 20 feet for a fragile
historical structure or 15 feet of any other
structure, the project applicant shall prepare a
groundborne noise and vibration analysis to assess
and mitigate potential noise and vibration impacts
related to these construction activities. This noise
and vibration analysis shall be conducted by a
qualified and experienced acoustical consultant or
engineer. The vibration levels shall not exceed FTA
architectural damage thresholds (e.g., 0.12 in/sec
PPV for fragile or historical resources, 0.2 in/sec
PPV for non-engineered timber and masonry
buildings, and 0.3 in/sec PPV for engineered
concrete and masonry). If vibration levels would
exceed this threshold, alternative uses such as
drilling piles as opposed to pile driving, static rollers as opposed to vibratory rollers, and lower
The City shall review and
approve groundborne
noise and vibration
analysis for development
projects meeting the
criteria outlined in the
measure.
The City shall verify that
vibration monitoring is
conducted during
construction of
development projects if
necessary.
Prior to issuance of
building permits for
projects requiring pile
driving
Periodically City of San
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horsepower earthmoving equipment shall be used.
If necessary, construction vibration monitoring shall
be conducted to ensure FTA vibration thresholds
are not exceeded.
Transportation
TRA-1 Prepare and Implement Construction Traffic Management Plans.
Prior to issuance of building permits, the contractor
for an individual development project that requires
off-site staging, lane closures, or substantial hauling of cut and fill on a local street (i.e., not under
Caltrans’ jurisdiction) shall prepare a Construction
Traffic Management Plan that includes measures
such as, but not limited to, the following as deemed
necessary by the City. The approved Construction
Traffic Management Plan shall be implemented
during construction.
Provide a temporary traffic signal, if
necessary
Project Staging Plan to maximize on-site
storage of materials and equipment
A set of comprehensive traffic control
measures, including scheduling of major
truck trips and deliveries to avoid peakhours; lane closure proceedings; signs, cones, and other warning devices for
drivers; and designation of construction
access routes
Permitted construction hours
Location of construction staging
Identification of parking areas for
construction employees, site visitors,
and inspectors, including on-site
locations
Provisions for street sweeping to remove
construction related debris on public streets
The City shall review and
approve a Construction
Management Plan for
development projects
requiring off-site staging,
lane closures, or
substantial hauling of cut
and fill on a local street
Prior to issuance of
building permits
Prior to issuance of
grading/site
development permits.
Periodically City of San
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TRA-2 Prepare and Implement VMT Reduction Measures
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s
(CCTA’s) VMT Analysis for Land Use Projects in
Contra Costa, which is found in Appendix A in
For development
projects that require
mitigation to reduce VMT
Prior to issuance of
building permits
Periodically City of San
Ramon
Planning
9.1.a
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CCTA’s Final Technical Procedures (November
2022) describes options for mitigation of VMT
impacts. The first two options below apply to
development projects and plans, and the third
applies at a General Plan area-wide scale.
1. A project applicant shall modify a project’s
characteristics to reduce VMT generated by
such project prior to issuance of an occupancy
permit. This might involve changing the density
or mixture of land uses on a project site, or
changing a project’s location to one that is
more accessible by transit or other travel
modes.
2. A project applicant shall implement
transportation demand management (TDM) or
physical design measures to reduce VMT
generated by a project prior to issuance of an
occupancy permit.
3. The City shall participate in a CCTA-approved
VMT impact fee program and/or VMT
mitigation exchange/banking program, once it
is completed and published by CCTA. (Note that
CCTA is developing such a program for Contra
Costa County.)
When option 2 (TDM plan) is applied for future land
use development projects facilitated by the 2040
General Plan that do not meet CCTA screening
criteria and thresholds, the City shall require
preparation and implementation of a project-level
TDM plan with the following TDM measures.
Table 3.12-4 TDM Measures
CAPCOA Handbook
Measure Types of Projects
T-7: Commute Trip
Reduction Marketing
Employment-based
generated by the project,
the City shall verify that
1) the project’s
characteristics are
modified to reduce VMT
generated by the project
or 2) A TDM plan is
prepared and approved
by the City
The City shall participate
in a CCTA-approved VMT
impact fee program
and/or VMT mitigation
exchange/banking
program
Once a CCTAapproved VMT impact
fee program and/or
VMT mitigation
exchange/banking
program is established
Once
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T-8: Provide Ridesharing
Program
Employment-based *Participation in a TMA with ridematching program *Preferential parking policies for carpools
*Promotions and incentives such as gas
cards at carpool formation
T-9: Implement
Subsidized or Discounted
Transit Program
Residential, School,
Employment-based
*Location within 1/2 mile of major transit
stop or high-quality transit corridor
*Participation in Commuter Benefits
Program
*Easy to sign up for incentives
T-11: Provide Employer
Sponsored Vanpool /
Point-to-Point Shuttles
Employment-based *Coordinate logistics of vanpool program *Cover vanpool fares for riders through
commute benefits program
*Promote and facilitate vanpool creation
T-12: Price Workplace
Parking
Employment-based *Location within 1/2 mile of transit
service
*Priced at least $5 per day
*On-street parking nearby is not readily
available
T-13: Implement
Employee Parking
Cashout
Employment-based *Parking is provided as benefit
*On-street parking nearby is not readily
available
*Participants pledge to not drive to work
T-16: Unbundle
Residential Parking Costs
Residential *On-street parking nearby is not readily
available
*All parking is priced at a rate at least $30
per month
T-23: Community-Based
Travel Planning
Residential, Retail, School *Proactive outreach to all households in service area or project
*Program Coordinator designated as lead
in promoting non-auto transportation
T-10: Provide End-of-Trip
Bicycle Facilities
All Projects *Provision of secure bicycle parking in the form of lockers, a locked storage room, or
an attended storage facility
*(For non-residential): Provision of
lockers, showers, and changing rooms
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T-21A: Implement
Carshare Program /
Provide Carshare Parking
All Projects *Dedicate parking for carshare vehicles
*Identify carshare partner
T-15 Reduce Parking
Supply
Residential *On-street parking nearby is not readily
available
T-18: Provide Pedestrian
Network Improvements:
All Projects Completion of one or more projects
identified in the San Ramon Bicycle
Master Plan T-19-A and T-19-B:
Construct or Improve
Bicycle Facility/Bicycle
Boulevard
All Projects
T-20: Expand Bikeway
Network
All Projects
T-26 Increase Transit
Frequency
All Projects in PDAs Increase the frequency of transit service by providing funding for more operators
and vehicles
T-25 Increase Transit
Coverage
All Projects Expand transit service to areas without
access to it, or expand to later/earlier
hours.
T-23: Community-Based
Travel Planning
Residential, Retail, School *Proactive outreach to all households in service area or project
*Program Coordinator designated as lead
in promoting non-auto transportation
T-22:
Bikeshare/Scootershare
All Projects in PDAs Fund and implement program providing e-bikes or scooters available on demand.
Ideally pursue a "dockless" system.
Free E-Bike Program All Projects Provide e-bikes free of charge to households pledging to reduce vehicle
trips
Source: Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions, Assessing Climate Change Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity (CAPCOA, December 2021).
Feasible options listed under Table 3.12-4 to reduce
VMT below CCTA thresholds shall be implemented
for individual projects facilitated by the 2040
General Plan. VMT reduction measures shall be
included at project design review and be reviewed
and approved by the City prior to issuance of
construction permits.
9.1.a
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Utilities and Service Systems
UTIL-1 Provide Adequate Water Supply and Treatment for Projects To ensure adequate water supply, as well as
consistency with existing utility providers and State
regulations, the City shall implement the following
measures:
Infrastructure Maintenance.
Collaborate with water providers in their
efforts to maintain wastewater
conveyance, treatment, and disposal
infrastructure in good working
conditions within San Ramon.
Water Services Requirement. Require
that water services for new
developments do not negatively affect
service to existing uses.
Water Provider Coordination.
Coordinate with water providers to
ensure that new proposed development
can be adequately served by the water
supply system prior to approving the
development.
Commercial and Business Water
Conservation. Require new or
remodeled commercial and industrial
development to make changes that
conserve water, to the extent feasible.
This could include utilizing efficient
plumbing fixtures, installing droughttolerant and water-wise landscaping, and harvesting rainwater for irrigation.
Water Conservation Measures. Reduce
the amount of water used by
development by requiring compliance
with adopted water conservation
measures.
The City shall coordinate
with water providers to
ensure adequate water
supply treatment is
available within the City.
The City shall ensure
adequate water supplies
are available for
development projects
within the City.
Ongoing/Prior to
project approval
Periodically City of San
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Planning
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UTL-2 Provide Adequate Wastewater Infrastructure and Treatment for Projects.
9.1.a
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To ensure adequate wastewater infrastructure and
treatment, as well as consistency with existing
utility providers and State regulations, the City shall implement the following measures:
□ Infrastructure Maintenance. Infrastructure
Maintenance. Collaborate with Central San
and Dublin San Ramon Services District in
their efforts to maintain wastewater
conveyance, treatment, and disposal
infrastructure in good working conditions
within San Ramon.
□ New Development. Coordinate the review
of development proposals with Central San
to ensure that new development can be
adequately served.
□ Wastewater Services Requirement.
Require that wastewater services for new
development do not negatively affect
service to existing uses.
□ Capital Improvements Program. When
updating the Capital Improvements
Program, identify and include the
following:
– Projects that could also support green
infrastructure improvements.
– Street improvements consistent with
emergency vehicle access standards.
City-sponsored projects necessary to maintain or
improve levels of performance.
The City shall coordinate
with Central San to
ensure adequate
conveyance, treatment,
and disposal
infrastructure is available
within the City. The City
shall ensure for
development projects
within the City can be
adequately served by
wastewater services.
Ongoing/Prior to
project approval
Periodically City of San
Ramon City
Council
9.1.a
Packet Pg. 201 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan City of San Ramon
2040 General Plan Update
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9.1.a
Packet Pg. 202 Attachment: A. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), certifying the San Ramon General Plan 2040 EIR with Exhibit 1 through 3 (2023- RESOLUTION NO. 2023-(next in line)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SAN RAMON
TO APPROVE THE SAN RAMON GENERAL PLAN 2040 PROJECT INCLUDING APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA 2023-0002);
REZONE (RZ 2023-0002); PREZONE (PZ 2023-0001); SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (SP 2023-0001); ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (ENVR 2023-0003)
CITY OF SAN RAMON (APPLICANT)
VARIOUS PROPERTY OWNERS
SAN RAMON GENERAL PLAN 2040 PROJECT
WHEREAS, State law requires each California City and County to prepare and adopt a general plan which is defined as “a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its boundaries which in the planning agency's judgment bears relation to its planning”; and
WHEREAS, the San Ramon General Plan articulates a vision for the City and focuses on what is achievable through the horizon period and sets forth actions to be undertaken by the City to create the quality of life and community character envisioned in the plan; and WHEREAS, periodic review is necessary to ensure that the plan assumptions are current and the vision of the General Plan can still be accomplished, including specific State requirements for the mandatory General Plan Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, in 2002, the San Ramon electorate approved General Plan 2020 including an urban growth boundary to encourage smart growth by promoting infill development and discouraging urban sprawl by providing mixed use of commercial, retail, education, recreation, and housing and a plan for the acquisition and preservation of ridgeline areas and agricultural lands contiguous to the City of San Ramon; and
WHEREAS, on April 26, 2011, the City completed a comprehensive update to the General Plan 2020 collectively referred to as the General Plan 2030; and WHEREAS, on April 28, 2015, the City approved a General Plan Amendment (GPA 14- 400-001) to address necessary Housing Element revisions and related updates to the General Plan 2030 thereby resulting in the creation of the General Plan 2035 policy document; and WHEREAS, on November 27, 2018, the City approved a General Plan Amendment (GPA 16-400-001) to amend the General Plan 2035, related Land Use Map, and related policies to implement a Citywide Retail Strategy that identified the type of retail that can be attracted to San Ramon and where retail should best be located; and
WHEREAS, on October 22, 2019, the City approved a consolidated General Plan Amendment for the Mudd’s Property (10 Boardwalk Pl., APN: 209-770-015) with GPA 19-400- 002 to change the General Plan land use designation from Office to Park, and for the Laborer’s
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 203 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 Property (1001 Westside Dr., APNs: 211-040-013 and 211-040-030) with GPA 18-400-001 to amend the location of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) by approximately 15 acres; and WHEREAS, State Housing Element Law requires adoption of a General Plan Housing Element for the eight-year period 2023-2031 to accommodate the City of San Ramon’s Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) of 5,111 housing units (comprised of 1,497 very-low income units, 862 low-income units, 767 moderate-income units, and 1,985 above moderate-income units), affirmatively further fair housing, and facilitate and encourage a variety of housing types for all income levels, (Gov. Code Sections 65583.2 and 65583(c)); and
WHEREAS, on June 15, 2021, the City initiated a General Plan Amendment (GPA 2021- 0001) for a comprehensive update to the City’s General Plan Housing Element for the 2023-2031 planning period (2023-2031 Housing Element), an update to the General Plan (2040 planning horizon), and an update to the Climate Action Plan; and WHEREAS, the General Plan Amendment (GPA 2021-0001) application was bi-furcated to review the 2023-2031 Housing Element separately, as a result of a January 31, 2023 statutory deadline expiring the 2015-2023 Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2023, the City adopted Resolution No. 2023-017, approving General Plan Amendment GPA 2021-0001 updating the Housing Element of the General Plan for the period of 2023-2031 in compliance with State housing law; and
WHEREAS, the remaining update to the General Plan (2040 planning horizon) was assigned a new General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023- 0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001) to the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (SRVSP); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, the remaining update to the Climate Action Plan (CAP) continues through a subsequent review process, after review of the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (GPA 2023- 0002; RZ 2023-0002; PZ 2023-0001; SP 2023-0001; ENVR 2023-0003); and WHEREAS, on February 28, 2023, the City approved a General Plan Amendment (GPA 2022-0002) for the property located at 2481 Deerwood Drive (APN: 208-640-003) to change the General Plan land use designation from Office to Multiple Family-High Density Residential and Open Space; and
Regarding the Public Review Process
WHEREAS, on July 6, 2021, the City held a joint City Council/Planning Commission Study Session to provide an overview of the Housing Element requirements, contents, potential challenges, update process; and receive public input; and WHEREAS, on September 9, 2021, the City held a virtual Community Workshop and gave an overview of the 2023-2031 Housing Element, San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, and Climate Action Plan Update with the community and solicited comments on the City’s proposed Updates; and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 204 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, on September 15, 2021 through October 21, 2021, the City conducted an online Community Survey soliciting input from the public on the 2023-2031 Housing Element, San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, and Climate Action Plan Update; and WHEREAS, in Summer and Fall 2021, the City sought public input on where additional housing should be considered for the 2023-2031 Housing Element using an online interactive map on the City’s website; and
WHEREAS, in Summer 2021, the City created a Housing Element and General Plan Update webpage on the City of San Ramon’s website to provide information on the 2023-2031 Housing Element, San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, and Climate Action Plan Update; and WHEREAS, in September 2021, the City created an additional dedicated webpage at www.plansanramon.com for the 2023-2031 Housing Element, San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, and Climate Action Plan Update that serves as a landing place for information; and WHEREAS, on October 19, 2021, the City Council and Planning Commission conducted a joint study session to provide a project update and solicit feedback on the 2023-2031 Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2021, the Association for Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Executive Board adopted the Final Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan: San Francisco Bay Area for the 2023 – 2031 planning period; and
WHEREAS, on January 25, 2022, the Planning Commission Ad Hoc Committee held a study session to review the Housing Element adoption schedule, Housing Sites Inventory, and received an overview AB 215; and
WHEREAS, on February 15, 2022, the City held a joint Planning Commission/Housing Advisory Committee study session to review the criteria used for housing site inventory selection as well as the different categories included in the sites inventory; and WHEREAS, on February 28, 2022, the City held a Planning Commission Ad Hoc Committee study session to discuss the City’s Housing Element site inventory selection process; and discuss housing sites; and
WHEREAS, on March 15, 2022, the City held a Planning Commission study session to provided further discuss the Housing Sites Inventory, provide a summary of the comments received at the Planning Commission Ad Hoc meetings, and receive feedback on the Housing Element Update; and
WHEREAS, on March 22, 2022, the City held a joint City Council/Planning Commission workshop to solicit input from the City Council and Planning Commission and the public about the Housing Element Sites Inventory and Update; and
WHEREAS, nine additional meetings were conducted with the various City Committees/Commissions regarding the Housing Element and General Plan Update as follows:
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 205 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 • Economic Development Advisory Committee (September 8, 2021) • Open Space Advisory Committee (September 13, 2021)
• Senior Citizens Advisory Committee (September 13, 2021) • Arts Advisory Committee (September 15, 2021)
• Transportation Advisory Committee (September 16, 2021) • Transportation Demand Management Advisory Committee (September 20, 2021) • Teen Council Committee (September 21, 2021)
• Parks and Community Services Commission (September 22, 2021) • Housing Advisory Committee (September 23, 2021); and
WHEREAS, City staff attended five community events to answer questions and provide information related to the Housing Element and General Plan Update as follows:
• Community outreach booth at the Run for Education Expo (October 9, 2021) • Culture in the Community Event (October 17, 2021)
• Business Expo and Mixer (March 31, 2022)
• San Ramon Dougherty Station Farmer’s Market (May 15, 2022) • Art & Wind Festival (May 29-30, 2022); and
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2022, the City Council formed a General Plan Mixed Use Ad Hoc Committee for a limited purpose and term, comprised of two City Council members and two Planning Commissioners, to update the definition of Mixed Use to convey the City’s desire to preserve retail on existing neighborhood retail centers, while meeting the City’s RHNA obligation; and
WHEREAS, on May 6, 2022, a public notice was published in the San Ramon Valley Times, posted at several locations throughout the City and on the City’s website, mailed, and emailed to all known interested parties on the joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearings to discuss the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element; and WHEREAS, on May 13, 2022, the City released the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element Update (Public Review Draft) for the mandatory 30-day public review period; and WHEREAS, on May 17, 2022, the City Council and Planning Commission conducted their first of three required public hearings on the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element in a joint Public Hearing and received public input on the proposed Housing Element Update, provided comments to staff for consideration, and continued the joint public hearing to June 21, 2022 for further discussion; and
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2022, the City held a Housing Advisory Committee study session to discuss and receive comments on the draft 2023-2031 Housing Element; and WHEREAS, on May 31, 2022, the City held a General Plan Mixed Use Ad Hoc Committee study session No. 1 to discuss and provide feedback on Mixed Use land use policies and standards; and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 206 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, on June 21, 2022, the City Council and Planning Commission conducted their second of three required public hearings on the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element in a joint Public Hearing and received additional public input and provided comments on the proposed Housing Element Update in advance of the City’s submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD); and
WHEREAS, on June 22, 2022, the City held an Economic Development Advisory Committee study session to discuss and receive comments on the Draft Economic Element policies and the 2022 Retail Development Opportunities Analysis for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2022, a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project as well as a Notice of EIR Scoping Meeting with the Planning Commission on July 5, 2022 was published in the San Ramon Valley Times, mailed, and emailed to all known interested parties, posted with the Contra Costa County Clerk and State Clearinghouse, posted in City facilities, and on the City Website; and WHEREAS, on June 29, 2022, the City held a General Plan Mixed Use Ad Hoc Committee study session No. 2 to discuss and provide feedback on Mixed Use land use policies and standards; and
WHEREAS, on July 5, 2022, the City held a Planning Commission EIR public scoping meeting to receive public testimony on the content of the proposed EIR for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, on July 19, 2022, the City held a Planning Commission study session to discuss and receive comments on the Draft Economic Element policies and the 2022 Retail Development Opportunities Analysis for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and WHEREAS, on July 20, 2022, after incorporating updates to the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element based on public comments and direction from the Planning Commission and City Council, the City submitted the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element to HCD for their review; and WHEREAS, on August 3, 2022, the City held a General Plan Mixed Use Ad Hoc Committee study session No. 3 to discuss and provide feedback on the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan and Land Use Designations; and
WHEREAS, on August 16, 2022, the City held a Planning Commission study session to discuss and provide feedback on the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan and Land Use Designations; and
WHEREAS, on September 12, 2022 and September 16, 2022, the City held Open Space Advisory Committee study sessions to receive comments on the draft Open Space and Conservation Element policies for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and WHEREAS, on September 13, 2022, the City held a City Council study session to discuss and provide feedback on the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan and Mixed Use Land Use Designations; and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 207 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, on September 14, 2022, the City held a Parks and Community Services Commission study session to receive comments on the draft Parks and Recreation Element policies for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, on September 21, 2022, the City held a General Plan Mixed Use Ad Hoc Committee study session No. 4 to discuss and provide feedback on Mixed Use Development Standards; and
WHEREAS, on October 18, 2022, HCD provided their comment letter to the City and identified revisions necessary for compliance with State Housing Element law; and WHEREAS, on October 20, 2022, the City held a Transportation Advisory Committee study session to receive comments on the draft Traffic and Circulation Element policies for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, on October 25, 2022, staff provided an update to the City Council on HCD’s comment letter, identified next steps for the Housing Element Update, and received public input; and
WHEREAS, on November 1, 2022, staff provided an update to the Planning Commission on HCD’s comment letter, identified next steps for the Housing Element Update, and received public input; and
WHEREAS, on November 2, November 18, December 2, and December 14, 2022, the City met with HCD to discuss the agency’s comments in greater detail and gain additional specificity and clarity on changes needed to receive certification; and WHEREAS, on December 21, 2022, pursuant to AB 215, the City released for public review the revisions made to the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element; and WHEREAS, on December 28, 2022, after the minimum seven-day public review period of the revisions to the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element, the City resubmitted the revised Draft to HCD to initiate their review; and
WHEREAS, on January 12, 2023, City staff met with HCD to discuss the agency’s review of the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element, submitted to HCD on December 28, 2022; and WHEREAS, based on HCD’s comments provided on January 12, 2023, City staff prepared additional errata revisions to the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element; and WHEREAS, on January 12, 2023, the Planning Commission held a duly and properly noticed public hearing and recommended that the City Council adopt the Housing Element; and WHEREAS, on January 19, 2023, pursuant to AB 215, the City released for public review the errata revisions made to the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element; and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 208 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, on January 26, 2023, after the minimum seven-day public review period of the errata revisions to the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element, the City resubmitted the revised Draft to HCD to initiate their review; and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2023, the City Council held a duly and properly noticed public hearing and approved the General Plan Amendment (GPA 2021-0001) to repeal the 2015-2023 Housing Element and adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element in compliance with State Housing Element Law; and
WHEREAS, on February 27, 2023, HCD certified the City of San Ramon’s adopted 2023- 2031 Housing Element as substantially compliant with State Housing Element Law; and WHEREAS, none of the minor technical edits associated with the incorporation of the adopted and State-certified 2023-2031 Housing Element into the San Ramon General Plan 2040 represent significant changes to policies or intent of the adopted and State-certified 2023-2031 Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City to maintain the adopted and State-certified 2023- 2031 Housing Element and that no additional changes have been proposed as part of the remaining San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project that would be inconsistent with the adopted and Statecertified 2023-2031 Housing Element; and WHEREAS, on March 21, 2023, the City held a Planning Commission study session to discuss and provide feedback on Mixed Use Definitions, Development and Design Standards, and a Land Use Discussion; and
WHEREAS, on May 16, 2023, the City held a Planning Commission study session to discuss and provide feedback on draft Growth Management Element and Land Use Element policies, and proposed land use map amendments for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, on May 19, 2023, a public notice of a joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing on May 30, 2023 to discuss the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and the repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan), was published in the San Ramon Valley Times, posted at City Hall and on the City’s website, mailed, and emailed to all known interested parties; and
WHEREAS, on May 24, 2023, the Public Review Draft of the San Ramon General Plan 2040 was released and presented at the May 30, 2023 joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing; and
WHEREAS, on May 30, 2023, the City Council and Planning Commission conducted the first of three required public hearings on the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023- 0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan) and received public
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 209 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 input on the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, provided comments to staff for consideration; and
WHEREAS, access to the May 30, 2023 joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing agenda, staff report, minutes, and meeting video is available on the City’s website at: https://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4698; and WHEREAS, four additional meetings were conducted with the various City Committees/Commissions regarding the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project as follows:
• Open Space Advisory Committee (July 10, 2023) on the draft Open Space and Conservation Element
• Parks and Community Services Commission (July 12, 2023) on the draft Parks and Recreation Element
• Transportation Advisory Committee (July 20, 2023) on the draft Traffic and Circulation Element
• Economic Development Advisory Committee (August 9, 2023) on the draft Economic Development Element; and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2023, a public notice of two Planning Commission public hearings on August 1, 2023 and August 15, 2023 to discuss the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023- 0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan) was published in the San Ramon Valley Times, posted at City Hall and on the City’s website, mailed, and emailed to all known interested parties; and WHEREAS, on August 1, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted the second of three required public hearings on the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan),received public input on the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, and provided comments to staff for consideration; and
WHEREAS, access to the August 1, 2023, Planning Commission public hearing agenda, staff report, minutes, and meeting video is available on the City’s website at:
https://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4747; and WHEREAS, on August 15, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted the third of three required public hearings on the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan), received public input on the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, provided comments to staff for consideration and continued the Planning Commission Public Hearing to September 5, 2023 for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 210 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, access to the August 15, 2023, Planning Commission public hearing agenda, staff report, minutes, and meeting video is available on the City’s website at:
https://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4756; and WHEREAS, on September 5, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted their fourth public hearing on the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan), received public input on the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, provided comments to staff for consideration and continued the Planning Commission Public Hearing to September 19, 2023 for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, access to the September 5, 2023, Planning Commission public hearing agenda, staff report, minutes, and meeting video is available on the City’s website at:
https://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4757; and WHEREAS, on September 19, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted their fifth public hearing on the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan), received public input on the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, provided comments to staff for consideration and continued the Planning Commission Public Hearing to October 17, 2023 for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, access to the September 19, 2023, Planning Commission public hearing agenda, staff report, minutes, and meeting video is available on the City’s website at:
https://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4777; and WHEREAS, on September 22, 2023, a public notice of a joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing on October 3, 2023 to discuss the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023- 0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan) was published in the San Ramon Valley Times, posted at City Hall and on the City’s website, mailed, and emailed to all known interested parties; and WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, the City Council conducted the second of three required public hearings and the Planning Commission conducted their sixth of three required public hearings at a Joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing on the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan), received public input on the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, and provided comments to staff for consideration; and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 211 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, on October 3, 2023, a revised Public Review Draft (dated September 26, 2023) was presented at the joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing with the September 26th draft showing: 1) all tracked changed accepted from the May 24th draft, and 2) errata changes shown as tracked changes based on comments received since the May 30th joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing; and WHEREAS, access to the October 3, 2023, joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearing agenda, staff report, minutes, and meeting video is available on the City’s website at: https://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4794; and WHEREAS, on October 17, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted their seventh public hearing on the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan), received public input on the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, provided comments to staff for consideration and continued the Planning Commission Public Hearing to November 7, 2023 for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, access to the October 17, 2023, Planning Commission public hearing agenda, staff report, minutes, and meeting video is available on the City’s website at:
https://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4797; and WHEREAS, on November 7, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted their eighth public hearing on the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project (including General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan), received public input on the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, and closed the public comment for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, access to the November 7, 2023, Planning Commission public hearing agenda, staff report, minutes, and meeting video is available on the City’s website at:
https://sanramonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=4803; and WHEREAS, on November 7, 2023, the Planning Commission recommended to the City Council to maintain the existing Hillside Residential land use designation on three parcels commonly referred to as the Geldermann Properties (APNs 211-010-042, 210-010-043, and 210- 010-035) and defer consideration of amending the Geldermann Properties land use designation until the City conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the Westside Specific Plan; and WHEREAS, on November 7, 2023, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 14- 23 recommending the City Council approve General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002), Rezone (RZ 2023-0002), Prezone (PZ 2023-0001), Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001), and Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003); approve errata changes to the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Update, including the selection of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Alternative 2 (New Infill Mixed Use within the City Core and Additional Retail Shopping Alternative); repeal the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan; adopt Specific Plan amendments to
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 212 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 the San Ramon Village Specific Plan; and adopt associated Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance amendments and Zoning Map changes that implement the General Plan; and WHEREAS, based on the Planning Commission’s recommendation to the City Council to maintain the existing Hillside Residential land use designation on three parcels commonly referred to as the Geldermann Properties (APNs 211-010-042, 210-010-043, and 210-010-035), the City Council supports maintaining the existing Hillside Residential land use designation on the Geldermann Properties and updating Figure 4-3 (2040 Land Use Diagram) in the 2040 General Plan Land Use Element and any corresponding text or Figures to reflect this intent; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 65302.5, the City of San Ramon complied with the review requirements for the proposed Safety Element of the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, which contains all applicable contents set forth in Government Code Section 65302; and
Regarding the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (SRVSP) Amendment WHEREAS, a specific plan is a tool for the systematic implementation of the City’s General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Crow Canyon Specific Plan (CCSP) and Crow Canyon Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report were adopted in 2006 to guide the evolution of a 128-acre office and service commercial area west of Interstate 680 and north of Crow Canyon Road in the City of San Ramon; and
WHEREAS, in September 2017, the City updated the CCSP to reduce the maximum residential density for any individual project within the Crow Canyon Specific Plan (CCSP) area from 22-50 dwelling units per acre to 22-35 dwelling units per acre; and WHEREAS, Policy 4.7-I-2 of the City’s General Plan 2035 calls for implementation of the CCSP while also acknowledging the loss of San Ramon’s Redevelopment Agency and directs that the City update the Specific Plan as needed in the context of existing and future needs based on post-Redevelopment conditions; and
WHEREAS, on January 24, 2018, the City of San Ramon initiated an update to the CCSP for certain properties within the Crow Canyon area, an underutilized 128-acre office and service commercial area of San Ramon, to revisit the vision and implementing strategies as a result of the elimination of redevelopment funding sources and recent community development; and WHEREAS, on November 24, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution Number 2020- 113 approving amendments to the Crow Canyon Specific Plan (SP 20-800-001) and renamed it the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (SRVSP); and
WHEREAS, the subject Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001) application includes amendments to the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (SRVSP); and Regarding Tribal Consultation
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 213 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Sections 65352 and 65352.3, the City of San Ramon requested consultation with the local California Native America tribes as shown on the contact list provided by the California Native American Heritage Commission; and WHEREAS, three requests for consultation pursuant to Government Code Section 65352.3 were received for the 2023-2031 Housing Element and three requests for consultation pursuant to pursuant to Government Code Section 65352.3 were received for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, during review of the 2023-2031 Housing Element, the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation requested consultation with the City on July 5, 2022, the City met with tribe representatives on September 16, 2022 and October 19, 2022, and completed consultation on October 19, 2022; and
WHEREAS, during review of the 2023-2031 Housing Element, the Indian Canyon Band of Costanoan Ohlone People requested consultation on July 17, 2022, but did not respond to the City’s request to meet and therefore, the City concluded consultation in September 2022; and WHEREAS, during review of the 2023-2031 Housing Element, the Wilton Rancheria tribe requested consultation on July 27, 2022, and after exchanging emails regarding project questions, consultation was completed on August 8, 2022; and
WHEREAS, during review of the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation requested consultation with the City on May 26, 2023, the City met with tribe representatives on June 14, 2023. Follow-up documentation was provided by the City per the tribe’s request, but no response was received regarding the City’s request to meet and therefore, the City concluded consultation in October 2023; and WHEREAS, during review of the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, the Wilton Rancheria tribe requested consultation with the City on May 26, 2023, the City met with tribe representatives on June 8, 2023. Follow-up documentation was provided by the City per the tribe’s request, but no response was received regarding the City’s request to meet and therefore, the City concluded consultation in October 2023; and
WHEREAS, during review of the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, the Indian Canyon Band of Costanoan Ohlone People requested consultation on September 6, 2023, but did not respond to the City’s request to meet and therefore, the City concluded consultation in October 2023; and
Regarding Measure G Compliance for the 2023-2031 Housing Element WHEREAS, Government Code Sections 65353 and 65854 require the Planning Commission hold a public hearing on the General Plan Amendment (GPA 2021-0001) for the 2023-2031 Housing Element; and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 214 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, Measure G, approved in 1999, requires that subsequent amendments to the General Plan may only be adopted by a 4/5 vote of the City Council after recommendation in favor of such amendment is made by a 4/5 vote of the Planning Commission, and after three public hearings before both the Planning Commission and City Council; and WHEREAS, on May 17, 2022, June 21, 2022, and January 12, 2023, the Planning Commission held duly noticed public hearings to discuss the proposed revisions and changes to the Housing Element Update and to receive input for the public which collectively satisfied the three public hearings requirement of Measure G and Government Code Sections 65353 and 65854; and
WHEREAS, on May 17, 2022, June 21, 2022, and January 30, 2023, the City Council held duly noticed public hearings to discuss the proposed revisions and changes to the Housing Element Update and to receive input for the public which collectively satisfied the three public hearings requirement of Measure G and Government Code Sections 65353 and 65854; and Regarding Measure G Compliance for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project WHEREAS, Government Code Sections 65353 and 65854 require the Planning Commission hold a public hearing on the proposed General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project; and
WHEREAS, Measure G, approved in 1999, requires that subsequent amendments to the General Plan may only be adopted by a 4/5 vote of the City Council after recommendation in favor of such amendment is made by a 4/5 vote of the Planning Commission, and after three public hearings before both the Planning Commission and City Council; and WHEREAS, on May 30, 2023, and October 3, 2023, the City Council and Planning Commission held two duly noticed Joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearings to discuss the proposed revisions and changes to the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project and to receive input from the public; and
WHEREAS, on August 1, 2023; August 15, 2023; September 5, 2023; September 19, 2023; October 17, 2023; and November 7, 2023; the Planning Commission held six duly noticed public hearings to discuss the proposed revisions and changes to the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project and to receive input from the public; and
WHEREAS, on November 28, 2023; the City Council held one duly noticed public hearing to discuss the proposed revisions and changes to the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project and to receive input from the public; and
WHEREAS, collectively through the two duly noticed Joint City Council and Planning Commission public hearings and the one duly noticed City Council public hearing, the City Council satisfied the three public hearing requirement of Measure G and the public hearing requirements of Government Code Sections 65353 and 65854; and Regarding CEQA Compliance for the 2023-2031 Housing Element
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 215 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 WHEREAS, the 2023-2031 Housing Element is tiered off the previous Housing Element, which the City analyzed under the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq. (“CEQA”) with an addendum to the General Plan 2030 EIR; and WHEREAS, the 2023-2031 Housing Element at issue, therefore, includes only the changes proposed to that Housing Element, and these changes would not result in any direct or indirect physical changes to the environment; and
WHEREAS, the changes made to the Housing Element as a result of the 2023-2031 Housing Element are strictly policy changes and do not provide entitlements to any specific land use projects, nor do the changes amend the General Plan land use map or zoning or modify land use designations, densities, or land use intensities; and WHEREAS, any changes to the City municipal code or General Plan required by the 2023- 2031 Housing Element will be reviewed under CEQA for environmental impacts when the proposed action is brought forward for the City’s consideration; it would be too speculative to foresee environmental impacts resulting from the 2023-2031 Housing Element at this time; and WHEREAS, based on these factors, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed 6th Cycle Housing Element Update would have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, the Planning Commission determined the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update Project is exempt under State CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3) common sense exemption; and
WHEREAS, additionally, the 2023-2031 Housing Element is part of the City of San Ramon’s efforts to “undertake all necessary actions to encourage, promote, and facilitate the development of housing to accommodate the entire regional housing need,” as required by Government Code section 65584 (a)(2), which further requires the City to take reasonable actions “to ensure that future housing production meets, at a minimum, the regional housing need established for planning purposes”; as such, the Planning Commission further determined that it is exempt from CEQA under Gov. Code § 65584(g), which states that determinations made by a city or county pursuant to § 65584 are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; and WHEREAS, the City has prepared the 2023-2031 Housing Element in accordance with State Housing Element Law and HCD findings; and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2023, the City Council held a duly and properly noticed public hearing, approved the General Plan Amendment (GPA 2021-0001) to repeal the 2015-2023 Housing Element, and adopted the 2023-2031 Housing Element in compliance with State Housing Element Law; and
Regarding CEQA Compliance for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project WHEREAS, an Environmental Impact Report for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 (SCH No. 2022060549) (the “EIR”) to be prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq. (“CEQA”) and the Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, 14 Cal. Code Regs. §15000 et seq.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 216 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 (the “CEQA Guidelines”) in order to determine whether the proposed General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002) and associated Rezone (RZ 2023-0002); Prezone (PZ 2023-0001); Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003) applications; and repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan, collectively referred to as the “San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project” (the “Project”) could have a significant impact on the environment; and WHEREAS, the EIR was prepared, published, circulated and reviewed and completed in accordance with the requirements of CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines and the San Ramon Municipal Code, and constitutes an adequate, accurate, objective and complete EIR in accordance with the requirements of CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines and the San Ramon Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the EIR evaluated the potential environmental impacts that could result from the approval of the “Project,” as such term is used in the EIR, and in particular focused on potentially significant impacts, alternatives to the Project and the self-mitigating General Plan Implementing Policies that are designed to mitigate or avoid the potentially significant impacts of the Project; and
WHEREAS, where applicable, General Plan Implementing Policies were identified in the EIR to reduce those potential impacts to a less-than-significant level or to avoid those impacts, where feasible; and
WHEREAS, on November 7, 2023, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 13- 23 recommending the City Council adopt the CEQA Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations determining Alternative 2 (New Infill Mixed Use within the City Core and Additional Retail Shopping Alternative) as the preferred alternative for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 adoption and recommended certification of the EIR for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, as being complete and prepared in compliance with the provisions of CEQA; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council finds that the recitals above are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council after independent consideration and independently exercising its judgment in evaluating all of the aforesaid materials, facts and testimony does hereby find that, based on substantial evidence in the record:
1. That the recitals above are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference; and
2. That the San Ramon General Plan 2040 (Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 5) with errata changes (Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 5) incorporates amendments based on the selection of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Alternative 2 (New Infill Mixed Use within the City Core and Additional Retail Shopping Alternative) and is comprised of updates to the following Elements: (1) Economic Development, (2) Growth Management, (3) Land Use, (4) Traffic and Circulation, (5) Parks and Recreation, (6) Public Facilities and Utilities, (7) Open Space and Conservation, (8) Safety, (9) Noise, and (10) Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas, is internally consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses, and programs specified, as a whole, in the General Plan 2040 and the adopted and State-certified 2023- 2031 Housing Element; and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 217 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40
3. That remaining updates to the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, which incorporate amendments based on the selection of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Alternative 2 (New Infill Mixed Use within the City Core and Additional Retail Shopping Alternative), is comprised of amendments to the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (Exhibit 3), repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan, associated Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance amendments (Exhibit 4), and Zoning Map changes that implement the General Plan (Exhibit 5), are consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses, and programs specified, as a whole, in the General Plan 2040 and the adopted and Statecertified 2023-2031 Housing Element; and
4. That the proposed San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, which incorporate amendments based on the selection of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Alternative 2 (New Infill Mixed Use within the City Core and Additional Retail Shopping Alternative), will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the proximity of San Ramon, or is materially detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the City of San Ramon because the Project implements the direction of the San Ramon General Plan 2040 policies, as well as reflects amendments needed to implement State laws; and
5. The City Council repeals the San Ramon General Plan 2035, in its entirety (with the exception of the adopted and State-certified 2023-2031 Housing Element), and adopt the San Ramon General Plan 2040 (Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 5) with errata changes (Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 5); and
6. That the SRVSP is internally consistent and consistent with the General Plan 2040, and the adopted and State-certified 2023-2031 Housing Element; and
7. That the SRVSP satisfies the specific plan requirements of Section 65451 of the California Government Code; and
8. That the SRVSP furthers the housing policies and is consistent with the goals and policies established by the General Plan 2040, and the adopted and State-certified 2023-2031 Housing Element, as well as the regulations contained in the Zoning Ordinance; and
9. That the SRVSP amendment will not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of persons residing or working in the plan area or vicinity and will not be injurious or detrimental to property or improvements in the plan area or vicinity because potential implications to health, safety and welfare have been analyzed and addressed in the associated Environmental Impact Report.
10. The City Council adopts the Specific Plan amendments to the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (SRVSP) (Exhibit 3); and
11. The City Council adopts the associated Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance amendments (Exhibit 4) and Zoning Map changes that implement the General Plan (Exhibit 5); and
12. The City Council repeals the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan based on land use and
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 218 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 policy inconsistencies between the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan and the amendments included with the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project with errata changes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council, having adopted Resolution No. (next in line) on December 12, 2023, to adopt CEQA Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and certification of the Final EIR for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, including the selection of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Alternative 2 (New Infill Mixed Use within the City Core and Additional Retail Shopping Alternative), as being complete and prepared in compliance with the provisions of CEQA, hereby incorporates all the findings and the record of decision related to said Resolution by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council have considered the Planning Commission and staff recommendations for the San Ramon General Plan 2040 Project, and in the exercise of its independent judgment, and based upon all the evidence in the record (including but not limited to all application materials, related CEQA documents, the written and oral staff reports, oral and written comments received by the City, and all other relevant documents contained in the administrative record) does hereby adopt City Council Resolution Number (next in line) to approve General Plan Amendment (GPA 2023-0002), Rezone (RZ 2023- 0002), Prezone (PZ 2023-0001), Specific Plan Amendment (SP 2023-0001) to the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (SRVSP); Environmental Review (ENVR 2023-0003); repeal the San Ramon General Plan 2035, in its entirety (with the exception of the adopted and State-certified 2023-2031 Housing Element), adopt the San Ramon General Plan 2040 (Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 5) with errata changes (Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 5), including the selection of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) Alternative 2 (New Infill Mixed Use within the City Core and Additional Retail Shopping Alternative); repeal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan; adopt Specific Plan amendments to the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (Exhibit 3); and adopt associated Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance amendments (Exhibit 4) and Zoning Map changes that implement the General Plan (Exhibit 5).
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED on this 12th day of December 2023 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_
David E. Hudson, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Christina Franco, City Clerk
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 219 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 Exhibit 1:
Exhibit 2:
Exhibit 3:
Exhibit 4:
Exhibit 5:
Revised Public Review Draft San Ramon General Plan 2040, dated September 27, 2023
San Ramon General Plan 2040 Errata Changes, dated September 27, 2023, October 11, 2023, October 18, 2023, and November 8, 2023
San Ramon Village Specific Plan Amendments, dated August 9, 2023 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments, dated September 19, 2023 and October 11, 2023
General Plan Land Use and Zoning Map Exhibits with Errata Changes, dated November 8, 2023
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 220 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 1 2
CITY OF SAN RAMON
GENERAL PLAN 2040
Exhibit 1
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 221 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 2 1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The City of San Ramon General Plan 2040 articulates a long-term vision for the City. Plan policies focus on what is achievable in the next 20 years and set forth actions to be undertaken by the City. Broad objectives such as “quality of life” and “community character” are meaningful only if translated into actions that are tangible and can be implemented. State law requires that City actions be consistent with the General Plan; as such, regular ongoing use of the General Plan will be essential. There will be circumstances and instances when detailed studies will be necessary before General Plan policies can be implemented.
GENERAL PLAN 2040 BACKGROUND
In 2021, San Ramon initiated an update to the 2035 General Plan to reflect changes that have occurred since the last General Plan update as well as reflect new State direction regarding housing from the 2023- 2031 Housing Element. As part of the 2040 General Plan update, the City analyzed new housing opportunity sites to fulfill the 6th Cyle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) as well as changes in the development pattern of the City which includes new mixed-use development areas and the removal of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan. The 2040 General Plan update builds upon prior growth measures and local planning practices to reflect updated projection and demands for the City.
In 1999, San Ramon voters approved Measure “G” which (1) established a two-year moratorium on General Plan or Zoning Ordinance amendments, (2) provided for a General Plan Review Commission (GPRC) consisting of 32 San Ramon residents to recommend a new General Plan, and (3) required voter approval of the GPRC’s new General Plan. Through Measure G (1999), the GPRC was formed; the General Plan 2020 was drafted; and in March 2002, San Ramon voters approved General Plan 2020.
The voter-approved General Plan 2020 established the City’s first Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to encourage smart growth by promoting infill development and discouraging urban sprawl. Since 2002, the City has been proactively implementing many of the policies of General Plan 2020 such as acquiring open space, creating affordable housing, and providing opportunities for mixed use development.
In 2011, the City updated the General Plan to a buildout year of 2030 (General Plan 2030). In 2015, the General Plan was updated to align with the 5th cycle RHNA with a buildout year of 2035 (General Plan 2035). In 2019, amendments to the Economic Development Element and associated elements were adopted.
The General Plan 2040 update largely maintains the land use concepts and policy language set forth in General Plan 2035 with updates to City demographic, State mandated Housing Element update for the 2023-2031 planning cycle, minor policy language revisions, narrative text and mapping updates to reflect changes that have occurred since the last update.
The General Plan 2040 updates the demographic estimates for the current conditions (January 1, 2020) and provides year 2040 buildout projections based on the revised demographics and the current local land use assumptions.
GENERAL PLAN 2040 PURPOSE
The San Ramon General Plan 2040 largely maintains the land use patterns and growth strategies set forth by the voter approved General Plan 2035. The San Ramon General Plan 2040 serves several purposes:
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 222 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 3 It outlines a vision for San Ramon’s long-range physical and economic development and resource conservation that reflects the aspirations of the community and the smart growth mandate of Measure G (1999);
It provides strategies and specific implementing actions that will allow this vision to be accomplished;
It establishes a basis for judging whether specific development proposals and public projects are in harmony with Plan policies and standards;
It allows City departments, other public agencies, and private developers to design projects that will enhance the character of the community, preserve, and enhance critical environmental resources, and minimize hazards; and
It provides the basis for establishing and setting priorities for detailed plans and implementing programs, such as the Zoning Ordinance, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), specific plans, etc. The San Ramon General Plan 2040 builds upon the accomplishments of the past while looking to the future and ensures that the City continues to evolve and mature while maintaining its sense of community.
LOOKING AHEAD
San Ramon will face several planning challenges over the next 20 years. Included in these challenges are managing the City’s urban growth boundaries, open space preservation, accommodating housing needs outlined by the State, and addressing forecasts for increased population and employment growth for the 2040 planning horizon.
The General Plan 2040 anticipates a buildout population of 110,089 and a buildout labor force (jobs) of 71,999 for the San Ramon Planning Area. In comparison, San Ramon’s 2022 Planning Area population is estimated at 83,820 with a labor force 54,046. Much of this population and employment growth will be accommodated by development that has already been programmed or approved for the San Ramon Planning Area. This includes buildout of the Dougherty Valley, the San Ramon City Center Project, and Faria Preserve. The extent to which this demand is fulfilled at a project level is addressed in the General Plan policies and is based upon the public input on how best to accommodate growth based on the smart growth mandate of Measure G (1999).
1.2 REGIONAL SETTING AND PLANNING AREA
REGIONAL LOCATION
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 223 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 4 San Ramon is located in
southern Contra Costa County
in the East Bay region of the
San Francisco Bay Area. The
City of San Ramon is
surrounded by
unincorporated Alameda
County (west), the Town of
Danville and unincorporated
Contra Costa County (north),
unincorporated Contra Costa
County (east), and the City of
Dublin (south). The San
Ramon Valley, Dougherty
Hills, and the Dougherty Valley
are within the City limits,
while the East Bay foothills are
located to the west. Figure 1-1
shows the City’s regional
location.
PLANNING BOUNDARIES
According to state law, the
City must consider a Planning
Area that consists of land
within the City and “any land
outside its boundaries which,
in the planning agency’s judgment, bears relation to its planning.” The inclusion of land outside City limits does not necessarily mean that the City is contemplating annexation.
The San Ramon Planning Area encompasses 23,499 acres or 36.7 square miles. The General Plan 2030 Planning Area is smaller in land area when compared to the General Plan 2020, which totaled 24,733 acres (38.6 square miles). This reduction is the result of removing the upper Tassajara Valley from the Planning Area.
Within the Planning Area are the City limits, Sphere of Influence, and Urban Growth Boundary. The current City limits total 12,862 acres (20.1 square miles) and represents the corporate limits of the City of San Ramon. The Sphere of Influence totals 19,737 acres (30.8 square miles) and encompasses both the City limits and unincorporated areas that are within the future, probable limits of the City. The Urban Growth Boundary totals 13,738 acres (21.5 square miles) and encompasses existing urban development or undeveloped areas adjacent to urban development anticipated to be developed over the life of the General Plan. No changes to the Sphere of Influence or Urban Growth Boundary have occurred as part of the General Plan 2035 or are proposed as part of the General Plan 2040 update.
The General Plan is legally binding within the City limits and advisory outside of the City limits. The City’s boundaries, the existing Sphere of Influence, and the Planning Area are shown in Figure 1-2.
GENERAL PLAN REQUIREMENTS
Figure 1-1: Regional Location
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 224 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 5 State law requires each California city and county to prepare a general plan. A general plan is defined as “a comprehensive, long-term general plan for the physical development of the county or city, and any land outside its boundaries which in the planning agency’s judgment bears relation to its planning.” State requirements call for general plans that “comprise an integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of policies for the adopting agency.”
A city’s general plan has been described as its constitution for development – the framework within which decisions on how to grow, provide public services and facilities, and protect and enhance the environment must be made. California’s tradition of allowing local authority over land use decisions means that the State’s cities have considerable flexibility in preparing their general plans.
While allowing considerable flexibility, state planning laws do establish some requirements for the issues that general plans must address. The California Government Code establishes both the content of general plans and rules for their adoption and subsequent amendment. Together, state law and judicial decisions establish three overall guidelines for general plans.
The General Plan Must Be Comprehensive. This requirement has two aspects. First, the general plan must be geographically comprehensive. That is, it must apply throughout the entire incorporated area, and it should include other areas that the City determines are relevant to its planning. Second, the general plan must address the full range of issues that affect the City’s physical development. The General Plan Must Be Internally Consistent. This requirement means that the general plan must fully integrate its separate parts and relate them to each other without conflict. “Horizontal” consistency applies as much to figures and diagrams as to the general plan text. It also applies to data and analysis as well as policies. All adopted portions of the general plan, whether required by state law or not, have equal legal weight. None may supersede another, so the general plan must resolve conflicts among the provisions of each element. The General Plan Must Be Long-Range. Because anticipated development will affect the City and the people who live or work there for years to come, state law requires every general plan to take a long-term perspective.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 225 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 6 Figure 1-2: Planning Boundaries
1.3 USING THE GENERAL PLAN
GENERAL PLAN STRUCTURE
Plan Organization
The General Plan includes the seven elements required by state law (Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Open Space, Conservation, Safety, and Noise) and five other elements that address local concerns and regional requirements (Growth Management, Economic Development, Public Facilities and Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions). Table 1-1 outlines how the required elements correspond with those comprising the General Plan. The General Plan also includes a glossary of terms used in the Plan setting policy and commentary.
Table 1-1: Required General Plan Elements and Chapters in the San Ramon General Plan
Required Element Where Included in the General Plan
Growth Management1 Chapter 3: Growth Management
Land Use Chapter 4: Land Use
Circulation Chapter 5: Circulation
Open Space Chapter 8: Open Space and Conservation
Conservation Chapter 8: Open Space and Conservation
Safety Chapter 9: Safety
Noise Chapter 10: Noise
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 226 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 7 Table 1-1: Required General Plan Elements and Chapters in the San Ramon General Plan
Required Element Where Included in the General Plan
Housing Chapter 13: Housing
Environmental Justice In multiple chapters2
Note:
1 Required by Contra Costa County Measure J (2004). 2 The Planning for Healthy Communities Act of 2016 (Senate Bill 1000) was enacted to address environmental justice in local and regional planning practice. The legislation requires cities and counties to incorporate policies to promote environmental justice in their general plans.
As such, environmental justice-oriented policies are incorporated throughout the Land Use, Circulation, Housing, and Safety Chapters.
POLICY STRUCTURE
Each element of the General Plan includes brief background information to establish the context for policies in the Element. This background material is neither a comprehensive statement of existing conditions nor does it contain adopted information. This background information is followed by two sets of policies:
Guiding Policies are the City’s statements of its goals and philosophy. The policies are identified in the following format: 1.1-G-1, where “1.1” identifies the General Plan Element number and section and “G-1” identifies the guiding policy number.
Implementing Policies represents commitments to specific actions. They may refer to existing programs or call for establishment of new ones and are identified in the following format: 1.1-I-1, where “1.1” identifies the General Plan Element number and section and “I-1” identifies the implementing policy number.
Together, the guiding and implementing policies articulate a vision for San Ramon that the General Plan seeks to achieve. These policies also provide protection for the City’s resources by establishing planning requirements, programs, standards, and criteria for project review. Explanatory material or commentary accompanies some policies. Italicized language provides background information or is intended to guide Plan implementation. Note that explanatory material and commentary language is not binding and does not supersede the text of guiding or implementing policies. Furthermore, the use of “should” or “would” indicates that a statement is advisory, not binding; details will need to be resolved in General Plan implementation. Where the same topic is addressed in more than one chapter, sections and policies are cross-referenced.
GENERAL PLAN INTERPRETATION
The General Plan is a statement of the City’s policies, objectives, and vision for the future. Common sense and reason should be utilized in interpreting the provisions of the General Plan. In doing so, several principals should be observed:
The General Plan should be read and interpreted to effectuate the policies and principles stated therein. Many statements are general in nature and cannot be objectively measured because specific conditions cannot always be foreseen. All relevant aspects of the General Plan should be considered in the larger context of the document and viewed with no single aspect viewed in isolation. Context should be considered in interpreting the General Plan. The clarifying text in italics is intended to assist in understanding the context and intent of the policies and principles.
1.4 DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE GENERAL PLAN
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 227 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 8 Full development under the General Plan is referred to as “buildout.” Although the General Plan applies to a 20-year planning horizon, it is not intended to specify or anticipate when buildout will actually occur; nor does the designation of a site for a certain use necessarily mean the site will be built/redeveloped with that use in the next 20 years. Refer to the Land Use Element for more detailed analysis of General Plan buildout.
GENERAL PLAN BUILDOUT CHARACTERISTICS
Urban Growth Boundaries
This General Plan includes an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), established in response to Measure G (1999), to promote compact development, discourage urban sprawl, and protect rural lands and open space resources within the Planning Area. Refer to the Urban Growth Boundaries policies in Section 4.6 of the Land Use Element.
Rural Conservation
In order to protect the rural character of Bollinger Canyon and the Westside hills, this General Plan includes a Rural Conservation land use classification. This classification is intended to protect natural features and sensitive habitat. Refer to the Rural Conservation Development policies in Section 4.6 of the Land Use Element.
Residential Development
In 2022, approximately 29,460 dwelling units exist in the San Ramon Planning Area. The General Plan is anticipated to accommodate a total of 39,615 dwelling units within the Planning Area in 2040.
Non-Residential Development
In 2022, approximately 13 million square feet of non-residential floor area exists in the San Ramon Planning Area, which includes retail, commercial, office, industrial, and public space. In total, General Plan buildout will result in approximately 16.3 million square feet of non-residential floor area in the Planning Area.
Population
The San Ramon Planning Area’s estimated 2022 population is estimated at 83,820 people. The General Plan is anticipated to accommodate a population of approximately 110,089 at buildout. The majority of this new population growth results from the development of housing units already approved, underway, or programmed by the 2023-2032 Housing Element. The significant increase in current population estimates is based on a population correction associated with the 2020 Census as well as an increase in the average Persons Per Household Citywide.
Employment
The San Ramon Planning Area’s estimated 2022 employment is 54,046. The General Plan is expected to accommodate 71,999 jobs at buildout. The majority of these new jobs will result from non-residential development already approved, underway, or programmed.
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Packet Pg. 228 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 9 Jobs/Housing Balance
A city’s jobs/employed resident ratio would be 1:1 if the number of jobs in the city equaled the number of employed residents. In theory, such a balance would eliminate the need for commuting and signifies a balanced community. A ratio greater than 1.0 indicates a net in-commute (jobs rich); less than 1.0 indicates a net out-commute (housing rich). the estimated jobs/ employed resident ratio in San Ramon in 2020 was 1.20, which means that the number of jobs in the City exceeds the number of employed residents by about 20 percent. While the City anticipates the addition of significantly more residential units (and by implication employed residents), ABAG projects estimated jobs to rise resulting in an increase in the jobs/employed resident ratio to 1.50 by the estimated 2040 buildout. If the pace of future residential development decreases with buildout of General Plan 2040, the growth in employed residents will likely also slow, absent a change in the existing household employment profile. As such, if the job growth remains constant or slows, the jobs/employed resident balance will also remain flat as the city approaches buildout in 2040. It should be noted that it is important to work toward jobs/housing balance not just on a jurisdictional level, but also on a regional or corridor level to reduce regional traffic patterns by allowing residents the opportunity to work close to their homes and thereby reducing vehicle miles traveled and commute times.
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1.5 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN
WORK PROGRAM AND SCHEDULE
Following adoption of the General Plan, City staff will prepare an Implementation Work Program and Schedule for City Council approval. This work program and schedule will be updated annually as part of the budget process and included in the Annual Report on the General Plan (see below). For each implementation policy, the Implementation Schedule will show when it would be implemented, whether it is a high priority action, who would be responsible, what City document would be affected, what the estimated cost would be, and if separate or supplemental funding is needed because the activity is not currently budgeted. In many cases, the General Plan implementation costs would be part of the normal costs of City operations.
LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS
The General Plan establishes land use classifications that are broad enough to give the City flexibility in implementing the Plan policy, but clear enough to provide sufficient direction for implementation through zoning, which contains more detailed provisions and standards.
The General Plan includes seven residential land use classifications to provide for development of a full range of housing types. These classifications are based on residential density, or the number of housing units per net acre of developable land, which excludes areas subject to geological, physical, and environmental constraints, as well as areas dedicated to public streets. Nine non-residential land use classifications are included in the General Plan to provide for development of employment and other uses in San Ramon. Additionally, there is a Mixed-Use designation that allows both residential and nonresidential uses. These classifications are based on development intensity or Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
Development in all classifications is required to be within the density/intensity range expressed, although development standards established in the Zoning Ordinance may limit attainment of maximum density or FAR specified in the General Plan.
San Ramon will implement many General Plan policies by means of the City’s Zoning Ordinance, and zoning must be consistent with the General Plan if the City’s land use, housing, and open space policies are to be realized. A fundamental link between the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance is land use/zoning consistency. Table 1-2 shows how zoning districts in San Ramon are consistent with the land use designations of the General Plan.
The Zoning, Subdivision, and Grading Ordinances will be reviewed and may need to be amended to be consistent with General Plan policies. Other City codes and regulations will also be reviewed for Plan consistency and amended where needed. This effort should be completed within 18 months of Plan adoption. Work on specific area plans and, where appropriate, Planned Development Plans also is expected to be initiated within the first year or two of Plan implementation. Scheduling of this work will depend on individual property owners’ development plans and real estate market conditions. The City cannot mandate the timing of private development.
Table 1-2: Consistency Between the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance General Plan Land Use Designations Consistent Base Zoning Districts Residential
Rural Conservation RC
Hillside Residential HR
Low Density Residential RE-A, RE-B, RS-12, RS-10
Low Medium Density Residential RS-10, RS-7, RS-6
Medium Density Residential RS-6, RS-D, RM
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 230 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 11 Table 1-2: Consistency Between the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance General Plan Land Use Designations Consistent Base Zoning Districts Medium-High Density Residential RMH, RH
High-Very High Density Residential RVH
San Ramon Village Housing Residential SRVSP
Office, Commercial, Industrial
Office OL, OA, M-1, M-2
Mixed Commercial MC
Retail Shopping CC
Thoroughfare Commercial CT
Mixed Use
Mixed-Use, Commercial Emphasis MUX
Mixed-Use, Residential Emphasis MUR
Downtown Mixed-Use, North DMU-N
City Center Mixed-Use CCMU
Community Facilities /Open Space
Commercial Recreation CR, P
Golf Course GC
Public and Semipublic PS, CR, M-1, M-2
Parks P
Open Space OS-1, OS-2, AG, RC
The City’s Capital Improvement Program will be the primary means of scheduling and funding infrastructure improvements of citywide benefit. Special benefit assessment districts or other means of financing improvements benefiting specific areas may be used. San Ramon also will participate in funding infrastructure improvements and, through the City’s Housing Trust Fund, affordable housing programs (also known as workforce housing programs) as available.
In many areas, General Plan implementation will depend on actions of other public agencies and of the private sector, which will fund most development expected in the Planning Area. The General Plan will serve a coordinating function for private sector decisions; it will also provide a basis for action on individual development applications.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
The City Council has created a number of boards and commissions to advise the Council on policy issues.
Some of these boards and commissions also have specific responsibilities for development review and approval. Implementation of the General Plan will involve the Planning Commission, the Parks and Community Services Commission, the Architectural Review Board and the City’s eight nine advisory committees (Arts, Economic Development, Open Space, Housing, Innovation and Technology, Library, Senior Citizen, Transportation, and Transportation Demand Management).
The General Plan does not envision any substantive change in the responsibilities assigned to these boards, commissions, and committees. They will be administering new or amended regulations adopted pursuant to Plan policies, and their actions will need to be consistent with the new General Plan.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 231 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 12
1.6 KEEPING THE GENERAL PLAN CURRENT
The General Plan is intended to be a dynamic document. As such, the Plan may be subject to more sitespecific and comprehensive amendments over time. These amendments may be needed to conform to state or federal law passed after adoption, or to eliminate or modify policies that may become obsolete or unrealistic over time, due to changed conditions, such as the completion of a task or project, development on a site, or adoption of an ordinance or plan.
AMENDMENTS
State law limits the number of times a jurisdiction can amend its general plan to generally no more than four times in one year for a mandatory element (Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise and Safety), although each amendment may include more than one change to the same or multiple general plan elements. This restriction does not apply to optional general plan elements (Growth Management, Economic Development, Public Facilities and Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions), or if the amendment is necessary to allow for the development of workforce housing or to comply with a court decision.
ANNUAL REPORT
The California Government Code requires General Law cities and applicable Charter cities “provide an annual report to the legislative body on the status of the general plan and progress in its implementation” (Government Code § 65400(b)). This report must also be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development. It must include an analysis of the progress in meeting the city’s share of regional housing needs and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to maintenance, improvement, and development of workforce housing (Government Code § 65583, 65584).
In addition, any mitigation monitoring and reporting requirements prescribed by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) identified in the general plan environmental impact report (EIR) should be addressed in the annual report because they are closely tied to plan implementation. Finally, the annual report should include the implementation status of the General Plan goals and policies and a summary of all general plan amendments adopted during the preceding year. and an outline of upcoming projects and general plan issues to be addressed in the coming year, along with a work program.
URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY REVIEW
Policy 4.6-I-3 of the Land Use Element provides the opportunity for voter review of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). If the City determines a review is necessary to assess the City’s future needs for housing and employment, this review would be by means of a City voter review to consider the maintenance or amendment of the UGB and related policy. Any amendment to the UGB, greater than 25 acres, would also require City voter approval.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 232 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 1 2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
San Ramon is committed to developing a vibrant and healthy economy, providing appropriate land uses for planned development, strengthening the fiscal and financial health of the City, and working with the private sector to provide fundamental resources such as an adequate supply of skilled workers and capital improvements to attract and maintain businesses.
2.1 SAN RAMON’S ECONOMIC BASE
THE BEGINNINGS
Beginning in the 1970s, Bishop Ranch Business Park was the engine for economic development in San Ramon. Bishop Ranch not only established the City as an employment center, but also helped determine San Ramon’s economic character. The presence of major firms, such as Chevron and AT&T, and the attractive physical environment of Bishop Ranch stimulated further business development in San Ramon.
City- and region-wide population increases also helped fuel the growth of businesses serving local and subregional needs for retail, service, and public uses.
San Ramon is a good location for business, and the City has benefited from business growth. By affirming this positive relationship through sound economic planning, the City will strengthen its ability to serve future residents.
YEAR 2021 EMPLOYMENT
1 Total 2021 employment in San Ramon (in city limits, not planning area) is estimated at 37,301 jobs (data from EmsiEconomic Modeling Specialist International (EMSI) data). Of this total, 36,161 jobs are in industries that are included in either a “local” or “traded” cluster (as defined below). The local clusters currently represent 26,417 jobs in San Ramon, while the traded clusters account for 9,744 jobs. Whereas local and traded clusters are both critically important components of a balanced economy, they have distinct roles and characteristics, and these distinctions can be helpful in terms of planning economic development programs:
Local clusters typically form the core of a region’s economy; they primarily provide goods and services for the local (resident) population. They tend to account for the majority of jobs in a region (in the case of San Ramon, local clusters represent about 71% of total jobs), and support a high quality of life by ensuring the availability of a diverse range of goods and services. Traded clusters are “export-oriented” in the sense that they include industries that are engaged in producing goods and services for end customers outside the region. Traded clusters represent close to 29% of the jobs in San Ramon and are especially important from an economic development perspective given that they tend to have higher wages and higher “multiplier impacts” compared to local clusters. That is, they have a strong potential to inject new dollars into the local economy and thereby serve as “drivers” for broader economic growth. 1 Material in the 2022 Update sections comes from two documents prepared by The Natelson Dale Group, Inc. as part of the City of San Ramon’s General Plan Update process: 1) Draft - San Ramon: Retail Development Opportunities Analysis, May 2022; and 2) San Ramon: Market Conditions and Demand Projections for Retail, Office and Industrial Development, February 2022.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 233 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 2
CURRENT NON-RESIDENTIAL LAND USE PATTERNS
In general, businesses in San Ramon are diverse in terms of both amount of occupied space and number of employees. Companies in the Bishop Ranch Business Park range from national corporate headquarters to small offices for companies with 10 or fewer employees.
As of 2022, developed space by land-use type (within city limits only) is summarized in Table 2-1.
Table 2-1: San Ramon Developed Space
Land Use Existing Inventory / Vacancy Rate
Retail 2.7 million SF (5.5% vacant)
Office 9.5 million SF (15.8% vacant)
Industrial 801,000 SF (12.7% vacant)
Hotel 1,147 rooms in San Ramon
FUTURE EMPLOYMENT
Employment growth in San Ramon will allow the City’s economic base to expand in tandem with its population. Employment growth anticipated under the General Plan 2040 would consist of an employment mix that continues the City’s strong “office park” character. Total employment in San Ramon is projected to increase to an estimated 71,775 jobs by 2040, a 33% increase from 2020. Of the projected 17,925 new jobs, the most substantial job growth is expected to be in the following major industry groups (as defined by the Association of Bay Area Governments): Financial and Professional Services (11,350 new jobs), Health, Educational and Recreational Services (3,035 new jobs), and Information, Government and Construction (3,050 new jobs).2
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
Supporting economic development means making space available both for existing businesses to expand and for new businesses to come to San Ramon. To ensure that growth opportunities exists, the City developed the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) in 2005 which establishes the direction for San Ramon’s short- and long-term economic development and details how to attract new or added uses to the local economy. Specifically, the EDSP guides future land use decisions with economic development implications, and outlines strategies to enhance the City’s business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts. The EDSP was last updated in 2018.
The EDSP is recognized as the primary tool for implementation of this Element and is incorporated here by reference rather than inserting the entire Plan and its set of Implementation Strategies. Through the EDSP and its periodic update, the City will encourage attractive, affordable, and useable building space, an attractive business and residential environment, and a desirable “quality of life.”
FUTURE NON-RESIDENTIAL LAND NEEDS
The land use program of the General Plan 2040 reflects San Ramon’s historic economic evolution. The program adjusts the City’s historic economic mix to take into account the types of new jobs the region as a whole attracts and provides for opportunities to accommodate economically and physically suitable employment. By General Plan buildout, the City of San Ramon estimates non-residential (retail, office 2 The indicated projections are from Plan Bay Area 2040, adopted by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) in November 2018. ABAG adopted updated projections in October 2021; however, the updated projections are not available at the city/jurisdictional level of geography.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 234 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 3 industrial) square footage to increase approximately 2.5 million square feet for a total of approximately
21.6 million square feet within the Plan Area based on anticipated development.
In 2012, the City adopted the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan (NCRSP) located in both the Bishop Ranch and Crow Canyon Subareas. The vision of the NCRSP was for a blend of retail, commercial services, and housing that would encourage residential uses in the City core while expanding new non-residential uses opportunities. However, due to changes to State housing regulations and demand for non-residential uses, the NCRSP was repealed as part of the General Plan 2040 Update and replaced with focused land use policies for the City core.
The increases in non-residential space would take place within project sites, including the Dougherty Valley Specific Plan, San Ramon Valley Specific Plan (SRVSP) and the core area of the City areas. Future non-residential development is anticipated to primarily occur on infill and designated mixed-use properties such as those within the SRVSP and NCRSP areas where infill development can be supported based on the existing land use and infrastructure pattern.
While retail development in and around San Ramon is relatively mature, office and industrial development is still evolving, and is currently driven by the movement of employment uses from the high-cost Silicon Valley areas surrounding San Jose. This movement has been spurred on by the pandemic, which consequently has created a dynamic and at times unpredictable regional market.
Table 2-2 summarizes the potential long-term demand/development opportunities, based on optimizing opportunities, in San Ramon.
Table 2-2: Summary of Potential Long-Term Demand/Development Opportunities in San Ramon
Land Use Potential Future Demand based on Optimizing
Opportunities (Net New Space through 2040)
Retail 1,100,000 square feet to 1,800,000 square feet
Office 500,000 square feet to 750,000 square feet
Industrial 250,000 square feet to 500,000 square feet
Hotel
Demand for new hotel development in San Ramon is projected to reach 317 rooms by 2040. Most of this demand will be absorbed by two recently approved hotels (totaling 259 rooms).3
Source: San Ramon Retail Development Opportunities Analysis, May 23, 2022, The Natelson Dale Group, Inc.
CITY CENTER BISHOP RANCH
In 2007, the City approved the City Center project at Bollinger Canyon Road and Camino Ramon. The project was successfully developed in 2018 and includes a variety of retail, office, and civic uses.
In May 2016, a new City Hall building was opened at the southwest corner of Central Park. The City Hall building was developed in partnership with Sunset Development, who designed and constructed the new building. As part of the partnership with Sunset Development, the former City Hall location (Parcel 1B) within the City Center Bishop Ranch development, retained ownership of the location and development rights subject to the terms of associated Development Agreements.
Largely as a result of the opening of the City Center development in 2018, San Ramon’s retail space inventory has grown from 2017 to 2022.Also, the increase in recapture of retail demand leakage from 2015 to 2019 (65 to 71% capture rate) is based on the success of the City Center project. 3 Recently approved (but unbuilt) hotels include 169-room hotel in City Center and 90-room hotel in San Ramon Village Specific Plan area.
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Packet Pg. 235 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 4
THE RETAIL SECTOR
As a key quality of life amenity for both residents and employees, retail is a critical factor for successful economic development. San Ramon’s shopping areas offer a broad range of standard and value-oriented retail goods that serve the needs of San Ramon residents, workers, and businesses; however, as in communities across the US, the local retail sector is undergoing rapid changes. Demand for physical store space from commodity retailers is shrinking in the face of increased online shopping, while at the same time, a strong and growing consumer preference for specialty shopping environments that offer retail shopping together with a higher proportion of service businesses, leisure amenities (e.g., outdoor dining public gathering areas, entertainment spaces, and other placemaking features) and events is driving redevelopment of existing retail shopping centers as well as the design of new ones.
Further, while San Ramon is a community with a strong job base – a factor which makes it attractive to retailers -- a high level of retail purchases occurs outside of the community, as shoppers are attracted to major regional and community shopping centers in nearby cities at major highway interchanges.
Additionally, a lack of undeveloped sites at high-traffic-count locations suitable for new retail within San Ramon represents an economic constraint, as the cost of redeveloping and retrofitting existing sites to provide the experience that consumers want is higher than it would be on greenfield sites.
To address these challenges and strengthen the local retail sector, a two-pronged strategy is needed. First, the City should seek to focus retail in locations where it has the highest chance of success, along major arterials with high traffic volumes and good freeway access that provide optimal visibility, access and convenience. Second, the City should seek to incentivize redevelopment of existing shopping centers and opportunity sites to promote attractive site design with amenities, events and a mix of uses that encourages leisurely shopping trips, foot traffic, and browsing. Restaurants and cafes are also needed to add a recreational or an experiential dimension to the shopping experience.
In 2022 the City conducted a retail market study as part of the City of San Ramon’s General Plan Update process. The study provides an update to a 2017 study prepared by BAE Urban Economics. Key comparisons in retail market conditions in 2017 and 2022 are summarized below:
• San Ramon’s retail inventory has grown from 2.3 million square feet to 2.7 million square feet, with this increase largely attributable to the development of the City Center project in 2018. • Rent growth rate has slightly outpaced inflation.
• The retail vacancy rate has increased from 2.8% to 5.5%, in large part due to the pandemic. • In 2019 total retail sales in San Ramon equated to a capture rate of 71% of resident retail demand; this capture rate compares to an estimated 65% in 2015. The increase represents a significant recapture of demand leakage based on the success of the new (2018) City Center project. • In 2015, total retail leakage (i.e., resident purchases lost to other cities) was estimated at $371 million (excluding Motor Vehicle and Gasoline sales); by 2019, the City’s capture of resident demand had improved, with total leakage decreasing to about $280 million. • The 2017 study projected future development opportunities by 2035 to range between 600,000 and
1.2 million square feet; the 2022 study shows stronger potential demand growth, ranging from 800,000 to 1.4 million square feet. It should be noted that these projections do not assume full recapture of San Ramon’s existing demand leakage (which would be unrealistic given competing retail centers in the larger regional trade area); the projections are primarily driven by expected population growth within the primary and secondary market areas considered in the analysis.
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Packet Pg. 236 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 5
REDEVELOPMENT HISTORY AND DISSOLUTION
In 1986, the City designated its redevelopment project area, which consists of two subareas:
Alcosta Boulevard. On the south side of Alcosta Boulevard mostly east of I-680. Crow Canyon. On the north side of Crow Canyon Road east of I-680 and on both sides of Crow Canyon Road west of I-680.
The Alcosta redevelopment area—about 30 acres of residential development, an 11-acre shopping center, and a 6-acre neighborhood park—was developed in 1999.
A redevelopment plan for the Crow Canyon area was adopted in 1991. In 2006, the City adopted the Crow Canyon Specific Plan (since renamed the San Ramon Village Specific Plan in 2020) for a significant portion of the Crow Canyon redevelopment area north of Crow Canyon Road along San Ramon Valley Boulevard.
In 2012, the dissolution of Redevelopment Agencies (RDAs) made development contemplated by the CCSP more difficult because of the loss of tools to aggregate land, fund infrastructure and subsidize housing and other community improvements. In 2020, the City updated the CCSP, which was renamed the San Ramon Village Specific Plan (SRVSP) to guide the evolution of the 134-acre office and service commercial area in a way that encourages coordinated development, which responds to Citywide and regional objectives as well as to local and neighborhood considerations. A key objective is to create a new mixeduse residential and retail village node in the heart of the SRVSP Area, while strengthening the role of San Ramon Valley Boulevard as a commercial corridor and preserving viable existing service commercial uses wishing to remain.
TRANSPORTATION AND CONNECTIVITY
San Ramon enjoys convenient freeway access from Interstate 680 via Crow Canyon Road, Bollinger Canyon Road, and Alcosta Boulevard. Throughout the Bay Area and the San Ramon Valley, the freeway system and Routes of Regional Significance have become increasingly congested. Travel times in other parts of the Bay Area have also increased and traffic congestion creates longer commutes for San Ramon residents and workers.
The City has initiated operational improvements that provide traffic congestion relief along the I-680 corridor, particularly at the Bollinger Canyon Road/I-680 Interchange. Additionally, the City of San Ramon supports CCTA efforts underway that will provide congestion relief along the I-680 corridor.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
The City of San Ramon has an important role in encouraging economic development and providing support for businesses. For example, by “streamlining” its design review, permitting, and licensing processes, the City makes the approval process less complicated, costly, and time-consuming for businesses. In addition, through its General Plan, the City determines the amount of space available for new business growth and sets guidelines for land use and development intensity. The City is also responsible for maintaining streets and other infrastructure and for overseeing workforce housing programs and housing development incentives. City actions in these areas can help to create an environment that is attractive for business investment.
City responsiveness to development/redevelopment requests is particularly important in light of current development conditions. As noted in the 2022 Update to The Current And Future Economic Outlook section, below, San Ramon’s limited supply of developable land is likely the single greatest constraint on future retail development in the City. Under these circumstances, maintaining the City’s retail/sales tax base will largely depend on strengthening the viability of existing retail centers. The City is likely to face increasing pressure to rezone some of these properties for residential development (as is reflected in the Housing Element to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation).
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GENERAL PLAN-RELATED CAPITAL FACILITIES NEEDS
The City maintains capital facilities plan that sets priorities for investing City funds in improvements such as streets, traffic signals, and other public facilities. By designating areas for new development (and redevelopment), the General Plan creates demands for capital facilities that the City will need to address.
2.2 DISCUSSION OF TRENDS AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
CURRENT AND FUTURE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
The City’s fiscal condition is determined by its operating revenues, expenditures, and its financial reserves.
Revenue sources include taxes, fees, assessments, rent on City-owned facilities, interest on City investments, and transfers from federal and State agencies. Expenditures include the costs of government operations, police protection, community development, and parks and recreation services.
In 2008 and 2009, the economy experienced the negative impact of a global recession (the “Great Recession”). In response to any economic downturn, the City has a fiscal responsibility to implement strategic moves to contain future costs until the economy recovers and revenue growth resumes.
Emerging from the Great Recession, the City worked to maintain services in light of fiscal constraints and the City and local economy consistently improved through early 2020 (when State and local unemployment levels reached the lowest levels in 20 years). In March 2020, unemployment rates skyrocketed (to nearly 15% for Contra Costa County as a whole) with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Retail sales (and associated sales tax receipts) were also significantly impacted by mandated business closures and stay-at-home orders.
While the pandemic represented a significant challenge, it does not detract from San Ramon’s long-term economic strengths looking forward. San Ramon residents are well-educated and have high household incomes. The City’s property values remain fairly stable, particularly when compared with outlying cities within Contra Costa County. Through implementation of the Land Use Plan and Economic Development Element, San Ramon’s long-term economic outlook remains positive.
Recovery from the Pandemic Economy
In early 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the retail industry was undergoing dramatic changes – primarily induced by the ongoing growth in ecommerce. Throughout 2020, as the COVID-19 “pandemic economy” unfolded, the shift from brick-and-mortar retail to online shopping accelerated significantly. In San Ramon, total taxable retail sales in 2020 were 15% lower than in 2019. At the time, much discussion and speculation focused on the potential for at least a portion of these sales impacts to be permanent (on the premise that consumers would more fully incorporate the convenience of online shopping into their lifestyles). As it turned out, the retail industry (in most sales categories) rebounded strongly in the latter part of 2020 and into 2021. By 2021, taxable retail sales in San Ramon had recovered to 94% of 2019 levels (even when adjusted for inflation); if the Motor Vehicle and Gasoline sales categories are excluded from the calculations, inflation-adjusted taxable sales were slightly higher than in 2019.
Long Term Retail Development Prospects
While it is clear that ecommerce will have continuing impacts on traditional retail shopping, it is not a foregone conclusion that prospects for new shopping center development will remain limited. In addition to the encouraging rate of local recovery from the pandemic, the following indications (nationally) are positive for brick-and-mortar retail activity:
• Retail vacancy rates (nationally) are now at their lowest level for at least a decade, having steadily declined since 2012 (with a slight but temporary uptick during the pandemic).
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 238 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 7 • Comparing Q1 2022 to Q1 2021, in-store purchases (nationally) grew at a higher rate (11.5%) than ecommerce sales (10.2%).
• In 2021, U.S. retail chains announced twice as many store openings as closings, reversing the trend of the prior several years.
• “Digital natives” (i.e., retailers that started with an online-only presence) are increasingly expanding into physical stores.
Notwithstanding the above indications of retail industry strength, it is important to note that the projections of future development demand (Table 2-2) are intentionally conservative. Future year forecasts assume that San Ramon’s capture rates of resident (and regional) retail demand will remain well below the theoretical maximum of 100%. The conservative capture rate assumptions provide a “margin” in the analysis to allow for additional future incursions of ecommerce into physical retail sales. The conservative capture rates also reflect a regional retail environment in which other communities have already to some extent “staked their claim” to San Ramon’s resident demand – a pattern that is likely to be difficult to fully overcome. Moreover, as described in greater detail in the Strength-WeaknessOpportunity-Threat (SWOT) summary below, the reality of San Ramon’s limited supply of developable land places significant practical constraints on the amount of new retail space that the City can realistically expect to attract in the future.
SWOT summary: points that warrant special attention in relation to the 2017 BAE study SWOT analysis • Maintain San Ramon’s competitive advantage of a large daytime population with higher-income workers (as exemplified by Bishop Ranch). Aggressive economic development efforts to retain and attract key employment-generating industries can maintain and build upon the City’s strength from a retail demand perspective.
• Limited supply of developable land is likely the single greatest constraint on future retail development in the City.
• In the absence of major greenfield development opportunities, maintaining the City’s retail/sales tax base will largely depend on strengthening the viability of existing retail centers. As older centers become less competitive, the City is likely to face increasing pressure to rezone these properties for residential development (as is already reflected in the City’s recently updated Housing Element).
FINANCIAL AND FISCAL SUPPORT FOR ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
The most important contribution San Ramon will make to its future economic development is to provide for development opportunities as described earlier in the chapter and in greater detail in the chapter on land use.
Beyond this strategy, the City’s support for economic development can take a variety of forms, some of which are suggested by the implementation policies presented below. The General Plan includes measures to address potential future economic development growth opportunities, emphasizes and reinforces features of San Ramon that contribute to the City’s image, and preserves the characteristics that make San Ramon a desirable business location.
9.1.b
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FISCAL ANALYSIS OF THE GENERAL PLAN
The land use changes called for in the General Plan will inevitably have fiscal implications for San Ramon.
As described above, the General Plan will allow a substantial increase in non-residential building space and, consequently, the number of jobs in the City by the year 2040.
The increase in business activity will boost revenues collected by the City from property taxes, sales and use taxes, hotel taxes, and other sources. Similarly, the expansion of the population and the residential development that will house new residents will add to the City’s revenues. At the same time, the operating costs of City programs and activities will rise, as the City provides services to new as well as existing residential and non-residential development. New developments would be responsible for offsetting these operating costs through contributions such as dedication of land or payment of development impact fees. In 2014, the City created a Citywide Community Facilities District (CFD) which also serves to offset costs of City services and facilities form from new development.
Current General Plan Policy 2.3-I-1 requires that the City evaluate the ability of new development to pay for its infrastructure, its share of public and community facilities, and the incremental operating costs it imposes as part of the development review process.
In 2005, the City prepared the San Ramon Economic Development Strategic Plan: Economic Trends and Opportunities report. The extensive report provided an overview of economic conditions in San Ramon, examining demographics and household data, employment figures, taxable sales trends, and quality of life factors that impact local economic development. This report identified the City’s economic strengthens and weaknesses that ultimately formulated the goals and implementation strategies of the EDSP. The EDSP was updated in 2018 to address changes in demographics, trends for the residential labor force, real estate market, and jobs and business, along with clean technology potential, and education and business development resources. In addition, an updated market analysis (addressing all nonresidential land uses) and an updated Retail Development Opportunities analysis were prepared in 2022 as part of the General Plan Update.
2.3 GUIDING AND IMPLEMENTING POLICIES - Economic Development GUIDING POLICY – GENERAL 1
2.3-G-1 Foster a climate in which businesses can prosper.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – GENERAL 1
9.1.b
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2.3-I-1
Implement the goals and strategies of the Economic
Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) and assess the need for updates as warranted in response to changes to economic conditions.
The EDSP, written in 2005 and updated in 2011 will continue to need periodic refinement to evaluate and enhance its goals and implementation strategies. As of 2018, an additional update was conducted to ensure the EDSP responds to ongoing changes in the retail market, including the rise of internet shopping and a growing consumer preference for "experiential" retail, which offers shoppers amenities and events as well as specialty retail goods and services. In the future, as buildout of the City Center project and the Bishop Ranch subarea takes place, there may be further opportunities for retail along Camino Ramon to serve residents and employees in the area or to foster a new retail corridor at that location.
As part of the 2022 General Plan Update process, a market study was prepared to update and evaluate previous retail studies and to address other industries that appeared to be promising prospects for development in San Ramon. This “industry cluster analysis” also highlighted the importance of traded clusters in San Ramon, in comparison to local clusters, which include retail, in that industries in traded clusters are “export-oriented” – producing goods and services for end customers outside the region. They also tend to have higher wages and higher “multiplier impacts” compared to local-cluster industries and are therefore integral components of economic development implementation.
2.3-I-2
Work with regional Economic Development Organizations
to foster the economic health of the City and surrounding region.
The City is integrally connected to the rest of the Tri-Valley cities. Many issues facing the region affect all communities in it and can be solved only through regional dialogue and cooperation. This collaboration can include regional efforts to generate job growth and overall economic vitality.
2.3-I-3
Maintain the Economic Development Advisory Committee
to advise the City Council and staff regarding economic development, redevelopment, and employment issues.
The economic life of the City is never static but ever-changing. It is important to have citizen-formulated input available to city government on a regular basis.
2.3-I-4 Work with the business community to periodically evaluate City services and receive improvement suggestions.
To retain existing businesses and attract new ones, the City needs to “feel the pulse” of the business community. Establishing a regular program to ensure dialogue between the community and the City is essential to ensuring that the City’s policies encourage and stimulate commercial vitality.
9.1.b
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2.3-I-5 Provide expedited permit review processing for
development proposals meeting City goals.
2.3-I-6
Encourage housing on infill sites in the City’s two PDAs (City Center and North Camino Ramon), where flat terrain and
proximity to employment, shops and services favors
walking, bicycling and travel by other modes than singleoccupant vehicle.
The social fabric of the City is strengthened when citizens are able to work near their homes so that the time otherwise spent commuting can be used for beneficial activities within the community. Encouraging housing that will permit a broad range of workers, particularly providers of essential services, to reside within the City enhances the desirability of the City as a business location.
2.3-I-7
Work with private sector entities to identify and implement technologically advanced infrastructure improvements to enable the City to remain competitive with other localities.
To maintain its deserved reputation as the home of “cutting edge technologies,” the City must be prepared to offer the infrastructure necessary to support such businesses. Ongoing communication with the private sector is needed to keep the City apprised of the technological needs of businesses—both existing and new.
This information will enable the City to undertake advance planning to ensure its competitive position.
2.3-I-8
Promote San Ramon as a location for business.
Coordinate a City effort to “sell” San Ramon as a business location offering assets that include an educated workforce; competitive development sites; and an active, businessfriendly government with low business license fees.
Coordinate a City effort to “sell” San Ramon as a business location offering assets that include an educated workforce; competitive development sites; and an active, business-friendly government.
2.3-I-9
Develop a comprehensive Business Development Strategy
that includes access to tools and resources needed by new and existing businesses to grow in San Ramon as part of the EDSP update.
The business development strategies were incorporated into the 2011 2018 EDSP and City staff and the Economic Development Advisory Committee continue to work on implementation.
9.1.b
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2.3-I-10 Attract and engage organizations that promote tourism in San Ramon.
The Chamber of Commerce and Discover San Ramon can play a key role in supporting tourism in San Ramon.
GUIDING POLICY – GENERAL 2
2.3-G-2
Provide adequate land use designations to accommodate
planned development, with business and commercial areas complementing residential and public development in
location/access, mix of uses, attractiveness, and
environmental quality.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – GENERAL 2
2.3-I-1011
Continue to refine development standards, and potentially other development-assistance tools, that allow for better utilization of sites already developed for employment uses (e.g., through height and/or floor area ratio increases in combination with structured parking).
2.3-I-1112
Prepare development standards specifically to address the proportion of non-commercial development allowed in the course of shopping center revitalization, and the
conditions under which such proportions would be
allowed.
The City should anticipate continuing requests of this nature, and can preclude incremental negotiations while providing greater development certainty by setting forth clear guidance. These standards may evolve over time, but can do so from a firm foundation.
2.3-I-1213
Work toward redevelopment and revitalization in the Crow Canyon area through implementation of the San Ramon
Village Specific Plan to address the City’s future needs for residential and non-residential development.
9.1.b
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2.3-I-1314 Promote and encourage public transit, carpool and vanpool opportunities into San Ramon’s business areas.
2.3-I-1415 Encourage and facilitate non-motorized means of transportation to business areas.
2.3-I-1516
Implement the approved CityWalk area into a cultural,
recreational, residential, and vibrant mixed-use lifestyle center.
The City Center project includes social, economic, and demographic dimensions, recognizing the pivotal need for a “central place” that will serve as a vital, vibrant gathering place for the full range of ages and social groups in the City.
The needs of both residents and businesses (and their employees) will be best met in and around the City Center, which combines nearby civic, recreational, and commercial activities operating at a level of intensity that invites visitation and participation and communicates excitement. The Center will draw users and visitors throughout the day and week, in part through revenue-generating businesses that will both contribute to the diversity of uses and provide economic support.In 2020, the City approved the CityWalk Master Plan a 135 acres area within Bishop Ranch. The CityWalk area integrates recreational amenities, office and commercial uses, and up to 4,500 multi-family residential units over the next 20 to 30 years.
CityWalk will draw users and visitors throughout the day and week, in part through revenue-generating businesses that will both contribute to the diversity of uses and provide economic support.
2.3-I-1617 Use development standards to minimize adverse visual effects of transportation infrastructure.
Planning for new development should address the visual aspects of circulation, parking, and loading facilities, using siting, design, landscaping, and (where appropriate) screening to assure that these functional elements do not detract from the physical attractiveness of new development.
2.3-I-1187 Pursue alternative funding sources to secure and maintain open space and park facilities in San Ramon.
The City’s natural environment and recreational opportunities are part of its set of “capital assets” vital to retaining existing, and attracting new businesses to the community. The City—consistent with prudent fiscal management—should seek ways, including obtaining government funding when reasonable, to ensure that significant open space and parks are available for existing and future residents.
9.1.b
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2.3-I-1819
Encourage businesses to promote the use of commute
alternatives among their employees by implementing the
City’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
programs.
2.3-I-1920
Establish a system for ongoing coordination of specific plan areas, to maximize the potential for mutually reinforcing development to occur, with attention to emerging
opportunities, transportation linkages, expanding markets, and similar considerations.
GUIDING POLICY – GENERAL 3
2.3-G-3 Ensure the fiscal and financial health of the City.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – GENERAL 3
2.3-I-2021
Evaluate the ability ofAll new development to shall pay for its infrastructure, its share of public and community
facilities, and the incremental operating, maintenance, and upgrade costs it imposes.
Existing City development review practices assure that new development provides for the capital facilities needed to serve it. Ongoing maintenance of those facilities—generally via infrastructure landscaping and lighting districts—is also typically provided for. While the defraying of such costs by new development would normally be expected, some projects may contribute to the community in ways that compensate for a negative fiscal impact.
2.3-I-2122
Seek to maintain an operating reserve consistent with the City Council’s reserve policy to assure that sufficient financial resources will be available in the event of sudden economic dislocations or general economic slowdowns.
Demands on the City’s resources can come from a variety of sources, routine and emergency, ongoing and one-time. Responses to funding requests should be anchored in a clear understanding of the purposes that City spending is intended to serve and is disciplined by prudent financial management. In 2020, the City Council adopted an amended General Reserve Policy target to maintain a reserve of not less than 36 percent of estimated General Fund expenses to contribute to the City’s fiscal health and discipline.
9.1.b
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2.3-I-2223
Through proactive economic development marketing and
business attraction efforts, encourage diverse and
complementary economic growth along with the retention
of existing businesses within the City, particularly in the retail sector.
Per capita revenues from store-based sales could be stronger than they are. Retail development is an economic asset in several ways, contributing jobs and income as well as public revenues. A vibrant retail area confers a sense of place that strengthens community image and encourages residents to shop, dine, and pursue leisure activities locally.
2.3-I-2324 Assure adequate revenue sources to finance City capital facilities and program initiatives.
Examples of initiatives potentially requiring capital outlays are open space acquisition, development of the City Center public facilities, and provision of other kinds of community infrastructure. Provision of assisted housing may also involve capital costs. Ongoing costs of administering newly established programs and/or providing services in conjunction with expanded activity (expansion of City-maintained public open space) will require increased operating costs and, potentially, augmentation of existing sources of operating revenues. Enlargement of the City’s responsibilities, whether in the capital or operating realm, should occur only when decision makers are satisfied that a range of adequate financing options is available.
2.3-I-2425
Assure that ongoing budgets provide for adequate
maintenance of the City’s capital facilities, and establish fees commensurate with services rendered (e.g.,
application processing fees, planning, building and safety and engineering) to recover costs of these services.
9.1.b
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2.3-G-4
Work with the private sector and educational institutions to assure an adequate supply of skilled workers and capital improvements needed to attract and maintain business in San Ramon.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – GENERAL 4
2.3-I-2526
Encourage local educational institutions to establish
education and continuing education programs to meet the existing and foreseeable needs of local employers.
Use network of contacts with local businesses (see Implementing Policy 2.3-I-3) to identify the types of industries and occupations most in demand and/or least available in the local workforce. Work with local campuses of Diablo Valley College and other higher education universities to identify local educational resources applicable to labor force needs of emerging industries (e.g., telecom, optics, other) in relevant occupational specialties. Support regional efforts such as through the Tri-Valley Business Council to disseminate information on education and training programs to enhance workforce availability and “fit.”
2.3-I-2627 Support location of a four-year college within the Tri-Valley.
A four-year degree-granting college in the Tri-Valley expands the range of educational resources available locally. The presence of a college within the area is a factor in attracting and retaining employees. Other benefits to business relate to availability of academic and technical training, internships and similar joint business/education programs, and research in subject areas with local business applications.
2.3-I-2728 Continue to support the success and development of Diablo Valley College (DVC) in San Ramon.
DVC’s San Ramon Campus, located in the Dougherty Valley subarea, opened in 2006 and continues to serve the community.
2.3-I-2829 Maintain the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
Change can be expected in the overall regional and national economies as well as in the way California organizes and implements local government financing and fiscal structure. San Ramon’s capital facilities financing and programming should continue to be structured in a way that allows decision makers flexibility, so that choices regarding how to defray the costs of a capital or operating expenditure reflect financing and fiscal conditions at the time a particular project or program goes forward.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 247 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 16 GUIDING POLICY – GENERAL 5
2.3-G-5
Strengthen the retail sector in San Ramon in order to
expand retail and restaurant options for residents and
employees and to increase the tax base.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – GENERAL 5
2.3-I-2930 Strengthen the role of central Bollinger Canyon Road as the City’s premier retail corridor.
Several of San Ramon’s best-performing retail centers are located along the Bollinger Canyon Road between Alcosta and I-680, and with the opening of the City Center regional retail complex in 2018, this corridor is poised to become a major retail corridor, drawing shoppers from San Ramon and the wider region.
2.3-I-3031
Encourage neighborhood serving retail and restaurant in Mixed Use - Commercial areas to serve the daily needs of local residents.
2.3-I-3132
Encourage the formation of Business Improvement Districts or other funding mechanisms to facilitate
construction/provision of amenities and other activities such as a coordinated wayfinding program, signage,
branding, or event promotion.
2.3-I-3233
Actively engage commercial property owners to maintain
and/or upgrade their properties through building, site, and landscape improvements.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 248 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 1 3 GROWTH MANAGEMENT
San Ramon will face several planning challenges through 2040, most of which center on the fact that the smart growth mandate of Measure G, including urban growth boundaries and open space preservation, must confront the reality of forecasts for strong population and employment growth in the City.
The purpose of this Growth Management Element (GME) is to establish the goals, policies, and implementation programs that are intended to manage and mitigate the impacts of future growth and development within San Ramon. This element is also intended to comply with the requirements of the Measure J Growth Management Program (GMP).
Growth management has always been a concern in San Ramon with the City’s first General Plan in 1986 discussing the need to plan new development in accord with the availability of public facilities and infrastructure. This early growth strategy has evolved into a comprehensive, long-range plan that includes performance guidelines as well as capital improvement, development mitigation, and financing programs.
In response to Measure G, approved by voters in 1999, it includes an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), urban mixed-use centers, and an open space action plan.
San Ramon’s growth management policies and initiatives are also consistent with the requirements of Contra Costa’s Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan (Measure J), approved by Contra Costa voters in 2004, and as amended by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA). Measure J requires Contra Costa cities to:
Adopt and implement a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) ordinance. Adopt a five-year capital improvement program that lists projects, their costs, and funding mechanisms.
Ensure that new development “pays its own way” through the adoption and implementation of mitigation fees.
Address housing options at the local, regional, and county level. Participate in an ongoing cooperative, multi-jurisdictional planning process. Adopt an Urban Limit Line, referred to herein as an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). Adopt a Growth Management Element.
Measure J (2004) is a 25-year extension of the previous Measure C Contra Costa Transportation Improvement and Growth Management Program approved by voters in 1988 and expired in March 2009.
On April 1, 2009, Measure J GMP requirements took effect.
Measure J includes a ½-percent transportation and retail transactions and use tax intended to address existing major regional transportation problems. The Growth Management Program (GMP) component is intended to assure that future residential, business, and commercial growth pays for the facilities required to meet the demands resulting from that growth. Compliance with the GMP is linked to receipt of Local Street Maintenance and Improvement Funds and Transportation for Livable Community funds from the CCTA.
While Measure J eliminated the previous Measure C requirements for local performance standards and level-of-service standards for non-regional routes, San Ramon maintained local standards until the General Plan 2040 update. Due to economic and population growth projected at General Plan 2040 buildout. San Ramon has chosen to shift to a carry forward these growth standards as performance guidelines approach in this Element. San Ramon’s GME growth management performance objectives and guidelines represent the desire of the City and its residents to preserve and enhance the quality of life in San Ramon.
9.1.b
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3.1 GROWTH STRATEGY
In San Ramon, a growth strategy means that City officials and staff work with residents and the development community to accommodate economic and population growth without diminishing the quality of public services, facilities, and lifestyle that are enjoyed by those who live here. San Ramon must plan to provide services for development considered desirable and beneficial to the City. Growth Management policies and performance guidelines will be used as tools to manage all development within San Ramon and protect and enhance open space and environmental resources.
By establishing a UGB, growth will be limited to areas of infill and land that is contiguous to developed areas within the City (refer to the Land Use Element for further information). Development projects must comply with all City goals and policies. Development review procedures are used to document that each of the City’s performance guidelines will be met and detail how required public facility improvements will be financed.
Development within unincorporated areas must be pre-zoned and have an executed property tax transfer agreement in place before annexation occurs.
GUIDING POLICY – GROWTH STRATEGY
3.1-G-1
Manage the City’s growth in a way that balances existing and planned transportation facilities, protection of open space, creeks and ridgelines, provision of diverse housing options, and the preservation of high quality community facilities and services.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – GROWTH STRATEGY
3.1-I-1
Allow urban development when traffic impacts from that
development can be accommodated within acceptable
traffic operations Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs).
New development must mitigate its traffic impacts on unacceptable intersection operations based on the current MOEs. In instances where a development project would cause the traffic operations to degrade from acceptable levels to unacceptable levels, the applicant shall be required to implement necessary improvements to minimize impacts to acceptable levels. In instances where a development project would contribute vehicle trips to an intersection already operating at unacceptable levels, the applicant shall be required to provide its proportionate share for improvements to restore operations to acceptable levels.
3.1-I-2
Work with Contra Costa County, property owners, and
appropriate agencies to preserve, protect, and enhance
open space, creeks, and ridgelines within the City’s Planning Area, and to establish contiguous open space areas along the edges of San Ramon.
The hillsides to the east and west of the City provide a strong open space framework and visual amenity.
Preserving the integrity of these ridges will allow development to occur in flatter areas where public services are available.
9.1.b
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3.1-I-3 Provide a variety of diverse housing options to accommodate the local employment base.
3.1-I-4
As part of the development review process, assess the City’s ability to provide public services through the use of adopted performance guidelines.
3.1-I-5
Use growth management policies to encourage the
construction of workforce housing necessary to meet local housing needs.
3.1-I-6 Join with and encourage other jurisdictions to participate in regional transportation planning programs.
3.1-I-7
Allow urban development only within the City’s Urban
Growth Boundary (see Implementing Policies 4.6-I-1
through 4.6-I-5) and only in accord with a plan for full urban services (police, fire, parks, water, sanitation, streets and storm drainage) to which all providers are committed.
While the General Plan does not include policies regarding which agencies should be responsible for providing services in San Ramon, such questions shall be resolved prior to approvals. Areas lacking full services outside the UGB are unsuited for urban development, regardless of land use designation.
3.2 PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES
San Ramon has adopted growth performance objectives and guidelines for the following services:
Community Centers
Fire Protection Services
Flood Control
Parks
Police
Sanitation
Schools
Water
These guidelines represent the City’s goal to provide community facilities and define services to its residents.
9.1.b
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COMMUNITY CENTERS
Facility Analysis
Community Centers include public facilities that serve the social, recreational, and indoor athletic needs of the community. The City currently has four multi-purpose community centers: the San Ramon Community Center at Central Park (24,000 square feet), the San Ramon Senior Center Park and Gardens facility on Alcosta Boulevard (15,000 square feet), the Dougherty Station Community Art Center (24,000 square feet, and the Amador Rancho Community Center (10,000 square feet). In partnership with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD), the City also provides community gymnasiums at Pine Valley and Iron Horse Middle Schools (38,640 square feet); community aquatic centers at California and Dougherty Valley High Schools (San Ramon Olympic Pool and the Dougherty Valley Aquatic Center, combine for 5,000 square feet of community use space); and the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center (joint-use with the Dougherty Valley High School) with a 600 seat theater and 3,500 square feet rehearsal room totaling 20,000 square feet.
Performance Objective
Ensure that community centers provide sufficient space to conduct civic meetings, recreational programs, indoor athletic programs, and social activities to meet the needs of San Ramon’s citizens.
Performance Guideline
At General Plan buildout, provide a minimum ratio of 1.2 square feet of community center space per 1,000 residents.
FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES
Facility Analysis
The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD) provides all risk emergency and non-emergency services to the City. Within their service area, the District currently staffs 14 companies and five ambulances from nine fire stations. Four fire stations are located within the San Ramon Planning Area.
Figure 3-1 illustrates the location of these fire stations.
Performance Objective
Maintain competent and efficient all risk emergency services including first responder medical and ambulance elements, so as to minimize the risks to lives and property due to fire, medical emergency and other hazards that may occur in San Ramon.
Performance Guideline
Prior to project approval, obtain written verification from the District that an adequate response time (travel time) can be maintained for emergency calls in urban and suburban areas.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 252 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 5 Figure 3-1: San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Sites
FLOOD CONTROL
Facility Analysis
Figure 9-2 in the Safety Element highlights areas in the Planning Area subject to the flood control performance standard. These areas generally correspond to creek locations in the Planning Area. The City of San Ramon has primary responsibility for maintaining the majority of flood control system within the City limits with some responsibility by the County Flood Control District. In the unincorporated portions of the Planning Area, flood control efforts involve both the Contra Costa County Department of Public Works and the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Refer to the Safety Element for further information.
Performance Objective
Ensure adequate flood control facilities that minimize risk to lives and property due to flood hazards.
Performance Guideline
Prior to project approval, applicants shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department that the new development will provide adequate storm drain facilities. Runoff from the development shall not increase the 100-year peak flow in the City’s flood control channels and shall be typically equal to predevelopment conditions.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 253 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 6 PARKS
Facility Analysis
San Ramon’s existing parks and recreation facilities include four community parks, eight special use parks and facilities (which include two aquatic centers and two community gymnasiums), 26 neighborhood parks (which include one pocket park), and 17 school parks (which include one performing arts center).
Altogether, the City has approximately 395 acres of existing parks, which translates to a ratio of 4.72 acres (existing park acreage/2022 population) of parkland per 1,000 residents.
At General Plan 2040 buildout, the expected total parkland acreage will be more than 669.03 acres, with a parkland ratio of 6.0 acres per 1,000 residents.
Performance Objective
Provide active and passive parks and recreation facilities within a reasonable walking distance of all residents of San Ramon.
Performance Guideline
At General Plan buildout, provide a ratio of 6.5 acres of public park per 1,000 residents, with a goal to have park and recreation facilities within one-half mile of all residences.
POLICE
Facility Analysis
With a total of 70 officers, the San Ramon Police Department maintains an approximate service ratio of
0.82 officers per 1,000 residents. Dispatch services are provided through through a 911 Dispatch Center, operated by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.a contract with the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office. Police responses are prioritized based on the nature of the calls. The classification “emergency calls” are categorized as those requiring an immediate emergency response. Examples would be lifethreatening situations such as a major injury traffic collision, crime involving major injury, assisting San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District on a major injury call, and felony crimes in progress. The classification “all other calls” would be any other call for service and the response is dictated based on the nature of the actual call.
Performance Objective
Maintain comprehensive police services and timely emergency response in all parts of San Ramon.
Performance Guideline
Prior to project approval, require written verification from the San Ramon Police Department that adequate response times (travel time) for calls for service can be met.
SANITATION FACILITIES
Facility Analysis
The City is currently serviced by Central Contra Costa Sanitary District and Dublin San Ramon Services District. Figure 3-2 illustrates the service areas for these districts.
Performance Objective
Ensure that adequate and permanent sewer facilities can serve existing and future residents.
Performance Guideline
Prior to project approval, require written verification from the approved service provider that adequate sanitation facilities and services will be available to serve the project.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 254 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 7 Figure 3-2: Sewer and Water Districts
SCHOOLS
Facility Analysis
The City of San Ramon is served by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD). This multijurisdictional District currently operates 12 elementary schools (grades K-5), four middle schools (grades 6-8), two high schools (grades 9-12), one alternative education high school (minimum age 16) and the VENTURE independent study school (grades K-12) within the City of San Ramon. Currently, approximately 17,657630 students attend schools in San Ramon.
Performance Guideline
Require new development to provide necessary land, funding, and/or capital facilities for the school system, as determined by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District and applicable State law.
WATER
Facility Analysis
East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is the primary drinking water service provider within western San Ramon. The Dougherty Valley (except Gale Ranch 1) is served by the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). Figure 3-2 illustrates the service areas for these providers. Both providers review all local plans that affect their respective service areas to ensure that adopted performance guidelines are maintained.
To supplement the demand of potable water, state law allows EBMUD to require the use of recycled water for non-domestic purposes when it is of adequate quality and quantity, available at reasonable cost, not detrimental to public health, and not injurious to plant life, fish or wildlife (EBMUD Policy 8.01). The City of San Ramon has a dual plumbing ordinance (Municipal Code Division C4 Land Development) which requires new development areas that will be served with recycled water to dual plumb in advance.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 255 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 8 The uncertainty of EBMUD’s future water supply, and the fact that EBMUD opposes any annexations that would extend its existing ultimate service boundary, suggests that both water needs and service will remain crucial factors in the City’s growth.
Performance Objective
Ensure an adequate water capacity system to serve existing and future residents at economical rates.
Performance Guideline
Prior to project approval, require written verification from the approved service provider that adequate water quality, quantity, and distribution will be available to serve the project.
POLICIES AND ACTIONS
To ensure that new development complies with the above performance guidelines, San Ramon has initiated several actions and programs, which are described in the following policies.
GUIDING POLICY – PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES
3.2-G-1
Ensure the attainment of public facility and service
standards through the City’s development review process, Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and a variety of
funding mechanisms such as special assessment districts to maintain existing facilities, help fund expansions, including future retrofits and upgrades, to meet new regulatory
requirements.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES
3.2-I-1
Review and document compliance with the City’s
performance guidelines through the development review
process.
Compliance with performance guidelines will be reviewed as part of the development review process for new projects.
3.2-I-2
Utilize the Capital Improvement Program to track and
monitor the construction and implementation of the City’s infrastructure improvements and ensure funding sources.
The City’s CIP is a five-year calendar of public improvements, prepared annually, that sets forth each capital project, identifies start dates, and states the amount of annual expenditure as well as the method of financing. New development will not be approved unless projects identified in the CIP are provided concurrent with, or will be available upon, completion of development.
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Packet Pg. 256 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 9
3.2-I-3
Require new development to fund public facilities and
infrastructure as applicable to mitigate the impact of that new development.
San Ramon implements the concept that new development pays its own way using primarily two mechanisms. First, the approval of a proposed project is in part based upon the developer’s ability to fund improvements that will directly mitigate the impact of that new development. Second, future homeowners may be charged ongoing assessment fees, which may be established by a Landscape and Lighting District, or other funding mechanisms, to pay the additional costs of maintaining facilities and services associated with the new development. The appropriate level of assessment is calculated on a specific project basis to fund benefits received by the residents of the new development. Another alternative available to developers is a Community Facilities District (CFD) which may be formed to levy a special tax to fund the cost of certain additional facilities and services required by the new development but not funded by revenue generated from the development. This offsets the negative fiscal impact which results when revenue generated by the new development is less than the cost of providing services to the project.
3.2-I-4
Levy local, sub-regional, and regional mitigation fees for public facilities and infrastructure improvements in
proportion to a new development’s impact.
In addition to direct project costs, the City of San Ramon requires developers to pay citywide, sub-regional, and regional fees for a variety of services and infrastructure, based upon the concept that future residents will directly benefit from the improvements. The fees paid are used to provide parks, traffic circulation improvements, transit service, creek studies and drainage mitigation improvements, noise attenuation, childcare, and street landscaping.
3.2-I-5 Use other funding mechanisms to augment developer and/or mitigation fees, when appropriate.
In certain situations, it may benefit the City to advance funds, prior to developer funding and/or project completion. Additional financing options available to the City include but are not limited to, reimbursement agreements, credit for City fees, debt financing, and assessment districts. None of these mechanisms precludes the developer’s responsibility to pay the cost or mitigate the impact of their proposed development.
3.2-I-6
Utilize Measure J Transportation Improvement Funds for
any eligible transportation purpose. Measure J funds cannot replace private developer funding for transportation
projects and infrastructure that are needed to mitigate the impacts their development creates.
Eligible uses are specified by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority Expenditure Plan and include most transportation projects, programs, and planning purposes.
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Packet Pg. 257 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 10
3.2-I-7
Implement partnerships with private developers, to the
extent practical and appropriate, to construct joint
public/private facilities and utilities.
3.3 TRAFFIC GUIDELINES
Traffic conditions on local streets and regional transportation facilities are a major factor of the quality of life for San Ramon residents. The City has actively promoted the maintenance of desirable levels of traffic operations, or Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs), through its General Plan and other policies and programs.
Traffic Levels of Service (LOS), expressed as letter grades A-F, measure delay experienced by drivers at intersections. Differences in LOS indicate variations in a number of factors that affect driving conditions, including speed, travel time, and freedom to maneuver. VMT measures the amount of vehicle travel on a designated set of roadways, multiplied by the total mileage of those roadways. LOS can be used as an indicator of the success of congestion relief measures, and VMT used to reduce GHG. These measures may include land use changes, traffic engineering projects or demand management strategies.
San Ramon has established traffic circulation guidelines, expressed as acceptable LOS for all City street intersections, as the primary guidelines. These guidelines form the basis for the City’s circulation and land use policies.
GUIDING POLICY – TRAFFIC GUIDELINES
3.3-G-1
Maintain acceptable traffic LOS on City streets and
roadways through implementation of Transportation
Demand Management (TDM), Growth Management, the
Capital Improvement Program, and traffic engineering
operational measures.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – TRAFFIC GUIDELINES
3.3-I-1
Strive to maintain traffic LOS C or better as the standard at all intersections with LOS D during a.m. and p.m. peak
periods.
3.3-I-2
On arterial roadways, accept LOS E during a.m. and p.m. peak periods with the possibility of signalized intersections at or closely approaching the limits of LOS E (average
control delay <= 80 seconds/vehicle), where improvements to meet the City’s standard would be prohibitively costly or disruptive.
The City shall design roadway improvements and evaluate development proposals based on the above traffic guidelines, and as identified in traffic impact studies.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 258 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 11
3.3-I-3
Require traffic impact studies for all proposed new
development projected to generate 50 or more net new
peak hour vehicle trips and a VMT assessment based on
adopted local, regional, and/or State technical criteria.
Preparation of traffic impact studies and/or VMT
assessments may also be determined or waived by the City Traffic Engineer.
3.3-I-4
Proposed development expected to generate 50 or more
peak hour vehicle trips can be approved, if it can be shown that its impact can be mitigated, and the City’s traffic and circulation guidelines can be maintained.
Such Findings will be based on the project’s ability to maintain City traffic and circulation guidelines, in conjunction with anticipated City-initiated capital improvements.
3.3-I-5 Identify and implement circulation improvements on the basis of detailed traffic studies.
Such improvements may include, but are not limited to, intersection approach lane expansion, related channelization improvements, and traffic signal installations.
3.3-I-6
Support regional and local neighborhood transit options to reduce the use of the automobile, reduce VMT, and
maintain acceptable traffic levels of service.
Transit options include expansion of existing Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (CCCTA) bus routes and local neighborhood-level bus service with small multi-passenger vehicles for both school and nonschool use. These alternatives, in conjunction with TDM measures, will assist in maintaining acceptable levels of service in San Ramon as well as the greater Tri-Valley Region.
3.4 TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) refers to measures designed to reduce auto traffic in order to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. These measures include public transit, telecommuting, compressed work weeks, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, bicycling, and incentives to increase the use of these alternatives. TDM has become increasingly important in maintaining acceptable traffic levels of service in the Tri-Valley and elsewhere in the Bay Area.
The City recognizes the need to reduce the use of single-occupant vehicles to achieve levels of service and regional air quality improvements. To meet these objectives, San Ramon will maintain its TDM Program to reflect regional air quality and congestion management standards.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 259 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 12 San Ramon participates in the 511 Contra Costa program. 511 Contra Costa is a countywide program aimed at reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by providing technical assistance, incentives and information to motorists driving to, through, and within Contra Costa. Many of the 511 Contra Costa program elements have been developed to fulfill TDM requirements that are described in each of the sub-regional Action Plans included as part of the Countywide GMP. These elements not only fulfill the TDM requirements of the biennial conditions of compliance checklist, but also provide quantifiable GHG emissions reductions that can be included in Municipal and Community Climate Action Plans.
GUIDING POLICY – TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
3.4-G-1
Utilize Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
strategies as an integral component of the City’s
transportation program to reduce total vehicle trips and VMT on San Ramon roadways and reduce the
corresponding GHG emissions that promote regional air
quality improvements.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
3.4-I-1 Continue to implement the City’s TDM Program to reduce VMT.
The most congested areas are in the Crow Canyon and Bishop Ranch subareas, where employment is most concentrated. The City’s TDM Program encourages major employment sites to attain vehicle ridership goals consistent with Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and Measure J goals and incorporates a regular monitoring program (biennial employer surveys/driveway counts) to assess their progress.
3.4-I-2
Work with 511 Contra Costa, other jurisdictions and
agencies to coordinate the City’s TDM Program with
regional TDM programs and activities.
Regional coordination plays an important role in TDM. San Ramon combines its resources with other jurisdictions and agencies, such as the Southwest Area Transportation Committee (SWAT) and the TriValley Transportation Council (TVTC), to promote TDM goals and objectives. The City’s TDM Program provides TDM information at locally sponsored events, such as 511 Contra Costa marketing brochures and promotional giveaways and offering in person or virtual transportation educational webinars and/or classes. In addition, annual regional and statewide events such as Bike to Work Day and the Spare the Air Programs (Summer/Winter) require coordinated promotional efforts by local jurisdictions to ensure their success.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 260 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 13
3.4-I-3
Cooperate with regional and local service providers and other jurisdictions to promote local and regional public transit service.
San Ramon is currently served by one public transit provider: CCCTA. Fixed routes and express buses are operated between the San Ramon Transit Center, Dougherty Valley, the Bishop Ranch Business Park, and BART. When higher employment and residential densities are reached, public transit will play a larger role in transportation in the area, particularly for commute trips within San Ramon and to and from neighboring cities in the Tri-Valley. The City also works in concert with large employers, school sites, colleges, and multi-tenant buildings in San Ramon to promote public transit service.
3.4-I-4 Support local feeder transit service to and from current and future regional transit lines.
3.4-I-5 Preserve options for future transit use when designing improvements for roadways.
When recommending or requiring new major roadways or modifications to existing major roadways, the City will ensure that public transit options are considered, and accommodated where appropriate, to allow for optimal public transit route planning.
3.4-I-6 Support future transit uses, such as light rail or BART, in the I-680 right-of-way.
San Ramon, Danville, and Contra Costa County have adopted a memorandum of understanding that designates the I-680 right-of-way as the preferred alignment for future rail transit service through the San Ramon Valley for the purpose of serving major employment centers. The Measure J Transportation Expenditure Plan allocates funding for the Innovate 680 program and projects such as the I-680 Carpool Lane Gap Closure/Transit Corridor Improvements including auxiliary lanes, and increased express bus service for the San Ramon Valley.
3.4-I-7 Improve and expand the bicycle route network in San Ramon.
A comprehensive bicycle route network would allow them the option of using bicycles as a safe, comfortable, connected, and viable choice of transportation rather than cars to commute to work.
3.5 REGIONAL COOPERATION
Traffic congestion is not limited to San Ramon’s boundaries. Traffic congestion is experienced at the local and regional level and issues regarding traffic circulation and congestion within are addressed at both local and regional levels. Traditionally, regulating policies and mitigation measures have been designed and implemented solely at the local level. However, if workable solutions are to be formulated and implemented, a more regional view and approach must prevail. It is the City of San Ramon’s practice to actively cooperate with neighboring jurisdictions to reduce transportation congestion by participating in region-wide transportation planning efforts, as exemplified by the Southwest Area Transportation Committee (SWAT) and the Tri-Valley Transportation Council (TVTC), and by encouraging public input through the San Ramon Transportation Advisory Committee..
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 261 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 14 Measure J requires the preparation of Action Plans, the purpose of which is the development of measures and programs to mitigate regional traffic impacts. These plans are intended to focus on Routes of Regional Significance, characterized as facilities that:
Are state highways, freeways or freeway interchanges, Carry a significant amount of traffic originating or destined out of San Ramon (Crow Canyon Road, Bollinger Canyon Road, etc.),
Pass through three or more jurisdictions (e.g., San Ramon Valley Boulevard), Connect to Alameda County jurisdictions (Village Parkway, Dougherty Road, etc.), and/or Serve a major regional employment or activity center.
In 2014, the TVTC, in updating its Action Plan, identified that the Iron Horse Trail as meeting the criteria of Routes of Regional Significance because of its importance from a regional perspective, providing regional mobility and connecting multiple jurisdictions. As such, the Iron Horse Trail is now classified as a Route of Regional Significance which is not typical for a multimodal trail, however, will allow for additional grant opportunities for corridor improvements and emphasizes local multimodal resources and objectives in the text of TVTC Action Plan.
Figure 3-3 illustrates the Routes of Regional Significance in the San Ramon Planning Area. San Ramon will actively cooperate with other local jurisdictions, the regional transportation committees, and the CCTA to develop and implement programs that effectively reduce congestion on the regional transportation network.
GUIDING POLICY – REGIONAL COOPERATION
3.5-G-1
Participate in regional cooperative and multi-jurisdictional transportation planning for the maintenance of regional mobility and air quality standards as required by the
Measure J Growth Management Program and the Contra
Costa Congestion Management Plan (CMP).
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – REGIONAL COOPERATION
3.5-I-1
Continue to develop and implement Action Plans for Routes of Regional Significance, in cooperation with the Southwest Area Transportation Committee (SWAT), the Contra Costa
Transportation Authority (CCTA), and the Tri-Valley
Transportation Council (TVTC).
3.5-I-2
Continue to implement the Tri-Valley Transportation Action Plan through participation in the Tri-Valley Transportation Council (TVTC).
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 262 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 15
3.5-I-3
Participate in programs to mitigate regional traffic
congestion, including implementation of regional and subregional traffic impact fees on new development.
3.5-I-4
Emphasize regional transportation demand management
and trip reduction strategies as alternatives to increased roadway capacity.
3.5-I-5
Continue to address the impacts of land use decisions on regional and local transportation facilities by applying the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) travel
demand model and technical procedures during project
analysis. Additionally, help maintain CCTA’s travel demand modeling system by providing information on proposed
improvements to the transportation system and future
developments and long-range plans within San Ramon.
3.5-I-6
Participate in the Contra Costa Transportation Authority conflict resolution process as needed to resolve disputes related to the development and implementation of Action Plans and other Growth Management Program.
3.6 JOB AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
Balancing job and housing opportunities is an important issue at both the local and regional level. The right mix of housing units with jobs can help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and secure an adequate labor supply for businesses in San Ramon. In 2000, the ratio of the number of jobs to the number of housing units was 1.51. In 2022, the job/housing ratio is 1.26. Though the job/housing ratio has improved from 1.51 to 1.26 since 2000, Tthere are still more people commuting from other cities to jobs in San Ramon than there are local residents working within the City . This indicates a need to continue improving the balance of jobs and housing within the City of San Ramon, and by buildout of this General Plan to the year 2040, the jobs/housing ratio is estimated to be increase to 1.89. due to Plan Bay Area’s estimated increase of jobs. While the City is increasing opportunities for housing production to meet our regional housing needs, job growth continues to remain strong. When the City incorporated in 1983, much of its area had already been developed or pre-zoned for office and residential uses.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 263 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 16 Figure 3-3: Routes of Regional Significance
Today, the area within the San Ramon city limits is mostly developed and the challenge to the City is to provide a broader range of residential options within a limited land area to bring job and housing opportunities in closer equilibrium. A broad range of housing issues is discussed further in the Housing Element.
GUIDING POLICY – JOB AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
3.6-G-1 Promote the opportunity to both work and live in San Ramon through implementation of the Housing Element.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – JOB AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
3.6-I-1 Develop and implement housing programs that emphasize the availability of housing for people who work in local jobs.
One of the primary objectives of the City’s Housing Element is to increase opportunities for households at all income levels to live near where they work, particularly public sector employees. This will not only help reduce regional traffic congestion, but also help retain a healthy economic base for the City.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 264 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 17
3.6-I-2 Evaluate the impact of proposed General Plan Amendments on the availability of job and housing opportunities.
Despite the City’s limited availability of developable acreage, land use changes offer the chance to reexamine areas that have the potential for housing and economic development as well as to achieve a reduction in commute trips and average commute length.
3.6-I-3
Prepare a biennial report on the implementation of actions outlined in the Housing Element, for submittal to Contra Costa Transportation Authority as part of the biennial
Growth Management Program Compliance Checklist.
This required report will be incorporated into the City’s General Plan Annual Report, which is submitted annually to the State Department of Housing and Community Development to demonstrate Housing Element compliance. The report will demonstrate reasonable progress by illustrating how San Ramon has adequately planned to meet the existing and projected housing needs through the adoption of land use plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for, and do not unduly constrain, housing development.
3.6-I-4
As part of the development review process, support the
accommodation of public transit, bicycle, and pedestrian access for new development.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 265 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 1 4 LAND USE
The City of San Ramon is committed to an orderly land use development pattern that emphasizes the needs of the community and balances land use, housing needs, economics, transportation, environmental preservation safety, and quality of life goals. This element of the General Plan contains a background discussion of the evolution of land uses in the City’s nine planning subareas. Central to the Land Use Element is the General Plan Land Use Diagram and land use classification system. This organizational framework provides the foundation by which the guiding and implementing policies will shape land use and development decisions to maintain a strong community identity and character for the next 20 years.
4.1 EVOLUTION OF THE CITY
In the early 1800s, land in present-day San Ramon was part of the Mission San Jose and was used primarily for cattle and sheep grazing. American settlers came to the area in the 1850s and during the next two decades, ranchers west of San Ramon Valley Boulevard built the homes that now are the only visible evidence of San Ramon’s early years. With the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks in 1891, San Ramon became the permanent name of the prosperous village at the end of the branch line. Little changed in the San Ramon Valley between 1890 and 1950. In 1958, the Contra Costa County General Plan largely determined the community’s future form when it designated 464 acres as “controlled manufacturing.” These acres ultimately became the Bishop Ranch Business Park.
Growth in the 1960s was facilitated by the extension of Interstate 580 through the Livermore Valley and I-680 from Walnut Creek to I-580. In the 1970s, the arrival of Beckman Instruments, Toyota, Chevron, and Pacific Bell at Bishop Ranch transformed the I-680 corridor into the high-prestige alternative location to San Francisco and Oakland that it is today. Approximately 9 million square feet of office space now exists in Bishop Ranch1 with an additional 17.8 million square located in the Tri-Valley area2. During the 1980s and 1990s, residential construction continued in tandem with office construction, along with the addition of new shopping centers throughout the city. As development has extended to the City Limits, San Ramon accommodated further growth by annexing new areas, such as Henry and Thomas Ranches in the Westside, Faria Preserve (aka The Preserve) in the Northwest, and Windemere and Gale Ranch in Dougherty Valley. Today San Ramon offers a full complement of jobs, housing, transit options and community services and facilities.
Table 4-1: San Ramon/Contra Costa County Population Comparison 2010-2020 City of San Ramon % Change Contra Costa County % Change Year 2010 2020 – 2010 2020 –
Population 72,148 84,605 17% 1,049,025 1,165,927 11%
Residential Units
(Occupied) 23,734 27,524 16% 368,087 398,299 <18.2%
Residential Units
(Vacant) 1,075 846 -23% 28,695 16,768 -42%
Homeowner
Vacancy Rate 0.9 0.5 -44% 3.0 0.8 -73%
Rental Vacancy
Rate 3.3 6.3 91% 6.5 3.1 -52%
Source:
American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2010 and 2020
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 266 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 2 Since 2010, San Ramon has grown at a healthy pace. The population for the City San Ramon jurisdictional boundary has increased by 17 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is well above the countywide average of 11 percent. Table 4-1 provides a comparison of growth in San Ramon and Contra Costa County.
The corresponding employed population (those 16 years of age or older) in San Ramon has gone from 34,510 in 2010 to 42,433 jobs in 2021 or an increase of 23 percent since 2010.. During that same period, Contra Costa’s employed population increased by approximately 18 percent (482,898 in 2010, and 570,386 in 2021). These trends reflect the past City growth that has been heavily weighted toward housing (population) because of Dougherty Valley development and the subsequent annexations.
With little vacant land remaining for new development within the City Limits, San Ramon’s philosophy is to focus new growth inward through the intensification of land use density by encouraging infill and redevelopment projects within the existing urban areas defined by the UGB, which include the San Ramon Village Specific Plan and City Center Project. General Plan2035 embraced a smart growth philosophy through the creation of mixed-use districts to accommodate both commercial and residential uses as well as a continuing commitment to regional initiatives such as Plan Bay Area, the Bay Area’s Sustainable Community Strategy. Plan Bay Area is a regional development and conservation strategy that promotes a more compact land use pattern for the Bay Area. Through Plan Bay Area, regional agencies will support local governments’ commitment to fostering complete, livable communities that focus development in areas served by transit by working to direct existing and future incentives to Priority Development Areas while preserving natural open space areas in Priority Conservation Areas. In San Ramon, two Priority Development Areas (PDAs) have been established in the core of the City in the City Center project area and the formerly North Camino Ramon Specific Plan area . San Ramon has one Priority Conservation Area in the Westside for the Big Canyon Preserve.
1 Bishop Ranch Website: http://www.bishopranch.com/bishop_ranch/history.shtml. 2 NCRSP Focused Market Study, KMA 2009.
4.2 PLANNING SUBAREAS IN SAN RAMON
San Ramon is divided into nine planning subareas, as shown in Figure 4-1 and Table 4-2. Although all subareas include a variety of land uses, each is generally dominated by one use type that defines its own identity. The following includes a brief description of each subarea and a look at how land use is distributed across these subareas.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 267 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 3 Figure 4-1: Planning Subareas
Table 4-2: Planning Subareas by Size
Planning Subarea1 Acres Square Miles Proportion of
Planning Area2
Bishop Ranch 643 1.00 2.8%
Bollinger Canyon 2,962 4.63 12.7%
Crow Canyon 625 0.98 2.7%
Dougherty Hills 1,677 2.62 7.2%
Dougherty Valley 6,530 10.20 28.0%
Southern San Ramon 2,170 3.39 9.3%
Tassajara Valley 3,741 5.84 16.0%
Twin Creeks 1,486 2.32 6.4%
Westside 3,487 5.45 15.0%
City Core 872 1.36 3.7%3
Total 23,323 36.44 100.0%3
Notes:
1 The General Plan planning areas include land in subareas that is outside the city limit and UGB, but would likely have a direct impact on the ultimate City development at General Plan Buildout. 2 Due to independent rounding, detail may not sum to total. 3 The total of proportion of the Planning Area exceeds 100 percent since the City Core is a subarea overlay, covering existing subareas.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 268 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 4
BISHOP RANCH
The Bishop Ranch subarea has established San Ramon a major employment center of the San Francisco Bay Area. The subarea consists primarily of Office uses with a retail and commercial services component and totals approximately 9 million square feet of floor space. This area accounts for roughly 50 percent of the non-residential floor space in the San Ramon Planning Area and provides an estimated 30,000 jobs3.
Since 1995, more than 2.8 million square feet of space has been added in the Bishop Ranch subarea including Bishop Ranch 1, Bishop Ranch 3, Bishop Ranch 15, and the Shops at Bishop Ranch.
The Central Park, San Ramon Community Center, Iron Horse Middle School, and the San Ramon Public Library have been added to the Bishop Ranch subarea since the City was incorporated in July 1983. In 2007, the city approved entitlement for the construction of the City Center Mixed Use Project at the intersection of Bollinger Canyon Road and Camino Ramon, adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail, Central Park, and Community Center.
Construction for the new City Hall began in late 2014 and was completed in May 2016. Additionally, the City Center Bishop Ranch project opened in fall 2018 comprised of 300,000 square feet of visionary downtown retail, dining and entertainment experiences. In 2020, the City approved the CityWalk Master Plan for portions of Bishop Ranch designated as City Center Mixed Use. The Master Plan area is 135 acres consisting of 4 large blocks and includes the integration of recreational amenities, a 169-key hotel, up to an additional 170,000 square feet of retail, additional parking structures, and up to 4,500 multi-family residential units into the existing Bishop Ranch campus over the next 20 to 30 years.
NORTH CAMINO RAMON SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
In 2008, the City initiated preliminary planning and feasibility studies for the development of the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan. The North Camino Ramon Specific Plan (NCRSP) area consisted of approximately 295 acres located in both the Bishop Ranch and Crow Canyon Subareas The vision of the NCRSP was for a blend of retail, commercial services, and housing that would encourage redevelopment of the Plan Area toward a coordinated vision over time. In response to changes to State housing regulations and to address the community need for a balance of housing, commercial, and retail uses, the NCRSP was repealed as part of the General Plan 2040 Update and replaced with focused land use policies for the City core.
BOLLINGER CANYON
The Bollinger Canyon subarea follows both sides of Bollinger Canyon Road north from Crow Canyon Road and terminates about 4.5 miles to the northwest, within Las Trampas Regional Wilderness boundaries.
The Bollinger Canyon Subarea is primarily outside City Limits; however, it is within the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI). Bollinger Canyon Road is paralleled on both sides by steep slopes and high ridges along its length. Bollinger Canyon is notable for its rugged natural beauty as well as its geologic instability.
At present, there are approximately 481 residential units in this subarea. There are approximately 33 units located on parcels of mostly one acre or more in unincorporated Contra Costa County, but within the City’s Planning Area. The area is rural in character and subject to the Rural Conservation designation.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 269 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 5 On November 28, 2006, the City of San Ramon approved the Northwest Specific Plan (NWSP), which establishes land use goals and policies for approximately 354 acres located immediately northwest of the City limits and within the Bollinger Canyon subarea. The NWSP consists of two primary areas The Faria Preserve Community and The Chang/Panetta properties. The Faria Preserve Community is approximately 290 acres (Neighborhoods A to D) and is located east of Bollinger Canyon Road. The land use plan consists of a mix of residential and community facilities consisting of 600 residential units, a community park, a house of worship site, and a site for an educational facility. In 2017, the Faria Preserve began construction and was renamed The Preserve. All residential units are anticipated to be completed in 2024. The Chang/Panetta properties represent the balance of NWSP at approximately 64 acres (Neighborhood E), are located west of Bollinger Canyon Road, and are anticipated to consist of up to 44 larger residential properties.
CROW CANYON
The Crow Canyon subarea extends along both sides of Interstate 680 and along Crow Canyon Road easterly from Bollinger Canyon Road to Alcosta Boulevard and northward to the City limits. The earliest commercial development in San Ramon is located in this area. Since incorporation, a variety of new retail and office developments have been completed, and this subarea now includes three major retail centers Home Depot Center, Diablo Plaza and Courtyard Center as well as several office buildings. At present, there are roughly 5 million square feet of nonresidential uses in this area.
Portions of this subarea are characterized by a variety of commercial uses and diverse architectural styles.
Many of the buildings need upgrade and are considered underutilized by the city. In 1986, the city created the Downtown Specific Plan within this subarea, which was an early effort to create a downtown for the city, which ultimately led to the vision of the current City Center along Bollinger Canyon Road. In addition, in 1986, City designated most of this subarea as a redevelopment project area to create financial incentives for existing businesses, facilitate new development, and reinvigorate the local economy. In 1991, the city adopted the Conservation and Enhancement Program for the Crow Canyon Redevelopment Area, whose strategy is to conserve and reinforce existing uses, encourage infill development, and enhance the area’s assets.
In 2006, the city adopted the Crow Canyon Specific Plan (now known as the San Ramon Village Specific Plan) as a tool to build on previous enhancement efforts and create a new vision for the approximately 128-acre office and service commercial area. Implementation of the plan became challenging with the dissolution of the City’s Redevelopment Agency RDAs in 2012.The San Ramon Village Specific Plan was updated in 2020 with a vision to create a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use community with concentrated commercial and residential uses, while maintaining viable light industrial and service commercial uses wishing to remain. The residential development (735 units) is envisioned to contribute to the economic revitalization of the area and is making the Crow Canyon subarea a place to live as well as work.
At present, there are approximately 1,889 existing residential units and six live-work units with approximately 1,262 additional units programmed and identified housing opportunity sites within the Housing Element. Total Crow Canyon Subarea buildout is anticipated to be approximately 3,151 units.
DOUGHERTY HILLS
The Dougherty Hills subarea extends from the Crow Canyon Road/Dougherty Road area to the southern boundary of the Canyon Lakes subdivision. The primary land use in this subarea is residential with 4,915 homes. The largest residential community within the subarea is Canyon Lakes, which was constructed during the 1980s under the jurisdiction of Contra Costa County. Canyon Lakes includes residential neighborhoods, a golf course open to the public, a small retail shopping area and health club. The Dougherty Hills area offers diverse housing choices, with large homes on quarter-acre lots at Royal Ridge, Deer Ridge, and West Branch to luxury condominiums such as Sienna Hills, Copper Ridge, and East Ridge developments. The Dougherty Hills subarea is essentially built out with minimal potential for infill development.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 270 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 6
DOUGHERTY VALLEY
The Dougherty Valley subarea extends from the southern border of the Dougherty Hills subarea, east to the Tassajara Valley Subarea, west to approximately Alcosta Blvd, and south to the Alameda County line.
The Dougherty Valley Specific Plan project area is envisioned primarily as residential neighborhoods organized around schools, parks, civic, public facilities, and natural features and consists of Gale Ranch (2,740 acres), Windemere Ranch (2,360 acres), and the U.S. Army Camp Parks (910 acres).5 In 1992, Contra Costa County approved a specific plan that would allow the development of 11,000 residential units clustered throughout Dougherty Valley east of the San Ramon City limits. Approval of this development by Contra Costa County created concerns regarding traffic impacts on neighboring cities such as San Ramon, Danville, Dublin, and Walnut Creek. In response, the City of San Ramon and Town of Danville in a coordinated effort filed suit against Contra Costa County over the proposed Dougherty Valley Development impacts. In 1994, San Ramon and Danville settled the lawsuit with Contra Costa County through a multi-party settlement agreement (Settlement Agreement) subject to specific terms. The Settlement Agreement allowed for an initial development of up to 8,500 residential units in the Dougherty Valley and provided for a maximum of 11,000 residential units based on further traffic analysis and acceptable level of service on local roadways. The Settlement Agreement itself established a methodology for monitoring traffic and correcting problems if traffic levels of service objectives are not met during buildout of the project. In addition, the Settlement Agreement contained provisions for the Dougherty Valley developments to be annexed into the City of San Ramon as each phase is complete. Construction began in 1996 on the 11,000 units in the Dougherty Valley Specific Plan and will be completed in 2022.
South of the Dougherty Valley Specific Plan developments, the subarea contains an additional 710 residential units not contained within the Specific Plan area. During the mid-1990s Bent Creek (452 units plus one unit in 2006), Old Ranch Estates (189 units, 1994) subdivisions were constructed and in 2008 Old Ranch Summit (54 units, plus 14 second units) was completed.
SOUTHERN SAN RAMON
Residential development began in the Southern San Ramon subarea during the mid-1960s. During the 1970s and the early 1980s, residential neighborhoods were constructed northward from the County line area to Montevideo Drive. Today, with approximately 7,374 dwelling units, Southern San Ramon is characteristic of a suburban community of primarily single-family homes on parcels of 6,500 to 10,000 square feet that feature mature landscaping.
Several projects have been constructed since 1995, including Easthampton (124 units, in 1996), Ponderosa Village (117 Units, 1996), Country Faire (40 units in 2001) and Villa San Ramon (40 additional units in 2003). Non-residential development since 1995, including Country Club Village, All Aboard Mini-Storage, and the Country Faire commercial center resulting in a net total of approximately 186,000 square feet.
Recreational facilities in the subarea include Athan Downs and Boone Acres parks, San Ramon Golf Club, the Alcosta Senior and Community Center, Park and Gardens, aquatics and tennis facilities at California High School, five joint-use playgrounds at Pine Valley Middle School, and four local elementary schools.
The Iron Horse Trail provides Southern San Ramon residents with bicycle and pedestrian access to the Bishop Ranch Business Park and City Center .
TWIN CREEKS
Development in the Twin Creeks subarea began in 1969 and spread southward from Crow Canyon Road.
Starting in the late 1970s, new homes have been built in successive stages moving south and southwest of Norris Canyon Road. For the most part, the Twin Creeks subarea is fully developed.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 271 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 7 Residential neighborhoods in the Twin Creeks subarea are well established and attractive, yet diverse with respect to type of housing, densities, and lot sizes. There are approximately 3,200 dwelling units, of which 77 percent are detached single-family homes on lots ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. The remaining 23 percent is comprised of townhouses, condominiums, and apartments. Two new neighborhood parks have been programmed for this subarea. Memorial Park (Alta Mesa) was constructed in 2002 and San Catanio Creek Park (the Woodlot) has a master plan scheduled for future development.
Since 1995, the only residential activity within the Twin Creeks subarea was the Thomas Ranch project (140 single-family homes, 2000). With respect to commercial development, Twin Creeks subarea has approximately 38,800 square feet neighborhood serving commercial space associated with Applebee’s restaurant, Bollinger Crossing, and Homestead Village projects.
CITY CORE
The City Core is the area generally east of I-680, south of the City limit with the Town of Danville, generally north of Inverness Park subdivision along the Bollinger Canyon Road corridor, west of Alcosta Blvd.
WESTSIDE
The Westside subarea encompasses 3,300 acres of largely unincorporated open hillsides bounded by Norris Canyon Road on the north and San Ramon Valley Boulevard to the east, and by the Contra Costa/Alameda County line to the south and the west. This subarea slopes upward to the west in a series of hills and ridges to the highest ridgeline at the County line. This ridgeline frames the western side of the city.
In 1989, the city adopted a specific plan for the Westside, which was updated in 1997 and amended in 2022. The Westside Specific Plan encompasses three discrete areas: 1) The area immediately adjacent to San Ramon Valley Boulevard; 2) The area south of Norris Canyon Road; and 3) the remaining open space.
The area along San Ramon Valley Boulevard is designated primarily for residential development, with a neighborhood shopping center (Gateway Centre) at the corner of Alcosta Boulevard and San Ramon Valley Boulevard. In all, 1,096 units are anticipated in the Westside. Approximately 1,075 units have been constructed in the Westside, including 371 large lot homes approved by Contra Costa County in Norris Canyon Estates (a portion of the Wiedemann Ranch property south of Norris Canyon Road). An additional 21 residential units are programmed in associated with the Laborer’s properties. The balance of land in the Westside Specific Plan Area consists of a Priority Conservation Area and open space lands with recreational and fire trails connecting the open space and the existing developed areas.
TASSAJARA VALLEY
The Tassajara Valley Planning Subarea is located in an unincorporated part of south-central Contra Costa County, southeast of the Town of Danville and is the easternmost planning subarea of the City of San Ramon. This subarea comprises approximately 3,759 acres located outside the City’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and SOI. Much of the land in the Valley is in agricultural use, such as spring pasture and livestock grazing, with a few orchards, small horse ranches, and two to five-acre ranchettes. Residential development consists of approximately 210 rural residential units, most of which are clustered along Camino Tassajara and side roads. Most of the land area is in private ownership, and over the years, there have been several development projects proposed.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 272 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 8 In 1997, the Tassajara Valley Property Owners Association (TVPOA), representing 18 landowners controlling about 2,140 acres, made a major development proposal for the Valley, calling for creation of a mixed-use community encompassing 4,490 acres. At buildout, the development would have included 5,950 dwelling units, 300,000 square feet of commercial/office space and 2,645 acres for parks and open space.6 The processing of the project ceased when Contra Costa County declared its intent to update its own General Plan and evaluate whether the Tassajara Valley should be inside or outside the County’s Urban Limit Line (ULL). In July 2000, the County approved a ULL that excluded the majority of the Tassajara Valley from development until at least 2010.
In 2002, the County approved the Alamo Creek Project, which consisted of approximately 923 singlefamily, townhomes and senior residential units on roughly 609 acres within the County ULL. The voters approved Measure “L” in 2006, which subsequently extended the County ULL horizon until the year 2026, with opportunities for periodic reviews beginning in 2011 and a mandatory review in 2016 to demonstrate countywide land supply necessary to satisfy the jobs housing balance for the next 20 years (in accordance with Measure L).
Since the Tassajara Valley is not currently within the City’s SOI, the County is the approval authority for all project applications within the subarea. In 2005, the County received a development proposal for a large cemetery project, and in 2009, there was an additional proposal for a mixed-use project including Agricultural/Rural Residential uses (New Farm). Pursuant to General Plan 2020 Policy 4.6-I-3 and to provide San Ramon greater certainty regarding the future planning process in the Tassajara Valley, the City of San Ramon placed a UGB amendment on the ballot for voter consideration. The amendment sought to add approximately 1,626 acres into the City’s UGB in the Tassajara Valley as well as an additional 603 acres on the westside of the city, and to provide the City the ability to minimize future impact to San Ramon facilities and services. In November 2010, the San Ramon residents voted to maintain the UGB in its current configuration and rejected the proposed UGB modifications. While still part of the City’s Planning Area, the Tassajara Valley remains outside the City’s UGB and SOI and under the jurisdiction of the County for land use decisions.
In 2021, Contra Costa County is approved the Tassajara Parks residential development application within the Tassajara Valley Planning Subarea. The Tassajara Parks consists of 125 single-family homes on 30 acres and an adjustment to the Contra Costa County Urban Limit Line (ULL). 3 Bishop Ranch Website: http://www.bishopranch.com/bishop_ranch/history.shtml. 4 Square footages adjusted based on the City Center Settlement Agreement. 5 While there are no immediate plans to decommission Camp Parks, it is possible that this land will become available in the future.
6 Contra Costa County. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Tassajara Project. March 1997.
4.3 DISTRIBUTION OF EXISTING USES
The land use pattern in San Ramon is reflective of the City’s history as a local- and region-serving suburban office center with surrounding residential neighborhoods and supporting businesses and services. A dense commercial office core coupled with residential and open space densities have been the determining factors in the development of the historic land use pattern in San Ramon. The City’s commercial focus has traditionally been the suburban-scaled, campus-style office developments of Bishop Ranch, anchored to the north and south by the commercial services and retail activities at the I-680 interchanges with Crow Canyon Road and Bollinger Canyon Road.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 273 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 9 Residential development in San Ramon is generally suburban with a loop-style network of curving streets and cul-de-sacs. Higher density residential neighborhoods are generally located close to commercial uses along arterial streets. As a result, San Ramon is largely comprised of auto-oriented single-use areas. With the establishment of a voter-approved UGB in 2001, the City is focused on maintaining a compact urban form with the majority of new residential development centered within the core. Consistent with the previous General Plan 2035 policies, a number of existing commercial areas have been designated mixed use, thus creating the potential for live work opportunities and higher residential densities. In 2018, the City designated a number of neighborhood shopping center as Retail Shopping to maintain a healthy balance of neighborhood-serving retail uses within walking distance to existing and future residential uses. These policies have been reinforced in General Plan 2040.
Through implementation of the previous General Plan 2035, the land use profile of the City has continued to evolve and be refined. According to 2021 Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office property data, over 35 percent of the area within the City Limits is comprised of residential development (single family and multifamily combined). Single family residential makes up just under 30 percent, while multifamily makes up nearly six percent.
Office uses make up around four percent of the land in the City Limits with a recent trend of converting office land uses to retail (City Center) and residential (City Village) uses. Public/Institutional, which includes churches, schools, government-owned property with or without buildings (including government-owned open space), as well as municipally-owned property, makes up 39 percent of the area.
A large portion of the public and quasi-public use is concentrated in outer portions of the City Limits where there are large amounts of open space, which is government- owned property.
Recreation and Open Space, which includes public parks as well as golf courses, makes up six percent of the area. A majority of this use is concentrated on the eastern side of I-680. Commercial, which consists of mostly shopping centers as well as service uses, makes up three percent of uses within the City limits.
Table 4-3 provides a breakdown of the land use types within the City Limits based on General Plan designations and their relative acres. See Figure 4-2 for an illustrative breakdown of existing land uses in San Ramon.
Table 4-3: Existing Land Uses (City Limits), 2021
Land Use Designation Total Acreage 1 Percent Land Area
Single Family Residential 3331.78 29.96%
Multifamily Residential 656.81 5.91%
Office 466.80 4.20%
Service Commercial 92.63 0.83%
Commercial 244.42 2.20%
Vehicle Services 15.76 0.14%
Hotel 27.53 0.25%
Hospital 43.83 0.39%
Park 121.18 1.09%
Golf Course 499.26 4.49%
Private Common Area 1106.95 9.95%
Public/Institutional 4318.34 38.83%
Roadway/Circulation 44.73 0.40%
Vacant Underutilized Parcels 151.68 1.36%
Total All Classifications1 11,121.70 100.00%
Notes:
1 Total acres for land uses do not include roadways. Planning areas not within the City limits have not been included.
Source: Contra Costa County Assessor’s Office, 2021
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 274 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 10 Figure 4-2: Existing Land Uses, 2021
4.4 GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DIAGRAM AND CLASSIFICATIONS
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE FRAMEWORK
General Plan Diagram
The General Plan 2040 land use framework is illustrated in the General Plan Diagram (Figure 4-3) and is a graphic representation of the City’s future vision and policies. The General Plan Land Use Diagram designates, in general terms, the proposed location, distribution, and extent of land uses through anticipated General Plan buildout in the year 2040. The land use classifications, shown as color/graphic patterns, letter designations, or labels on the Diagram, specify a range for housing density and building intensity for each type of designated land use. These density/intensity standards allow circulation and public facility needs to be determined. They also allow for the consideration of carrying-capacity limitations established by other elements of the General Plan.
The Diagram is to be used and interpreted only in conjunction with the narrative text, policies, and other figures contained in the General Plan. The legend of the General Plan Land Use Diagram abbreviates the land use classifications described below, which is an adopted part of the General Plan.
The General Plan is not parcel-specific and uses on sites less than one acre in size are generally not depicted on the Diagram. The interpretation of consistency with the General Plan on sites less than one acre in size will be done through the General Plan/Zoning Ordinance consistency matrix (see Table 4-5).
Land Use Framework Guiding Principles
The General Plan Land Use Diagram embodies several land use ideas and principles. These include:
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 275 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 11 Urban Growth Boundary. The General Plan delineates an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), in direct response to Measure G, approved in 1999, to preserve open space and discourage urban sprawl. The UGB was not changed as a result of the 2010 voter review and may be subject to additional review pursuant to Policy 4.6-I-3 should future revisions be proposed. Compact Urban Form. All urban growth is located within the UGB and urban densities are increased to achieve growth targets while ensuring efficient provision of services. These smart growth principles are part of the fundamental philosophy of the General Plan 2040, which has been further reinforced by the City’s pursuit of Priority Development Areas (PDAs) under Plan Bay Area. By design, PDAs require the inclusion of smart growth principles promoting compact growth patterns, pedestrian oriented development with transit connections. The PDA program serves as a tool to focus resources and the existing General Plan smart growth policies to specific planning areas such as the City Center PDA and North Camino Ramon PDA areas.
Figure 4-3: 2040 Land Use Diagram
Mixed Use Centers. Some existing retail shopping centers are designated mixed use to provide opportunities for office, retail, service, and housing development in the neighborhoods where they are located.
Hillside, Ridgeline, and Natural Features Protection. New urban and rural residential designations mandate hillside, ridgeline, and natural features protection and require a high degree of open space preservation. Habitat protection programs and Clustered Development are mechanisms for protecting these resources. In addition, in 2008 the City obtained Priority Conservation Area (PCA) designation for the “Big Canyon” area located within the City’s Westside as part of the Association
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 276 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 12 of Bay Area Government’s FOCUS program. The PCA provides opportunities to obtain grant funding to assist in the preservation of this area.
Workforce Housing. While the General Plan provides for a full range of housing types, affordability remains a major concern that is addressed by higher density residential and mixed-use designations that will yield affordable units.
Specific Plan Areas. Given the progressive policies and long-range vision for smart growth expressed by Measure G (1999) and contained in General Plan 2035, there is an increased emphasis on the specific plan process as a land use planning tool. General Plan 2040 acknowledges existing specific plans (Figure 4-4) as an effective way to focus study on how best to implement General Plan policies in light of the range of land use issues specific to these areas. The General Plan 2040 policies provide specific directions for the preparation and maintenance of these detailed land use plans.
Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)
Adoption of a Voter approved Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) reflects one of the most significant aspects of the previous General Plan 2035 establishes guiding principles that are carried forward in the General Plan 2040. The UGB concept responds specifically to Measure G (1999), which also states that smart growth should be pursued within the UGB to discourage urban sprawl and preserve open space.
The primary purpose of the UGB is to limit the extent to which urban development and services are provided and to serve as a tool to protect scenic and natural resources, preserve open space, encourage infill development, and encourage the efficient development of municipal services such as sewer and water for a specific period of time. Land beyond the UGB is intended to remain rural in nature until such a time as the UGB is reevaluated to assess the City’s future needs for housing and employment. A previous voter approved General Plan 2020 included policies that require periodic UGB assessment and any future expansion of the UGB larger than 25 acres is subject to voter review. General Plan 2040 Policy 4.6-I-1 continues to allow minor adjustment of the UGB up to 25 acres with a vote by the City Council and is more restrictive than the County ULL provisions approved under Measure “L.”
DENSITY/INTENSITY STANDARDS
The General Plan establishes density/intensity standards for each land use classification. In the residential designations, residential density is expressed as housing units per net acre, which is defined as the gross area of the site excluding all public and private streets, and streets which provide primary and direct access to a public street; land which has been determined to be hazardous or unbuildable based on the City’s Grading Ordinance or the Resource Management Division of the Zoning Ordinance; land within any existing or planned non-exclusive easement; and schools and parks or other facilities dedicated for public use.
To promote dedication of permanent open space on Rural Conservation and Hillside Residential sites; an increase in density for clustered development on suitable sites may be provided in direct proportion to the amount of permanent open space provided by a development. Permanent open space dedication may include undevelopable lands as identified in Resource Management Map (Figure 8-3), including lands subject to hillside (slopes over 20 percent) and creek and ridgeline development restrictions.
Density of development is calculated from only the remaining acres of the buildable land for a project site after the open space dedication has been factored out. As the open space dedication percentage increases, the buildable land may decrease; however, the density on the remaining land increases. Table 4-4 shows the potential average residential density for the remaining buildable areas in relation to percent of permanently preserved open space in the Rural Conservation and Hillside Residential Designations.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 277 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 13 Table 4-4: Open Space/Density Provisions for Rural Conservation and Hillside Residential Land Use
Percent of Site Permanently
Preserved as Open Space
(Gross)
For Rural Conservation
(RC)Land Use Designations
For Hillside Residential (HR)
Land Use Designation
Maximum Density1 Maximum Density1
Up to 49.9 percent 1 unit per 5 acres
(0.2 units per net acre)
1 unit per net 5 acres
(0.2 units per net acre2)
50 to 59.9 percent 0.25 units per net acre2 1 unit per 2.5 net acre2 60 to 69.9 percent 0.3 units per net acre2 1 unit per 1.25 net acre2 70 to 79.9 percent 0.35 units per net acre2 1 unit per net 0.5 acre2 80 percent or more 0.4 units per net acre2 (Above 70 percent) Notes:
1 Density may be lower, based on the hillside, creek, and ridgeline development restrictions 2 Clustered Development required for four or more units Gross open space dedication includes all land considered unbuildable plus any additional buildable area dedicated as open space in exchange for additional density excluding roadways and similar project-specific elements.
For non-residential uses, density is expressed as a minimum and maximum permitted Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The FAR is the net floor area for all structures on a lot/site to gross area of that lot/site. FAR is a broad measure of building bulk that controls both visual prominence and traffic generation. It can be clearly translated to a limit on building bulk in the Zoning Ordinance and is independent of the use occupying the building.
Zoning regulations consistent with General Plan policies and/or site conditions may reduce development potential within the stated ranges based on specific project site conditions.
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The classifications in this section are meant to be broad enough to give the City flexibility in implementing City policy, but clear enough to provide sufficient direction to carry out the General Plan. The City’s Zoning Ordinance contains more detailed provisions and standards. More than one zoning district may be consistent with a single General Plan land use classification (see the General Plan/Zoning Ordinance consistency matrix in Table 4-5).
Residential
Seven residential land use classifications are established to provide for development of a full range of housing types (Mixed Use and Planned Development classifications permitting residential uses are described later in this section). Densities are stated as the number of housing units per net acre of developable land. Development is required within the density range (both maximum and minimum) as stipulated. Hillside, creek, and ridgeline development restrictions established in the Zoning Ordinance (Resource Management Chapter) may limit attainment of maximum densities.
Second units permitted by local regulation and State-mandated density bonuses for provision of workforce housing are in addition to densities otherwise permitted. Assumed average densities listed are used to calculate probable housing unit and population holding capacity. Neither the averages nor the totals constitute General Plan policy.
Rural Conservation. This designation provides for rural single-family residential development of up to one unit per five acres of buildable land in un-serviced areas with clustered development encouraged to permit suitable development sites of less than 20 percent slope and to achieve an open space preservation target of 90 percent. Density increases of up to one unit per two and a half acres of buildable land may be allowed with mandatory clustered development and open space dedication of over 80 percent of the gross area. A summary of the density ranges for the Rural Conservation designation has been provided in Table 4-4 above. The Resource Management Chapter
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 278 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 14 of the Zoning Ordinance may set additional requirements, for those properties identified in Figure 8-3 of the Open Space and Conservation Element. A habitat protection plan may be required where sensitive species or habitat could be affected.
Hillside Residential. This designation provides for a base density of up to one unit per five acres of buildable land for single-family residential development in serviced areas. Developments of four or more units must use clustered development techniques on suitable development sites with slopes of less than 20 percent. Density increases of up to two units per acre of buildable land in utility served areas may be permitted to achieve an open space preservation target of 70 percent. A summary of the Hillside Residential designation density ranges has been provided in Table 4-4 above. The Resource Management Chapter of the Zoning Ordinance may set additional requirements for those properties identified in Figure 8-3 of the Open Space and Conservation Element. A habitat protection plan may be required where sensitive species or habitat could be affected. Single Family Residential-Low Density Residential. Single-family Rresidential development at densities of between 0.2 -3to three units per acre. Typical lot sizes range from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet. This designation reflects existing low-density neighborhoods, such as Twin Creeks Hills and Royal Ridge.
Single Family Residential-Low Medium Density Residential. Single-family Rresidential development at densities of between three to six units per acre with a maximum lot size of 10,000 square feet.
The Oaks in the Westside is an example of this designation. Single Family-Medium Density Residential. Single-family Rresidential development at densities of between six 6-to 15 units per acre with typical lot sizes of approximately 3,500 square feet and including detached units, zero lot line units, garden patio homes, and townhomes. The new residential development in Country Faire is typical of this designation. Multiple FamilyMedium-High Density Residential. Multiple-family Rresidential development at densities of between 15-30 units per acre. Such development should reflect high quality design with integrated open space and recreational and/or cultural amenities, and opportunities for workforce housing. Structure parking would be necessary at the higher end of the range. Promontory View in the Crow Canyon Redevelopment area is an example of this designation. Multiple FamilyHigh-Very High Density Residential. This new designation provides for the highest density multiple-family residential development at densities of between 30-50 units per acre. Such development units should reflect high quality design with integrated open space and recreational and/or cultural amenities, and opportunities for workforce housing. Structure parking would be necessary.
San Ramon Village Housing Opportunity. This land use is intended to allow for future infill and intensification of underutilized properties in the San Ramon Village Specific Plan area in a way that minimizes impacts on existing businesses and that can lead to the creation of a cohesive mixed-use district. Within this area, residential development is allowed on assembled sites greater than 1.5 acres, subject to livability conditions intended to mitigate potential conflicts between the new residential development and existing nonresidential uses. Residential development within this designation is limited to a minimum density of 22 dwelling units per acre and a maximum density of 35 dwelling units per acre. Additional ancillary commercial uses are also allowed on the ground floor up to a maximum 0.40 FAR. Buildings are required to be oriented to public or publicly accessible streets to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Mixed-Use
Four mixed-use land use classifications are established to provide for an integrated mix of residential and non-residential uses in San Ramon. The development intensity of these land uses is expressed as a FAR and housing units per net acre as stipulated. Development standards established in the Zoning Ordinance may limit attainment of maximum density.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 279 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 15 Mixed-Use, Commercial Emphasis. The purpose of the Mixed-Use, Commercial Emphasis (MUX) zone land use is to provide areas for an integrated neighborhood, primarily to enhance existing and promote new commercial uses (retail and/or office) with complementary residential uses. A density range of 20 to 40 dwelling units per acre allows a variety of residential housing types located along street frontages. The MUX zone land use envisions commercial uses (retail and/or office) as the primary use along street frontages, with residential uses located behind or above the primary commercial uses. Development could be stand-alone, vertical, or horizontal mixed-use configurations. Within the MUX zoneland use, a nonresidential 0.45 FAR minimum iss are established to maintain retail square footage. The MUX sitewide FAR range is 0.7 to 2.0. Mixed-Use, Residential Emphasis. The purpose of the Mixed-Use, Residential Emphasis (MUR) zone land use is to provide areas for an integrated neighborhood, with a combination of primarily residential uses mixed with complementary office and commercial uses. The MUR zone land use provides housing infill opportunities on existing small and mid-size office and service commercial parcels. A density range of 20 to 40 dwelling units per acre allows a variety of residential housing types located along street frontages. Development can be stand-alone, vertical, or horizontal mixeduse configurations. Within the MUR zoneland use, a residential 0.5 FAR minimum iss are established to maintain and encourage residential development within this zone. The MUR sitewide FAR range is 0.7 to 2.0.
Downtown Mixed-Use, North. The purpose of the Downtown Mixed-Use, North (DMU-N) zone land use is to encourage an integrated neighborhood of commercial and residential uses within the Core area of San Ramon. The intent is to incorporate new residential uses in the existing office setting with pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, open spaces, and trails connecting to the Iron Horse Trail and City Center. Residential uses are located adjacent to the street and complementary offices, services, and goods in close proximity to transportation networks. The allowed density in the DMU-N zone land use ranges from a minimum of 20 dwelling units per acre to a maximum of 60 dwelling units per acre. Development is generally intended to be vertical in nature with residential entryways taking advantage of the City’s Walking District, and allowance for higher density. Development can be vertical mixed use or stand-alone residential in proximity to nearby commercial uses with a horizontal mixed-use configuration. The DMU-N sitewide FAR range is 1.25 to 2.75. City Center Mixed Use – This designation applies to City Center Bishop Ranch and the adjacent BR2600 property in the core area of San Ramon. It is intended to foster a vibrant, integrated and cohesive mix of civic, retail, office, residential and open space uses and promote a walkable, bikeable environment at the physical center of the city. The CCMU designation is also intended to create a vital, attractive destination for people from other parts of the city and the region. Development intensities of up to 0.70 FAR are permitted, with additional FAR, up to a maximum of 1.35, allowed for projects that include such elements as affordable housing; significant public benefits and/or amenities such as public art and plazas, public facilities; and/or a transit facility nearby or in proximity. The allowable residential density range is 22 dwelling units per acre up to 50 dwelling units per acre. Development should reflect high quality design, with integrated open space and recreational and/or cultural amenities, as well as opportunities for workforce housing. Structured parking may be required.
Non-Residential
Nine non-residential land use classifications are established to provide for development of employment and other uses in San Ramon. The development intensity of these land uses is expressed as a FAR as stipulated. Development standards established in the Zoning Ordinance may limit attainment of maximum FAR.
Office. Business, professional, and public offices at intensities of up to 0.45 FAR, including retail uses and restaurants in mixed-use buildings and supporting commercial services at appropriate locations. Retail Shopping. Includes sites for retail shopping and services at intensities of up to 0.35 FAR, including restaurants, commercial recreation facilities, and personal, business and financial services.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 280 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 16 Thoroughfare Commercial. Travel-oriented commercial uses at intensities of up to 0.50 FAR, including hotels, motels, service stations, restaurants, etc., located on major arterial streets and intersections.
Mixed Commercial. Integrated mix of non-residential uses—retail, service, office— at intensities of up to 0.70 FAR. This designation applies in locations where residential development is not appropriate, such as areas immediately adjacent to I-680. Development in Mixed Use - Commercial areas should reflect high quality design with integrated open space and/or cultural amenities.
Structured parking may be necessary.
Golf Courses. Golf courses and accessory facilities and uses at intensities of up to 0.10 FAR. Commercial Recreation. Sports and fitness clubs, horse stables, and amusement parks at intensities of up to 0.35 FAR.
Public and Semipublic. Schools, hospitals and related medical offices, religious institutions, utilities, and quasi-public uses at intensities of up to 0.35 FAR. Parks. Public and private recreation sites and facilities at intensities of up to 0.10 FAR. Open Space. Land protected from development and primarily held in its natural vegetative state, with some land privately owned and used for agricultural purposes. The maximum FAR for nonresidential structures is 0.10, and the residential density is limited to one unit per 20 acres, which may be reduced with Clustered Development and creek and ridgeline protection standards may apply.
San Ramon will implement many General Plan policies through the City’s Zoning Ordinance and specific plans. Zoning must be consistent with the General Plan if the City’s land use, housing, and open space policies are to be realized. A fundamental link between the General Plan and zoning is land use/zoning consistency. Table 4-5 shows how zoning districts in San Ramon are consistent with the land use designations of this General Plan.
Table 4-5: Consistency Between the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance General Plan Land Use Designations Consistent Base Zoning Districts Residential
Rural Conservation RC
Hillside Residential HR
Single Family-Low Density Residential RE-A, RE-B, RS-12, RS-10 Single Family-Low Medium Density Residential RS-10, RS-7, RS-6 Single Family-Medium Density Residential RS-6, RS-D, RM Multiple FamilyMedium-High Density Residential RM, RMH, RH Multiple FamilyHigh-Very High Density Residential RH, RVH San Ramon Village Housing Residential SRVSP
Office, Commercial, Industrial
Office OL, OA, M-1, M-2
Mixed Commercial MC
Retail Shopping CC
Thoroughfare Commercial CT
Mixed Use
Mixed-Use, Commercial Emphasis MU-X
Mixed-Use, Residential Emphasis MU-R
Downtown Mixed Use, North DMU-N
City Center Mixed Use CCMU
Community Facilities/Open Space
Commercial Recreation CR, P
Golf Course GC
Public and Semipublic PS, CR, M-1, M-2,
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 281 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 17 Table 4-5: Consistency Between the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance General Plan Land Use Designations Consistent Base Zoning Districts Parks P,
Open Space OS-1, OS-2, AG, RC
Note:
A specific plan can also implement any of the General Plan land use designations.
4.5 GENERAL PLAN BUILDOUT
BUILDOUT
Incremental development under the General Plan is referred to as “buildout.” It should be noted that when buildout of the development projected through 2040 will actually occur is not specified or anticipated by the Plan, and designation of a site for a certain use does not necessarily mean that the site will be built/redeveloped with the designated use in the next 20 years, the horizon of the Plan. General Plan 2040 buildout development levels assume average densities and intensities for the various land use classifications identified in the General Plan Land Use Diagram.
Residential
As of January 1, 2022, an estimated 29,460 residential units exist within the San Ramon Planning Area.
The General Plan will result in a projected 10,155 additional residential units for an estimated General Plan 2040 buildout total of 39,615 residential units. Almost half of the projected additional residential units (5,909 units) are a result of the housing opportunity sites identified in the 2023-2031 Certified Housing Element. The remaining additional residential units (4,246 units) are associated with potential development within the 2040 buildout horizon. Table 4-6 shows the estimated projected residential units for the San Ramon Planning Area. Table 4-7 shows the projected household characteristics at 2040 General Plan buildout.
Table 4-6: San Ramon Planning Area Residential Units
Residential Units,
2022
Additional Residential Units Under General
Plan Buildout Estimated Buildout of
2023-2031 Housing Residential Units 2040
Element Potential Development*
29,460 5,909 4,246 39,615
Note:
Estimate of Planning Area residential units extrapolated from California Department of Finance Jurisdictional projections P2040. City of San Ramon.
*Additional Residential Units from Potential Development are a result of the change in land use designations in the City core, pipeline projects and ADUs, and adopted specific plans.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 282 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 18 Table 4-7: San Ramon Population Projections
Characteristic 2022 2031 2040
Vacancy Rate 2.74% 5.00% 5.00%
Occupied Residential Units 28,654 32,983 38,319
Persons per Household 2.92 2.92 2.92
Number of Households 83,657 96,296 111,875
Population/Household Ratio 1.0 1.0 1.0
Source:
California Department of Finance, 2022
Plan Bay Area 2040 Data, 2022
City of San Ramon
Non-Residential
As of 2022, there is over 13 million square feet of floor area dedicated to retail, office, and industrial uses.
Despite an almost six percent vacancy rate, retail floor area is expected to have a demand of up to 1,800,000 square feet. This potential growth is directly linked to incremental demand incidental to population growth and the creation of mixed-use village areas. Office space accounts for approximately
9.5 million square feet in San Ramon. Of that total, approximately 16 percent is vacant. Based on current market trends in the Bay Area and minimal demand for office space over the next 10 years, San Ramon can expect an increase in the overall demand for office square footage between 500,000 to 750,000 square feet by 2040. Given the densification of San Ramon’s employment areas, future office development will require less land area per building square foot. San Ramon’s current industrial square footage accounts for less than 0.5 percent of the East Bay industrial inventory. As such, San Ramon has 801,000 square feet of industrial land and might expect to attract an additional 250,000 to 500,000 of new industrial space by 2040. This demand potential could be enhanced by attracting major tech and science users and accommodating the flex office spaces and research and development industries. Table 4-8 shows the estimated current and potential retail, office, and industrial square footage for the San Ramon Planning Area.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 283 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 19 Table 4-8: San Ramon Planning Area Non-Residential Square Footage Potential
Land Use 2022 Inventory/
Vacancy Rate
Additional NonResidential Square
Footage Demand at
2040 Buildout
Total Potential NonResidential Square
Footage at 2040 Buildout
Retail 2,700,000 square feet with
5.5% vacant
1,100,000 to 1,800,000
square feet
3,800,000 to 4,500,000
square feet
Office 9,500,000 square feet with
15.8% vacant
500,000 to 750,000
square feet
10,000,000 to 10,250,000
square feet
Industrial 801,000 square feet with
12.75 vacant
250,000 to 500,000
square feet
1,051,000 to 1,551,000
square feet
Source:
Market Conditions and Demand Projections for Retail, Office, Industrial and Hotel Development City of San Ramon, 2022
BUILDOUT POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Population
At the General Plan 2040 buildout, the San Ramon Planning Area is estimated to accommodate a population of approximately 110,089 people, an increase of about 24 percent over the 2022 population estimate of approximately 83,820 people for the Planning Area. Most of these new residents will result from the development of housing units from the 2023-2031 Housing Element and development already anticipated by the General Plan. This additional population reflects an estimated annual growth rate of about 1.0 percent per year over the next 18 years, which is considerably less than the projected 2.77 percent annual growth rate experienced by the city from 2000-2014. Table 4-9 shows the estimated current and projected populations for the City and San Ramon Planning Area.
Table 4-9: San Ramon Population Projections
Estimated Population,
2022
Additional Population
Under General Plan
Buildout
Estimated Buildout
Population 2040
% Change
83,820 26,269 110,089 24%
Source:
California Department of Finance, 2022 Plan Bay Area 2040 Data, 2022 Employment
San Ramon Plan Area will accommodate approximately 71,999 jobs at buildout, for an increase of about 33 percent over the2022 estimated employment of 54,046. The additional employment accommodated by this General Plan is about 17,953 jobs. This reflects an overall annual job growth rate of about 2 percent over the next 18 years. This projected job growth is anticipated to be steady, but more active than that projected in General Plan 2035 (1.08 percent) A significant part of this employment growth is a result of the completion of the City Center project and new development within the City core. The General Plan 2040 Economic Element provides addition information of existing and future employment trends specific to the city. Table 4-10 shows the current estimated and projected employment for San Ramon.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 284 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 20 Table 4-10: San Ramon Employment Projections
Estimated
Employment 2022
Additional Jobs Under
General Plan Buildout
Estimated total
Buildout Employment
2040
Total 54,046 17,953 71,999
Note:
Plan Bay Area 2040 Data, 2022
Jobs to Employed Resident Ratio
A city’s jobs/employed resident ratio would be 1:1 if the number of jobs in the city equaled the number of employed residents. In theory, such a balance would eliminate the need for commuting and signify a balanced community. A ratio greater than 1.0 indicates a net in-commute (jobs rich); less than 1.0 indicates a net out-commute (housing rich). the estimated jobs/ employed resident ratio in San Ramon in 2020 was 1.20, which means that the number of jobs in the City exceeds the number of employed residents by about 20 percent. While the City anticipates the addition of significantly more residential units (and by implication employed residents), ABAG projects estimated jobs to rise resulting in an increase in the jobs/employed resident ratio to 1.50 by the estimated 2040 buildout. If the pace of future residential development decreases with buildout of General Plan 2040, the growth in employed residents will likely also slow, absent a change in the existing household employment profile. As such, if the job growth remains constant or slows, the jobs/employed resident balance will also remain flat as the city approaches buildout in 2040. It should be noted that it is important to work toward jobs/housing balance not just on a jurisdictional level, but also on a regional or corridor level to reduce regional traffic patterns by allowing residents the opportunity to work close to their homes and thereby reducing vehicle miles traveled and commute times.
4.6 LAND USE POLICIES
GUIDING POLICY – LAND USE
4.6-G-1
Foster a pattern of development and encourage a
compatible mix of land uses that enhances the character of the City and the community.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – LAND USE
Urban Growth Boundaries
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 285 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 21
4.6-I-1
Continue to maintain an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), as shown on the General Plan Diagram that limits the extent of urban development and services within the San Ramon
Planning Area. Amendments to the Urban Growth Boundary
greater than 25 acres require City voter approval.
As called for by Measure G (1999), the UGB represents a defined edge of urban development in San Ramon, beyond which development would be expected remain rural in nature and without urban services for the Plan horizon. This policy is not intended to limit extension of services to existing rural uses, nor deny existing rural property owners the option of requesting annexation. The minor adjustment of the UGB up to 25 acres is more restrictive than the County ULL provisions approved under Measure “L” subject to certain restrictions and requires a 4/5th vote by the City Council.
4.6-I-2
As directed by the City Council, petition the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to extend the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) if the County’s Urban Limit Line (ULL) is amended.
4.6-I-3
Assess the City’s future needs for housing and employment along with any development proposals and if changes are necessary, provide an opportunity for voter review of the Urban Growth Boundary.
The review of the UGB is intended to provide an opportunity to review the effectiveness of the UGB in maintaining the necessary housing and employment balance for the planning horizon. UGB assessment dates should correspond to the next Housing Element cycle when the City is revisiting its housing needs.
An UGB update would be by means of a city voter review to consider the maintenance or amendment of the UGB (over 25 acres pursuant to policy 4.6-I-1) or related policies.
4.6-I-4
Allow for minor technical adjustments to the Urban Growth Boundary, to be approved by the City Council with a fourfifths vote, to accommodate contiguous development on developable sites not to exceed 25 acres, only where:
No prior adjustment has been approved and the
contiguous development is not part of a larger
project;
Hillside, creek, and ridgeline standards of the
Resource Management Chapter of the Zoning
Ordinance will be met.
For purposes of this policy, contiguous development must abut existing or approved development, be separated only by a public right-of-way, or be within 1,000 feet of the City limits existing at the time the adjustment is being considered.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 286 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 22
4.6-I-5
Amendment of the Sphere of Influence and/or annexation
of land to the city is recommended prior to filing a
development application.
To be coordinated with Policy 3.1-I-7 in the Growth Management Element.
Rural Conservation Development
4.6-I-6
Mitigate impacts on natural features, sensitive habitat, and agricultural resources due to residential development in Rural Conservation designations as required by local
Ordinance or habitat protection plan.Residential
development in the Rural Conservation designation should mitigate impacts to natural features, sensitive habitat, and agricultural resources as required by local Ordinance or habitat protection plan.
4.6-I-7
As part of the development review process, conditionally approve projects to mitigate potential impacts caused by proposed development that could potentially affect
sensitive habitat areas, sensitive species habitats, migratory patterns, and riparian corridors identified in the General Plan.
Projects will be conditionally approved to mitigate potential impacts including the creation of a habitat protection plan as a mitigation tool. A habitat protection plan is designed to provide habitat protection for endangered species and sensitive habitats in the planning area, particularly in Bollinger Canyon, Westside, and Tassajara Valley Areas. A habitat protection plan would include the identification of habitats within a rural development area and preparation of a program to mitigate the impacts of development on them. It may have to include species-specific measures where specified habitat would be affected. Loss of potentially sensitive habitat would have to be mitigated, and adaptive management, as the term is used in habitat conservation planning, would be required as a balance to development impacts. In addition, conservation plans could be shared between related projects or other projects within close proximity. Participation in a structured Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) should be considered and evaluated based on the scale of any proposed development in relation to potential impact to sensitive species and ecosystems.
The requirements for mitigation, monitoring, and reporting within the habitat protection plan area would be the responsibility of the property owners directly benefiting from the adoption of the protection plan and associated development. The Open Space Advisory Committee may also be called upon by the City Council to assist in developing habitat protection plans for any new developments.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 287 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 23
4.6-I-8
Continue to pursue interagency coordination with the
County to:
Require that development applications for projects
within the City’s Sphere of Influence conform to the
hillside, creek, and ridgeline standards of the
Resource Management Chapter of the Zoning
Ordinance, where applicable; and
Notify the City regarding County development
applications within the City’s Sphere of Influence, and Allow the City to work with the applicant in
accordance with Permit Streamlining Act to negotiate
the protection of land outside the City limits
designated as priority open space.
This policy is intended to create a mechanism to provide input and reduce the potential adverse impacts that may result from development that occurs outside the City limits and potentially protect the ridgelines, hillsides, and creeks that form the backdrop for the City.
Residential Development
4.6-I-9
Require residential development to employ objective design standards to maintain architectural quality while
incorporating 360-degree design principles.
The City encourages high quality residential development that is harmonious with the proximate neighborhood through its specific plans and the review process, which includes an evaluation by the Architectural Review Board and approval by the Planning Commission. The 360-degree design principles are intended to ensure that objective design standards and detail is applied to all building elevations of a proposed project to achieve a high-quality outcome. The City will develop Objective Design Guidelines to provide the baseline principles for new development. These Guidelines will be reviewed periodically to ensure that they continue to allow creative design while maintaining consistency with the city vision.
The city will continue to refine the development review standards for new residential developments to promote creative and superior design concepts and encourage the development of public amenities through increased density incentives.
4.6-I-10 Provide a range of housing opportunities for current and future residents.
The city offers developers incentives, such as density bonuses, which encourage a broad spectrum of housing types to meet the needs of the entire community, including people who work in San Ramon, but cannot afford to live here.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 288 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 24
4.6-I-11 Provide high quality public facilities, services, and other amenities within close proximity to residents.
The city requires residential developers to provide community facilities and programs relating to recreation, education, childcare, culture, transportation, and safety.
4.6-I-12
Except as precluded by the California Density Bonus Law or other applicable laws and regulations, ensure that all
residential development provides required parking to meet residential parking standards.
4.6-I-13
Evaluate shared parking or other alternative parking
proposals for residential development, particularly adjacent to streets with no on-street parking, based on projectspecific parking studies that analyze project need consistent with the Zoning Ordinance alternative parking provisions.
The adequacy of parking provided in new development, particularly in high-density residential projects, has always been a concern in San Ramon. The Parking Ordinance should be reviewed to ensure that developments are required to provide sufficient onsite parking for projects. Alternatives parking proposals and shared parking concepts may be considered based parking studies considering the project specific parking standards and consistency with the Zoning Ordinance alternative parking provisions. The use of on-street parking to meet residential parking requirements should be avoided. See also the discussion of shared parking below under Mixed Use Development and in the Circulation Element.
4.6-I-14 Promote and affirmatively further fair housing policies and programs.
4.6-I-15
Periodically review and update, as necessary, local housing policies and procedures to ensure they do not pose
impediments to furthering fair housing.
4.6-I-16 Support the development and preservation of affordable housing throughout the city for a variety of income levels.
Hillside Residential Development
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 289 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 25
4.6-I-17
Require Clustered Development for four or more units that will maximize preservation of visible open space and
encourage preservation of open space by allowing density to increase based on the percentage of the gross area
permanently preserved as open space.
The discussion of Hillside Residential Designation in Section 4.4 of this General Plan provides greater detail; of the density incentives in exchange for permanently preserved open space. Additional policies in the Open Space Element and requirements for a habitat protection plan may result in additional limitations on development.
4.6-I-18
Continue to develop and refine the residential hillside development standards that address:
Location of hillside residential units, including
maximum elevation limits based on water pressure
zones and hillside viewshed analysis,
Clustered Development provisions with limitations on
cluster size to preserve open character,
Building development and design in a clustered
format, including standards for building height and
massing,
Bonus provisions for clustered development,
including amount of bonus, alternate development
forms, common recreational facilities, phasing, etc.,
Requirements for deeding of natural areas as
conservation lots with ownership and maintenance
by homeowners’ association, non-profit land trusts,
or other City approved public agency.
Retail and Commercial Service Development
4.6-I-19 Strengthen the role of central Bollinger Canyon Road as the City’s premier retail corridor.
As a major east-west arterial with some of the highest traffic volumes in San Ramon, the stretch of Bollinger Canyon Road between Alcosta and I-680 represents one of the strongest locations for specialty and commodity retail in the city.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 290 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 26
4.6-I-20
Foster vibrant neighborhood and community shopping
centers of sizes and at locations that provide daily
convenience for San Ramon residents and employees,
minimize the need for longer/multiple automobile trips, and sustain a strong retail base for the city.
A balance of overall economic development, economic needs, and housing needs of the City shall be considered in determining the number and location of such commercial projects.
4.6-I-21
Continue to limit non-retail uses to no more than 25
percent of the total FAR of a neighborhood or community shopping center and adopt clear economic findings that
must be made before approving non-retail uses that exceed the limit.Evaluate and update as needed the maximum
allowable non-retail uses within neighborhood or
community shopping centers and adopt clear economic
findings that must be made before approving non-retail
uses that exceed the limit.
4.6-I-22
Ensure that neighborhood retail centers and commercial
service buildings are compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood while incorporating 360-degree design
principles.
The 360-degree design principles are intended to ensure that an adequate level of architectural design development and detail is applied to all building elevations of a proposed project to achieve a high qualityhigh-quality outcome. All developers are required to present their proposals to the City’s Architectural Review Board. In conjunction with staff, Planning Commission and neighborhood reviews, the Board’s review helps ensure that retail development is consistent with the Architectural Review Guidelines, community’s values and compatible with surrounding properties.
4.6-I-23
Foster the development of commercial services that can be supported by local residents, businesses, and workers and visitors.
Retail businesses have the best chance of success if they are located in areas with high traffic volumes and good visibility, such as along arterial roadways.
4.6-I-24
Encourage the provision of amenities and events that
promote San Ramon’s neighborhood and community
shopping centers as community gathering places.
Mixed Use Development
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 291 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 27
4.6-I-25
Promote redevelopment with a mix of high-density
residential, retail, and other compatible non-retail uses in the Mixed-Use General Plan land use designation.
It is important to recognize that not all types of mixed-use development will work on all mixed use designated sites. Absent a Specific Plan, the site conditions (lot size, easements access, height, available parking, adjacent uses, etc.) and economic viability should inform the design of mixed-use sites. Horizontal mixed-use configurations that take advantage of existing and adjacent land uses and infrastructure to provide a compatible and vital mix of land use and can be just as effective in furthering the goals of the General Plan.
When looking at horizontal mixed-use sites, it is not necessary that the project site be a single parcel under single ownership, but rather that the proposed development complement and further the mixed-use zoning concept by providing compatible uses. For existing and proposed uses under separate ownership and control to be considered as a horizontal mixed-use concept there.
4.6-I-26
Continue to develop and refine objective design standards for mixed use development that will result in pedestrianscaled environment, integrated parking, street front windows, and entries, and public and private open space or as provided under a separate Specific Plan process.
Some mixed-use designations may fall within specific plan areas that have specialized design or aesthetics goals for implementation. In those situations, the form, function, and land uses of the mixed-use project should be tailored to implement the purpose and goals of the specific plan in a manner consistent with mixed uses designation. In areas outside Specific Plans, the City will continue to refine the mixed use development standards in the Zoning Ordinance to provide flexibility for individual development projects based on site conditions, while ensuring that City goals for a compatible mix of uses can be accomplished.
Additionally, the city will continue to refine the development review standards for new mixed use developments to promote creative and superior design concepts and encourage the development of public amenities through increase residential density and FAR incentives. The Zoning Ordinance development standards may consider a minimum nonresidential and minimum residential component including ground floor restrictions, for mixed use development.
4.6-I-27
Encourage the integration of the Marketplace and former Orchard Supply Center sites through connectivity with the Walking District resources, Iron Horse Trail, City Hall, San Ramon Library, and Central Park by focusing on improved circulation, access, and visibility.
While both centers are currently not under common ownership, improved connectivity between the two centers enhances walkability and pedestrian safety within the city core, and facilitates implementation of the Walking District Plan.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 292 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 28
4.6-I-28
Require a parking study to substantiate a request for
reduced parking requirement in new mixed-use
development.
Office Development
4.6-I-29
Allow for the revitalization and intensification of infill sites within the Bishop Ranch Business Park, consistent with
citywide objective design standards.
4.6-I-30
Allow a diverse mix of complementary uses within Bishop Ranch (including locations within CityWalk) to better meet the daily needs of workers and to reduce the need to travel by automobile. Complementary uses shall be consistent
with site zoning, compatible with the primary use and shall not result in a significant adversely effect affect on the traffic-carrying capacity of adjacent streets.
Complementary uses and services are defined as Accessory Uses and Accessory Retail, such as day care centers, food courts, dry cleaners, ATMs, etc. and are limited to the ground floor of existing and new buildings. In Bishop Ranch, it is the intent that these complementary uses would be internal and integrated into Bishop Ranch developments and that such uses would be accessory to the primary use.
4.7 SPECIFIC PLAN AREA POLICIES
The development of a specific plan is intended to reflect specific land use needs and conditions of a geographic area and be a cooperative venture with area landowners, the City, resource agencies, and local service providers to ensure that specific plan goal and objectives are achieved. Specific plans are typically long-term plans that are implemented over many years (often 20 years or more). Current land uses and market trends may serve as an impetus for specific plan development; however, as part of a long-range planning process, specific plans are typically intended to address the future needs of the community. As such, a specific plan can provide focused guidance and achieve a coordinated vision as individual properties propose changes over time.
Figure 4-4 illustrates the specific plan areas in San Ramon. Land use designations within specific plan areas on the General Plan Diagram are illustrative and the final land use plan for these areas incorporated into the specific plan may deviate from the Diagram, provided it is faithful to representations of land use relationships and meets the underlying criteria and standards of the specific plan policies. Minor adjustments to Specific Plan boundaries may be made to protect resources or accommodate infrastructure improvements or specific development configurations. These boundary adjustments do not require a General Plan amendment when they have no impact on the overall level of development established by the General Plan.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 293 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 29 Figure 4-4: Specific Plan Areas
The City’s Planned Development (PD) District may be used in lieu of a specific plan where a property is under single ownership or all owners consent to a PD Plan and an application for PD zoning. If a Planned Development is proposed within a planned specific plan area, the proposed development shall address any applicable specific plan policy goals.
GUIDING POLICY – SPECIFIC PLAN AREA POLICIES
4.7-G-1
Consider the use of Specific Plans, and other area plans to develop land use programs that reflect specific area
conditions and land use needs.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – SPECIFIC PLAN AREA POLICIES
Northwest Specific Plan Area
4.7-I-1 Ensure new development within the Plan Area is consistent with the adopted Northwest Specific Plan.
San Ramon Village Specific Plan
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4.7-I-2 Ensure new development within the Plan Area is consistent with the adopted San Ramon Village Specific Plan.
Westside Specific Plan Area
4.7-I-3
Prior to new development consistent with the General Plan, amend the Westside Specific Plan as necessary to ensure consistency with the General Plan
All new developments must conform to the policies of the Westside Specific Plan as they relate to land use, circulation, open space and conservation, community design, public services and utilities, hydrology, and safety.
Other Area Plans
In addition to the identified Specific Plan areas, it is necessary to continue to evaluate existing development for opportunities for redevelopment. Land use planning efforts for subareas should be regularly evaluated for effectiveness and planning boundaries and if necessary new planning efforts should be initiated to reflect land use and economic trends.
4.7-I-4
Develop a streamlined review process for the CityWalk
Master Plan to facilitate the development of the residential units approved in the Master Plan in accordance with the CityWalk Development Agreement.
The CityWalk Master Plan area is 134.98 acres consisting of four large parcels located in the Bishop Ranch campus. The Master Plan included the approval for 4,500 residential units; however, development on each parcel must still go through the entitlement process. Streamlining the approval process will facilitate the development of the residential uses in this area.
Tassajara Valley Area
4.7-I-5 Continue to monitor development activities is the Tassajara Valley Area.
The Tassajara Valley is not within the City’s Sphere of Influence (but is within the City’s Planning Area). and the Contra Costa County is the approval authority for all land use applications within the subarea. As an adjacent community, San Ramon has a vested interest in any new land use activity within this subarea because of the potential impacts on the City and City services including, but not limited to roads, parks and open space and emergency response.
4.8 COMMUNITY IMAGE
San Ramon is a contemporary city that is distinguished by attractive natural and physical features. These features are the result of community values, decisions about development as well as preservation of open space. Quality urban design is an important component of the community image and an essential in creating the city image and sense of place. Quality design preserves and enhances the City’s natural setting and coupled with programs for public art, signage and landscaping contribute to a unique, pleasing, and desirable environment for San Ramon residents.
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Packet Pg. 295 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 31 For new development, the Art in Public Places Program and City Beautification Fee is intended to promote the acquisition, construction, installation, restoration, and maintenance of public art pieces in San Ramon that will foster creativity, freedom of expression, cultural awareness, civic pride, and a strong sense of community. Public Art is defined as original visual works of art, which are accessible to the public. The artwork may be placed on private land within public view or access, or in public places such as City property, the exterior of any City owned facility, public areas, lobbies, or public assembly areas. This incremental approach to adding public art adds to uniqueness of the city and enhances the community image.
In a larger context the hillsides on both the east and west, silhouette the city and bestow a panoramic sense of openness to the people living in the valley. The San Ramon community has invested substantial resources to establish a special place whose identity strengthens and enhances its visual image. There are distinctive amenities that define San Ramon, such as Central Park and the Community Center, its varied residential neighborhoods, and Bishop Ranch Business Park.
One of the challenges facing San Ramon is to continue building a strong, positive image that reflects the vision of its people and the quality of its environment. Such an image can be enhanced by defining and visually emphasizing the City’s gateways, preserving its scenic views of surrounding hills, and encouraging well-designed, innovative architecture and landscape.
GUIDING POLICY – COMMUNITY IMAGE
4.8-G-1 Maintain and enhance San Ramon’s identity.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – COMMUNITY IMAGE
4.8-I-1
Continue to develop and refine community design
documents to provide comprehensive design guidelines for beautification, of streetscapes creek corridors, City signs, public art, and community entries in San Ramon.
4.8-I-2 Design, location, and size of new development should consider the environment and a site’s natural features.
The design and location of new buildings can either enhance or detract from the surrounding environment.
Buildings should be positioned so that trees, creekside vegetation, scenic views, and other natural resources are preserved.
4.8-I-3
Continue to refine citywide lighting standards to implement appropriate illumination levels for residential, commercial, and industrial land uses, while reducing light pollution.
Parking lot lighting standards in the City’s Zoning Ordinance can help protect residential neighborhoods from glare by shielding and filtering light sources along with maximum illumination levels to reduce unnecessary illumination on adjacent properties and conserve energy.
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4.8-I-4
Ensure that parking facilities adequately address the
community image, aesthetics, and functional needs of the city.
Depending on size, residential, commercial, and office development often must provide parking spaces to accommodate the needs of their residents and users. The City shall encourage architectural integration of parking structures into developments, landscape, and architectural screening and the construction of underground parking wherever feasible to minimize impervious surfaces at ground level.
4.8-I-5
Encourage the linkage and integration of new development with existing neighborhoods by means of Walking District implementation, Complete Streets networks, open space
areas, parks, pathways, associated rights-of-way, and/or easements as a means of enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connections.
Assembly Bill 1358 (AB 1358), the California Complete Streets Act, requires the General Plan to contain provisions for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users. Complete Streets concepts are intended to provide safe and convenient travel for all user groups in a manner that is suitable and based on local conditions. Additional discussion and policies related to Complete Streets concepts can be found in Section 5.3 of the Traffic and Circulation Element. In 2022, the City adopted the Walking District Plan which provides the long-term vision for pedestrian-oriented access and connectivity within the City Core. The Walking District Plan maps the area’s existing infrastructure that either supports or deters walking, builds upon improvements proposed by a combination of public and private development, and establishes a set of guidelines and project recommendations to move the vision for a Walking District toward implementation.
4.8-I-6
Seek to assure maximum public access to the Iron Horse
Trail through land acquisition, licensing agreements with Contra Costa County, incentives for dedication, overhead trail crossings and improvement of land for trailhead parks and walkways.
To improve access to the Iron Horse Trail, the City will continue to seek opportunities to add connections to the trail through partnerships with adjacent land owners and through the development review process.
4.8-I-7
Require new commercial and office development to provide plazas, courtyards, seating areas and other similar outdoor passive recreation areas.
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4.8-I-8
Use the development review process to e minimizes new
development’s impacts and preserves and/or enhances
views of the natural landscape.
The City’s most prominent visual resources are the hills to the west and Mt. Diablo and its foothills. Other natural visual amenities include San Ramon Creek within the Crow Canyon subarea, San Catanio Creek along Norris Canyon Road, and the Dougherty Hills ridgeline. Views of the natural landscape can be emphasized and preserved through the design and placement of streets, buildings, and outdoor spaces.
Open Space Policy 8.4-I-13 provides for the development of viewshed criteria that will inform the design review process.
4.8-I-9 Continue to implement landscaping guidelines for public roadways that improve their visual character.
The City’s “Beautification Plan” and “Streetscape Beautification Guidelines” outline landscaping concepts for many of the arterials, gateways, and key intersections. Implementation of these concepts will result in a distinct, unified image for San Ramon that reflects the indigenous and historic character of the San Ramon Valley. Landscaping standards should be reviewed regularly to ensure that there is no conflict with pedestrian safety and access, vehicle visibility at intersections, and fire hazard control as landscaping matures. Safety issues related to site lines and security are addressed in the Zoning Ordinance.
4.8-I-10
Continue to implement gateway treatments for City entries that help residents and visitors know they have arrived in San Ramon.
The “Streetscape Beautification Guidelines” provide landscaping designs for both major entries at the freeway interchanges and secondary entries where streets enter San Ramon from its neighbors, Danville and Dublin. Implementation of these entry designs will make positive and meaningful visual statements about San Ramon.
4.8-I-11
Require new office and commercial development to provide outdoor art that is clearly visible to the public or contribute to a citywide public art program though the City
Beautification Fund.
Outdoor art, such as sculptures and fountains, can reflect the social and cultural history of San Ramon, which in turn can contribute to a stronger sense of place.
4.8-I-12 Promote drought-tolerant landscaping on private property that is suitable for San Ramon’s climate.
Although San Ramon is located in an area of mild temperatures and average rainfall, drought-like conditions have prevailed in the past for years at a time. The City has established guidelines to promote waterconserving landscapes by limiting turf area and requiring drought tolerant shrubbery. The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) promotes a 20 percent reduction in water use for new development, the application of
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4.8-I-13 Require landscape treatment for public rights-of-way in all new residential, office, and commercial development.
Street trees and landscaping help unify neighborhoods and give them identity. They also reduce the impact of uninterrupted street pavement and provide shade for pedestrians.
4.8-I-14
Ensure that businesses provide signs that are compliant with the Zoning Ordinance, attractive and consistent with neighboring commercial uses, minimize visual clutter from roadways and other public areas, and, where possible,
cannot be seen from residential neighborhoods.
San Ramon requires developers to submit a “Master Sign Program” for most commercial and multi-family residential projects to ensure that signs are compatible with the above-stated goals. The City also provides design guidelines and location criteria for a variety of on- and offsite signs, all of which are subject to Architectural Review Board and/or Planning Commission review and approval.
4.8-I-15 Maintain attractive and distinctive street identification signs for all areas of the city.
Specially designed signs identifying all streets in San Ramon will provide a unifying and visually appealing element throughout the city. When a design is developed, existing signs will be replaced on an as-needed basis.
4.8-I-16
Continue to refine urban design standards in the Zoning Ordinance as needed for large-scale development to
promote smart growth principles while minimizing negative impacts on adjacent properties.
4.8-I-17
Implement the City Zoning Ordinance sun access plane
requirements and provide provisions for encroachments
into the sun access plane to allow architectural flexibility.
Sun access plane encroachments may be done by allowing, for example, a 15-foot vertical projection above the sun access plane for up to 25 percent of the length of the lot line opposite a City park. The Iron Horse Trail corridor is not subject to sun access plane standards. Currently deviations to the sun access plane requirements are processed through the minor exception or variance process.
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4.8-I-18
As part of development proposals, encourage public access to creeks as scenic visual and passive recreational amenities in a manner consistent with need of applicable resource agencies to provide creek and habitat protection.
South San Ramon, Watson Canyon, Oak, Norris, San Catanio, and San Ramon Creeks provide open space amenities within an urbanized setting. While large portions of these creeks are culverts or are tightly constrained between private development, opportunities potentially exist to provide pedestrian access to these amenities via walkways and bridges, and visual access via scenic corridors and building setbacks. It is the City’s goal to ensure that creekside settings remain accessible and open for everyone, as they provide visual relief and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city will work closely with regulatory agencies to achieve this goal.
4.8-I-19
Continue to provide park and recreational amenities that combine well-designed buildings, recreational equipment and playing fields, and complementary landscaping at key locations throughout the city.
San Ramon residents take pride in their parks, which offer activities from children’s play areas at all the facilities, to adult classes at the Community Center. San Ramon’s parks are designed to blend with adjacent neighborhoods, capture significant views of the hillsides, and soften the urban environment.
4.8-I-20 Require all walls and fences to be designed to minimize visual monotony.
Walls shall be designed to provide a safe and attractive streetscape with varied building orientations, landscaping and berm materials, and any other techniques that will provide visual relief.
4.8-I-21
Encourage the funding and development of high-quality
public art throughout the City including commercial areas, public spaces, parks, and trails.
4.8-I-22
Evaluate and update as needed the maximum allowable
non-retail uses within neighborhood or community
shopping centers and adopt clear economic findings that must be made before approving non-retail uses that exceed the limit.
4.9 ADMINISTRATION OF LAND USE REGULATIONS
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Packet Pg. 300 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ramon, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | October 2023 36 Any landowner should have an opportunity to demonstrate that the new General Plan policies and implementing zoning regulations results in the denial of all economically beneficial use of their land. If it were found that there is, in fact, a denial of all economically beneficial use, as the term is defined in applicable State and federal law, then the City would be required to modify the land use regulations as they apply to that property to allow for an economically beneficial use.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – LAND USE REGULATIONS
4.9-I-1
Establish provisions for making beneficial use
determinations and providing administrative relief from Plan policies and zoning regulations that have the potential for deprivation of property rights.
4.9-I-2
Consider potential adverse health and safety impacts
associated with land use decisions and reduce negative
impacts on residents from hazardous materials, industrial activities, facility locations, and design features.
4.9-I-3
Evaluate and implement environmental protection
measures within the City’s authority that support equitable treatment of all neighborhoods.
4.9-I-4
Ensure transparent public decision-making processes
through effective public outreach, engagement, and
participation that is inclusive of socially disadvantaged individuals and groups.
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5 TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION
The Traffic and Circulation Element is intended to provide guidance and specific actions to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of San Ramon’s circulation system. The Element is based on a fundamental philosophy that traffic conditions in the City can be managed through a comprehensive program of transportation planning, land use planning, and growth management strategies.
State Law recognizes that circulation and land use are closely related and requires that policies in this Element and the Land Use Element be tied together. Careful integration of the City’s traffic and circulation policies with its land use policies will ensure that there is sufficient roadway capacity to accommodate existing traffic and traffic anticipated by future development. The City is committed to designing a system of regional routes, local roads, public transit, and bicycle and pedestrian pathways that will enhance the community and minimize impacts to the environment.
On September 30, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 1358 (AB 1358), the California Complete Streets Act. The Act states: “In order to fulfill the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make the most efficient use of urban land and transportation infrastructure, and improve public health by encouraging physical activity, transportation planners must find innovative ways to reduce vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) and to shift from short trips in the automobile to biking, walking and use of public transit”.
In response to AB 1358, the General Plan Traffic and Circulation Element must contain provisions and plan for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all users of the streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel in a manner that is suitable and based on local conditions. “Complete Streets” design concepts are not new to the City of San Ramon, as the City has been designing and constructing its transportation network with all users in mind. To be in compliance with AB 1358, the City has incorporated Complete Streets concepts into every component of the Traffic and Circulation Element.
San Ramon’s Transportation Systems Management Program incorporates five core strategies:
1. Transportation programs are based on traffic circulation system needs and land use planning.
2. The City’s traffic circulation planning efforts are integrated with those of adjoining cities and counties in a cooperative, regional planning effort.
3. State of the art traffic engineering techniques and principles are used to bring planned improvements to reality.
4. Transportation demand management (TDM) strategies are employed to reduce dependence on single-occupant vehicles for commute travel.
5. All transportation modes are considered in all phases of design and construction within the City to create a circulation network that is safe, efficient, and convenient for all user groups.
Through the development and implementation of all these strategies the City’s commitment to a balanced and efficient circulation system can be achieved.
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5.1 CIRCULATION AND LAND USE
The circulation network provides the linkages between different land uses and facilitates access to home, shopping, jobs, schools, and recreation. Figure 5-1 shows the circulation network.
While this circulation network is planned to accommodate the growth envisioned in the General Plan, the City must plan not only for roadway capacity improvements, but also for all available transportation demand management (TDM) methods to manage traffic flow in the City. New roadway construction and street widening projects are expensive, can have impacts to the environment, and tend to promote singleoccupant auto travel. Alternatives to widening major roadways are discussed throughout this Element.
They include Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies, more efficient operation of existing roads through technology, Complete Streets, and improvements to the bus, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation systems. More importantly, this Element, as well as the Land Use and Growth Management Elements, contain policies to reduce VMT, meet the City’s infrastructure requirements, and define acceptable traffic Level-of-Service (LOS) guidelines.
Traffic LOS is an objective measure of operating conditions at of a roadway intersectionsbased on factors such as speed, travel time, maneuverability, delay, and safety. The term “LOS” refers to the traffic conditions that confront drivers when they are using the roadway system. San Ramon has adopted policies to ensure that acceptable LOS guidelines are maintained on City streets as development occurs. In an urban setting, roadway capacity is dictated by intersection operations. Peak-period traffic (or commute hour traffic) is evaluated mainly by calculating control delay or, in certain instances, by comparing projected traffic volumes to intersection capacities (volume to capacity ratio). The ratio of traffic volume to traffic capacity (“volume/capacity” ratios) can be used to describe the quality of traffic flow through an intersection. Traffic operations are classified by LOS A through F with corresponding volume/capacity ratios, as shown in Table 5-1.
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Figure 5-1: Circulation Network
Table 5-1: Level of Service Guidelines
Level of Service
(LOS)
Volume/Capacity
Control
Delay
(sec/veh)
Ratios (V/C) Description
A <10 < 0.60 Traffic is typically free flowing; very little delay.
B >10-20 0.61-0.70 Only slight delays; the majority of vehicles do not stop.
C >20-35 0.71-0.80 Acceptable delays; if an intersection is signalized, a few drivers may have to wait through one signal cycle.
D >35-55 0.81-0.90 Delays are substantial during short periods, but excessive backups do not occur.
E >55-80 0.91-1.0 Delays can exceed one or more signal cycles.
F >80 > 1.0 Excessive delays; backups from other locations restrict or prevent movement.
Note:
As part of the development review process, developers are required to prepare traffic studies. If traffic from a proposed project results in unacceptable
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Table 5-1: Level of Service Guidelines
Level of Service
(LOS)
Volume/Capacity
Control
Delay
(sec/veh)
Ratios (V/C) Description
impacts to the City’s circulation system, the developer is required to include mitigation measures which will maintainto acceptable levels of service.
Source: CCTA Technical Procedures Manual.
SENATE BILL 743
Passed in 2013, California Senate Bill (SB) 743 changes the focus of transportation impact analysis in CEQA from measuring impacts to drivers, to measuring the impact of driving. The change CEQA is being made by replacing Level of Service (LOS) as a performance metric with a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) approach. This shift in transportation impact focus is intended to better align transportation impact analysis and mitigation outcomes with the State’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, encourage infill development, and improve public health through development of multimodal transportation networks. LOS or other delay-based metrics are maintained as guidelines to evaluate the impact of new projects on drivers as part of land use entitlement review and impact fee programs.
In December 2018, the Natural Resources Agency finalized updates to Section 15064.3 of the CEQA Guidelines, including the incorporation of SB 743 modifications. The Guidelines’ changes were approved by the Office of Administrative Law and as of July 1, 2020, are now in effect statewide.
To help aid lead agencies with SB 743 implementation, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) produced the Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA that provides guidance about the variety of implementation questions they face with respect to shifting to a VMT metric. Key guidance from this document includes:
VMT is the most appropriate metric to evaluate a project’s transportation impact. OPR recommends tour- and trip-based travel models to estimate VMT, but ultimately defers to local agencies to determine the appropriate tools.
OPR recommends measuring VMT for residential and office projects on a “per rate” basis.
OPR recommends that a per capita or per employee VMT that is fifteen 15 percent below that of existing development may be a reasonable threshold. In other words, an office project that generates VMT per employee that is more than 85 percent of the regional VMT per employee could result in a significant impact, absent a local mitigation program or result in a Statement of Overriding Considerations as part of the EIR process. OPR notes that this threshold is supported by evidence that connects this level of reduction to the State’s emissions goals. OPR recommends that where a project replaces existing VMT-generating land uses, if the replacement leads to a net overall decrease in VMT, the project would lead to a less-thansignificant transportation impact. If the project leads to a net overall increase in VMT, then the thresholds described above should apply.
Lead agencies have the discretion to set or apply their own significance thresholds.
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The Contra Costa Transportation Authority has prepared guidance for member jurisdictions to use in developing their own VMT analysis methods, metrics, and thresholds of significance. The CCTA’s Growth Management Program Implementation Guide (Revised February 17, 2021), Appendix F describes the recommendations.
GUIDING POLICY – CIRCULATION AND LAND USE
5.1-G-1 Maintain acceptable LOS and ensure that future land uses and the circulation system are in balance.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – CIRCULATION AND LAND USE
5.1-I-1
Strive to maintain traffic LOS C or better as the standard at all intersections with a maximum LOS D during a.m. and
p.m. peak periods.
The a.m. peak period is typically defined as the commute time from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and the p.m. peak period is typically the commute time from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Growth Management Element further discusses the specific conditions under which LOS D will be accepted.
5.1-I-2
Accept LOS E during a.m. and p.m. peak periods with the possibility of signalized intersections at or closely
approaching the limits of LOS E (average control delay <=80 seconds/vehicle), only on arterial routes bordered by nonresidential development where improvements to meet the City’s LOS standard guidelines would be prohibitively costly or disruptive.
5.1-I-3
Require new development provide traffic impact studies if the Project would generate 50 or more net new peak hour vehicle trips and a VMT assessment based on adopted local, regional, and/or State technical criteria. Preparation of traffic impact studies and/or VMT assessments may also be determined or waived by the City Traffic Engineer.
5.1-I-4 Identify and implement mitigations based on traffic studies and VMT assessments.
5.1-I-5 Implement uniform design standards for City arterials, collectors, local streets, and private roadways.
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5.1-I-6 Monitor key intersection LOS on a regular basis and document the results.
5.1-I-7
Implement the following transportation programs:
Transportation Demand Management Program (TDM)
Program, Street Smarts Traffic Safety Program, Residential Traffic Calming Program, and TRAFFIX Program.
The potential effects of traffic calming measures on emergency response are an important consideration in the development of any traffic-calming program. Traffic calming should not significantly hinder emergency response or adversely affect the ability of emergency service providers to achieve their respective performance guidelines.
5.1-I-8
Implement a Safe Routes to School Program to address
access and safety issues on streets adjacent to elementary schools in San Ramon.
5.1-I-9
Implement transportation technology solutions such as
intelligent Transportation System and electric vehicle
infrastructure to advance transportation goals.
Technology in transportation has increased exponentially over the past decade. Transportation technology gets us from Point A to Point B more efficiently (and environmentally friendly) than ever before. Innovative vehicular transportation technology examples range from autonomous vehicles to e-bikes to electric cars.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies advance safety and mobility by integrating advanced technologies into transportation infrastructure examples include, but are not limited to, adaptive traffic signal systems, dynamic detection systems, Automatic Traffic signal Performance Measures (ATSPMs) dynamic ramp metering, transit signal priority, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication.
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5.2 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
Regional transportation planning coordination is a major focus of the City’s transportation management philosophy. In 1988, Contra Costa County voters approved Measure C, the Contra Costa County Transportation Improvement and Growth Management Initiative. Measure C established countywide standards for traffic levels of service and circulation improvements, as well as a comprehensive growth management program that includes a requirement for cooperative multi-jurisdictional transportation planning. In 2004, Contra Costa County voters approved Measure J, a 25-year extension of the half-cent local transportation sales tax program. The projects and programs contained in the Measure J Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan are for the continued maintenance, improvement and operation of local streets, roads, and highways and the construction, improvement and operation of public transit systems. Consistent with past practices, the Measure J Expenditure Plan includes a Growth Management Program (GMP) component. The goal of the GMP is to preserve and enhance the quality of life and promote a healthy, strong economy to benefit the people and areas of Contra Costa through a cooperative, multi-jurisdictional process for managing growth, while maintaining local authority over land use decisions. The following is a summary of key local Measure J programs and projects.
Efforts have begun to integrate Vision Zero as a standard practice in local and regional transportation planning and traffic operations in San Ramon. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. San Ramon’s Transportation Systems Management Program includes the collecting and reviewing traffic safety data to identify trends, support local planning, and coordinate local and countywide efforts to reach Vison Zero.
MEASURE J TRAFFIC CONGESTION RELIEF AGENCY—TRAFFIX
One category of Measure J provides funding for a program entitled, “Safe Transportation for Children” and includes the inauguration of a San Ramon Valley School Traffic Congestion Relief Program or other projects in the San Ramon Valley that reduce school-related congestion. The TRAFFIX program will target the areas in the San Ramon Valley with the highest level of congestion. Levels of congestion are assessed at selected intersections by the TRAFFIX JPA using a consultant to conducting a LOS analysis when they deem necessary. The TRAFFIX program is intended to reduce traffic congestion caused by parents driving their children to and from school through some of the San Ramon Valley’s most congested intersections.
To accomplish this, transit service is available to transport students, who live near or must travel through these most congested intersections in the San Ramon Valley, thus providing an alternative to individual car travel and improving traffic flow on local roadways.
MEASURE J CARPOOL LANE GAP CLOSURE/I-680 TRANSIT ENHANCEMENTS The project will extend bus/carpool lanes on southbound I-680 from North Main Street to Livorna Road and northbound from North Main Street to north of SR 242.
I-680 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS
The Measure J Expenditure Plan included a project titled I-680 Carpool Lane Gap Closure/Transit Corridor Improvements. One component of the Project included the construction of HOV Direct Access Ramps (DAR) at Norris Canyon Road in San Ramon. The City of San Ramon withdrew support for the DAR Project.
On March 22, 2016, the San Ramon City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016-027 requesting the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) shift priority emphasis to the Bollinger Canyon Road/I-680 Interchange Improvements and discontinue efforts related to the DAR Project in San Ramon.
Consequently, the City has initiated operational improvements that could be implemented sooner than improvements proposed as part of the DAR Project, thereby providing traffic congestion relief along the I-680 corridor, particularly at the Bollinger Canyon Road/I-680 Interchange.
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In addition, the City of San Ramon supports CCTA efforts underway that will provide congestion relief along the I-680 corridor, including:
1. Initiate operational improvements at the Bollinger Canyon Road/I-680 Interchange that will provide new and/or reconfigured infrastructure to accommodate planned improvements along the corridor, such as new and enhanced local and express bus services, increase in HOV usage, and ramp metering.
2. Determine whether or not additional Park & Ride lot(s), new and/or expanded, are needed to accommodate proposed increased express/fixed route bus service in the corridor, particular at the Bollinger Canyon Road Interchange.
3. Study in greater detail the bus on shoulder improvements specifically at the Bollinger Canyon Road Interchange as identified in the I-680 Transit Investment/Congestion Relief Options Study.
4. Improve Freeway Operations, particularly at the Bollinger Canyon Road Interchange to enhance Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Support and Active Traffic Management infrastructure.
GUIDING POLICY – REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANNING
5.2-G-1 Actively participate in local and regional transportation planning.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANNING
5.2-I-1
Continue to develop and implement Action Plans for Routes of Regional Significance, in cooperation with the Southwest Area Transportation Committee (SWAT), the Contra Costa
Transportation Authority (CCTA), and the Tri-Valley
Transportation Council (TVTC).
5.2-I-2
Continue to implement the Tri-Valley Transportation Action Plan through participation in the Tri-Valley Transportation Council (TVTC).
5.2-I-3 Participate in programs to mitigate regional traffic congestion.
5.2-I-4
Ensure local jurisdiction consistency with the goals and policies of the Contra Costa Congestion Management Plan (CMP).
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5.2-I-5
Emphasize regional transportation demand management
and trip reduction strategies as alternatives to
improvements to existing transportation facilities and the construction of new transportation facilities.
5.2-I-6 Identify and consider the impacts of land use decisions on regional as well as local transportation facilities.
5.2-I-7
Pursue regional air quality and greenhouse gas reduction objectives through effective management of the City’s
transportation system.
5.3 COMPLETE STREETS
“Complete Streets” are defined as streets that serve everyone—pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and drivers—and they take into account the needs of people with disabilities, older people, and children. “Complete Streets” design concepts and implementation of potential local and regional Vision Zero strategies to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries can improve safety though the consideration of all user groups, improve people’s health by promoting an active lifestyle and encouraging travelers to walk or ride bicycles instead of driving, and allow for all modes of travel to be used to reach key destinations in a community and region safely and efficiently. By using “Complete Streets” design concepts, the City can construct and continue to improve a network of streets that are accessible to all local transportation modes and all user groups while maintaining roadway capacity and level of service required by the General Plan.
Implementation of Complete Streets concepts can result in improved mobility for people who cannot or do not drive and can result in less reliance on automobiles. A reduction in automobile use would result in a reduction in local VMT along with a corresponding reduction in transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions created by the burning of fossil fuels.
GUIDING POLICY – COMPLETE STREETS
5.3-G-1
Encourage transportation facilities that consider the users’ safety and allow for all modes of travel based on local conditions and needs of the community.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – COMPLETE STREETS
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5.3-I-1
Maintain and periodically update Complete Streets
Guidelines that establish local review and assessment
criteria and encourage development of a multimodal
transportation network to meet community needs.
The Complete Streets Guidelines, adopted in the Engineering Design Procedures in July 2017, include a range of design tools and considerations intended to assist in the design of new transportation improvements and the re-design of the existing transportation network. The Complete Street Guidelines are not intended to be “one size fits all” standards, but rather provide a framework for assessing the multimodal needs of the community in the context of a specific transportation or roadway project. The Complete Streets Guidelines may be a stand-alone guidance document or incorporated into existing streetscape guidelines or roadway development standards.
5.3-I-2 Implement Complete Streets principles, as appropriate, for new roadway design and significant roadway rehabilitation.
Complete Streets principles are identified in the Complete Streets Guidelines. Specific application of the Complete Streets principles is to be based on the specific needs and context of the project being considered.
5.3-I-3
Coordinate the implementation of Complete Streets
concepts, as appropriate, with ongoing transportation and congestion relief programs such as the TDM Program,
Street Smarts Traffic Safety Program, Residential Traffic Calming Program, Safe Routes to School Program and
TRAFFIX Program.
5.3-I-4 Encourage Complete Streets concepts as a VMT and greenhouse gas reduction strategy.
5.3-I-5
Consider the access and mobility needs of special needs groups such as seniors and persons with disabilities in the implementation of all Complete Streets projects.
5.4 ARTERIAL ROADWAYS
The City’s circulation system is based on a functional classification of arterial, collector, and local streets.
The system of classifying roadways is intended to provide adequate through-travel capacity on major routes while limiting through-traffic in residential neighborhoods. The function of arterial roadways is to accommodate higher traffic volumes and intercity circulation, while balancing the needs of all users through Complete Streets concepts. Arterial roadways are generally characterized as having two to four lanes of traffic in each direction separated by a center median (see Figure 5-2). These streets are used to travel to activity centers, freeways, and other arterials. These streets also serve adjacent residential and commercial land uses via arterial and collector connections.
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General Plan 2040, Implementing Policy 5.4-I-3 requires the City to construct capacity and roadway improvements necessary to serve growth generated by potential General Plan buildout. The City continues to implement the City’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, which includes the status and details for necessary capacity improvements to arterial roadways.
Figure 5-2: Typical Major Arterial
* This cross section represents a typical layout of a major arterial, but the exact dimensions may be modified at the discretion of the City Engineer.
GUIDING POLICY – ARTERIAL ROADWAYS
5.4-G-1
Design arterial roadways to efficiently move inter-city traffic, thereby minimizing through-traffic in residential areas of the City.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – ARTERIAL ROADWAYS
5.4-I-1
Ensure that adequate north-south and east-west arterial capacity is provided to accommodate future travel demand and, where appropriate, implement Complete Streets
concepts pursuant to Policy 5.3-G-1.
5.4-I-2 Implement the City’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
5.4-I-3
Construct capacity and roadway efficiency improvements
necessary to serve growth generated by development
under the General Plan.
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5.4-I-4
Maximize the carrying capacity of arterial roadways by
controlling the number of intersections, minimizing
residential and commercial driveway access, on-street
parking, and requiring off-street parking strategies to meet the needs of each proposed project.
The intent of this policy is to minimize conflicts from intersections, driveways, and parking along arterial roadways.
5.4-I-5
Require traffic impact mitigation fees on new residential and commercial development to ensure that transportation improvements are constructed before the increased traffic causes conditions to deteriorate.
5.4-I-6 Make optimal use of federal, state, and other funding sources to complete circulation system improvements.
5.4-I-7
Minimize congestion on arterials by implementing the
policies in the Complete Streets, Transportation Demand Management and Public Transit sections of the Circulation Element.
5.4-I-8
Encourage regional freight movement on freeways and
other appropriate routes; evaluate and implement vehicle weight limits as appropriate on arterial, collector and local roadways to mitigate truck traffic impacts in the
community.
5.4-I-9 Specify hauling routes for transporting hazardous materials that minimize the risk to people and property.
These routes should not pass through residential areas or other sensitive areas. Specific time periods for transport should be established to reduce the impact and accident risk during peak travel periods.
5.5 COLLECTOR AND LOCAL ROADWAYS
Collector roadways are used to travel within and between neighborhoods. Collector roadways are characterized as having 1-2 lanes of traffic in each direction and typically do not have a center median (See Figure 5-3). These roadways collect traffic from local streets and route it to arterials. Local roadways are used to travel within neighborhoods and are designed to discourage through-traffic in residential areas. The City sets traffic volume goals to limit traffic volumes to acceptable levels on these roadways, as they often have the capacity to carry far more traffic than is tolerable to people living along them.
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General Plan 2040, Implementing Policy 5.5-I-4 requires the City to construct the capacity improvements necessary to serve growth generated by potential General Plan buildout. The City continues to implement the City’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, which includes the status and details for necessary capacity improvements to collector and local roadways.
Figure 5-3: Typical Collector Roadway
** This cross section represents a typical layout of a collector roadway, but the exact dimensions may be modified at the discretion of the City Engineer.
GUIDING POLICY – COLLECTOR AND LOCAL ROADWAYS
5.5-G-1
Design collector and local roadways to improve circulation and to connect residential and commercial areas of the City while incorporating Complete Streets concepts pursuant to Policy 5.3-I-2 where appropriate.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – COLLECTOR AND LOCAL ROADWAYS
5.5-I-1
Implement residential traffic calming measures, as
warranted, and police enforcement to mitigate speeding
and other traffic impacts in residential areas of the City.
Proposed residential traffic calming measures are reviewed by the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) for specific recommendations. The TAC acts as a clearinghouse for transportation issues affecting the City of San Ramon and refers (with recommendations) those items requiring action before the City Council.
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5.5-I-2
Continue to implement traffic-control measures and design features that support the City’s goals for collector
roadways.
The City’s goal is to limit traffic volumes on collector roadways to less than 3,000 vehicles per day. Because of the dual function that collectors serve, both property access and mobility, the goal may not be achievable in some cases. The City seeks to balance the needs for preservation of residential character and for adequate mobility, for each collector roadway.
5.5-I-3
Continue to implement traffic-control measures, residential traffic calming, and design features that support the City’s goals for local collector roadways.
The City’s goal is to limit traffic volumes on local roadways. The City seeks to minimize the impact of higher volumes on local streets, and minimize inappropriate travel on these streets, through implementation of the Residential Traffic Calming program and appropriate roadway design features in new development areas.
5.5-I-4
Construct capacity and roadway improvements necessary
to serve growth generated by development under the
General Plan.
The City’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Program includes the status and details for necessary capacity improvements to collector and local roadways.
5.5-I-5 Mitigate traffic impacts to collector streets as a result of new residential and commercial development.
5.5-I-6
Maintain controlled or permit-only parking restrictions in residential areas as approved by the City Council based on unique circumstances and the Municipal Code criteria.
5.6 TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC TRANSIT The term “Transportation Demand Management” (TDM) refers to measures designed to reduce automobile traffic in order to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. These measures include public transit, telecommuting, compressed work weeks, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, bicycling, and incentives to increase the use of these alternatives. TDM has become increasingly important in maintaining acceptable traffic levels of service in the Tri-Valley and elsewhere in the Bay Area.
San Ramon has long recognized the need to reduce the use of single-occupant vehicles to achieve improved traffic levels of service and regional air quality. Since 1989, the City’s TDM program has demonstrated the ability to maintain one of the lowest drive-alone rates of all Contra Costa County jurisdictions and has a high number of vanpools with a San Ramon destination. The City’s TDM Program receives guidance from the Transportation Demand Management Advisory Committee consisting of local business representatives and provides a unique opportunity for the public and private sectors to work together toward the common goal of reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
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TDM program participation has been further promoted through the adoption of Senate Bill 1339 (Yee), signed by the Governor in fall 2012. SB 1339 authorizes the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to jointly adopt a regional commute benefit program. The Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program (Program) took effect on March 26, 2014.
The Program is based on Regulation 14, Rule 1, which was adopted by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in response to Senate Bill 1339 (codified in California Government Code section 65081).
The Program requires Bay Area employers (public, private, or nonprofit) in the San Francisco Bay Area with 50 or more full-time employees (i.e., employees who work 30 or more hours per week) at all Bay Area Worksites combined to provide commuter benefits to their employees by September 30, 2014.
Employers subject to the Program are required to choose one of four commuter benefit options and make the chosen commuter benefit available to their employees.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
San Ramon’s Transit Plan, adopted in 2005, articulates a vision for a comprehensive public transit system with frequent, efficient, cost effective and convenient transit service for residents, seniors, youth, and employees who live and work in San Ramon. Bus service in San Ramon is currently provided by the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (CCCTA). The City has a transit facility located adjacent to the Bishop Ranch Business Park and future plans call for the construction of an additional transit facility as part of the City Center Mixed Use Project. The North Camino Ramon Specific Plan contemplates a new or relocated transit center to geographically balance transit facility needs within the core of the City. These transit facilities provide regional connectivity to major transit facilities including BART as well as adjoining cities in the TriValley area.
In addition, public transit service to the San Ramon Dougherty Valley was launched on December 18, 2006.
County Connection, Contra Costa County and the Dougherty Valley developers entered into an agreement that will provide Dougherty Valley with transit service for five years. Funding for the five-year service plan is through a fee imposed on the Dougherty Valley developers. Due to the 2008 recession, the construction of housing was delayed. As a result, the collection of transit fees stalled. However, in 2011, the agreement between County Connection and Contra Costa County was amended to extend beyond the five-year period. At that time, County Connection agreed to continue funding the Dougherty Valley service Route
35. In return, Contra Costa County will refund County Connection the transit fees upon collection and build-out of Dougherty Valley.
Route 35 has been incorporated into the County Connection fixed route service. Route 35 operates on half hour frequencies during the peak house from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 am and then from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During off peak hours, the service frequency is hourly. Today, the route meets the County Connection performance standards for passenger per revenue hour and will continue to operate so long as it meets performance standards, and after the collection of the Dougherty Valley Transit Fee.
To respond to a petition submitted by residents of the Windemere Parkway corridor, County Connection added a “loop” along Windemere Parkway to provide service along Windemere corridor to East Branch Parkway. The service was added in 2009 and is in place today.
The City has worked closely with the CCCTA to fill the regional and local need for public transit and will continue to advocate the need to maintain basic level of service for the City. Future projections indicate the potential for serious traffic congestion in the I-680 corridor in the future. These projections are based on anticipated growth in the communities along the I-680 corridor and in neighboring regions such as the Silicon and Central Valleys. Smart Growth strategies, including those incorporated into Plan Bay Area and the Contra Costa Countywide Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP), are anticipated to promote a more compact growth pattern and reduce VMT. However, regional public transit serving the I-680 corridor will be necessary to maintain service levels and would preclude the need for further freeway widening.
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The Measure J Transportation Sales Tax Expenditure Plan includes a Capital Improvement Project that will facilitate the usage of public transit, carpools and vanpools along the I-680 corridor. The project “Interstate 680 carpool Lane Gap Closure/Transit Corridor Improvements” will extend the existing bus/carpool lanes on southbound I-680 from North Main Street to Livorna Road and northbound from North Main Street to north of SR 242. It will also implement transit corridor improvements that address congestion and/or increase population along the I-680 corridor.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION MODES
The field of transportation planning is evolving at a rate not seen since the automobile was first mass produced in the early 20th Century. Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Lyft and Uber are providing mobility as a service, and the prospect of autonomous vehicles (AVs) may result in a transportation future where many Americans might not own a vehicle, but still ride in an automobile. New self-owned and shared forms of “micro-mobility” like electric scooters (e-scooters) and electric bikes (ebikes) have expanded rapidly in major cities across the United States and may act as a catalyst for encouraging more active transportation use and divert some short distance trips from low occupancy automobile use. Additionally, the population is aging, which is placing a premium on designing a transportation system that accommodates users of all ages.
There is not consensus as to how emerging transportation trends and technologies will affect transportation. Testing of these emerging trends through typical transportation forecasting tools (e.g., travel demand models, traffic operations models) suggests the following potential outcomes over the next 20 years:
Operational efficiencies associated with AVs and the proliferation of mobile connectivity may result in travel by TNCs becoming more common. This could make trips between transit stations, residences, and places of employment more convenient, which could encourage transit use. One drawback to travel by AV/TNC is that if they become so efficient and cost effective, they could make transit usage (versus driving) less desirable. Also, since AV/TNCs would likely be traveling between ride requests, there may be an increase in empty vehicles on the road, which has implications for VMT per capita generation.
If AV/TNCs become more common, it could reduce the need for on-street and off-street parking.
Surface parking lots could then be re-used to accommodate additional development. If online retail continues to capture an increasing market share, the demand for traditional retail space may be reduced. The rise of delivery technologies, such as drone delivery and pick up/drop off centers, may reduce the number of private retail trips. Enhanced forms of micro-mobility could improve comfort levels for travelers using alternative modes of transportation by overcoming significant challenges, such as high-speed differentials between cyclists and drivers and changes in elevation, may increase demand for bike system infrastructure, and influence how the transportation field thinks about complete streets and areawide curb space management strategies. Equity considerations for transportation may increase the need to demonstrate that programs effectively serve all segments of the community.
Traditional methods of funding transportation programs (e.g., gas tax) may become less dependable, and new funding streams may be required to fund improvements to maintain the transportation system. For example, Transportation Impact Fees can be initiated to help fund the transportation improvements that will be needed as development occurs in the City.
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GUIDING POLICY – TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
5.6-G-1
Utilize Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
strategies as an integral component of the City’s
transportation program to reduce total vehicle trips VMT trips on San Ramon roadways and reduce the
corresponding vehicle emissions that promote regional air quality improvements.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
5.6-I-1
Engage with public agencies and other jurisdictions to
promote local and regional public transit service in San Ramon as part of a multimodal and Complete Streets
strategy.
5.6-I-2
Encourage and assist major employers and property
managers of commercial sites with 50 or more employees
to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles by
participating in the City’s TDM programs, including the commuter benefit program, and programs provided by the
Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
The City’s TDM Program receives guidance from the Transportation Demand Management Advisory Committee consisting of local business representatives. TDM Advisory Committee makes recommendations to City staff, and the City Council on the delivery of TDM Policies, programs, activities and services. The Committee serves as liaison between the City and business community to develop and implement commute alternative programs for all employers and business complexes in the City.
5.6-I-3
Encourage additional local bus or other public
transportation service providers to and from regional
transit lines. The City shall strive to improve the transit service to and from all neighborhoods and commercial
districts in San Ramon.
5.6-I-4
Preserve options for future public transit and alternative transportation uses when designing improvements for
roadways such as Bollinger Canyon Road Corridor within
Dougherty Valley.
Future right of way improvements shall be evaluated and include Complete Streets concepts pursuant to Policy 5.3-I-2.
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5.6-I-5 Encourage future transit uses within the I-680 corridor right-of-way and within the City of San Ramon.
5.6-I-6
Engage with other jurisdictions and agencies to coordinate the City’s TDM programs with regional plans and action
plans that are aimed at reducing traffic congestion and VMT, and improving air quality.
5.6-I-7
Encourage new development to include a mix of uses and
Complete Streets concepts that will allow people to walk and bike between destinations and reduce the amount of
automobile VMT.
5.6-I-8 Encourage alternative public transportation programs and obtain funding for new TDM projects or programs.
5.6-I-9
Encourage employers and commercial complexes to
emphasize public transit services or private alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle.
5.6-I-10 Work with transit providers to situate amenity rich transit stops and shelters at convenient and safe locations.
5.6-I-11
Promote increased transit ridership through the use of
Transportation Management Associations and other
employer-based transit programs, equip buses with three slot bike racks, and make transit information readily
accessible in a smart phone-friendly format.
5.6-I-12
Coordinate with Caltrans and transit providers to identify and implement park and ride lots with updated amenities with convenient access to public transit facilities often called Mobility Hubs.
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5.6-I-13
Work with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District and other appropriate agencies and organizations to reduce
vehicle trips through the provision of transit programs, the TRAFFIX School Bus Program and promoting carpooling,
bicycling, and walking.
5.6-I-14
Consider strategies such as shared parking, parking
management plans (including valet parking), transit
connected satellite parking and/or the construction of
public parking facilities in the City Center or other
commercial areas to serve projected parking demand, while carefully balancing the need for adequate parking against the desire to minimize traffic growth and create a
pedestrian/bicycle friendly environment using Complete
Streets design concepts.
See also the Land Use Element for a discussion of shared parking in residential and mixed use developments.
5.6-I-15
Work with local transit providers to increase and expand weekend transit service and late night Owl service from regional rail and transit hubs.
5.6-I-16
Explore opportunities for the location or relocation of a transit center and/or multiple Mobility Hubs within Bishop Ranch Business Park to better geographically balance the public transit needs for the City.
GUIDING POLICY – PUBLIC TRANSIT
5.6-G-2
Encourage trip reduction measures in an effort to reduce VMT, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
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IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – PUBLIC TRANSIT
5.6-I-17
Encourage “Park Once” concepts as a VMT reduction
strategy for mixed-use, commercial, and public facilities through the integration of common design features and
shared parking concepts including but not limited to Parking Benefit Districts.
“Park Once” concepts relate primarily to mixed-use developments and encourage centralized parking that allows users to park their cars in close proximity to several destinations. VMT, trips on the roadway system, and air pollution are reduced by eliminating the need for several short trips between otherwise local destinations.
5.6-I-18
Encourage shared parking facilities and parking reductions for compatible land uses to minimize excessive parking to reduce inefficient use of land, unnecessary pavement and stormwater runoff, and encourage alternative
transportation and reductions in VMT.
Proposals for shared parking should be based on a parking study demonstrating the compatibility of land uses, including peak use analysis and recommended remedies to address future parking concerns should they arise.
5.6-I-19
Encourage infill, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and first and last mile transit access connections as VMT
reduction strategies for existing and proposed
development.
5.7 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTES
Bicycling and walking are key elements of San Ramon’s circulation system and important components of the “Complete Streets” concept. The City has an extensive network of bikeways, sidewalks, and trails that enhance neighborhood accessibility and help to reduce reliance on the automobiles, which meets key goals of the Complete Streets policies. The existing network has been developed over time based on standard practices in bicycle planning and engineering. The City’s local bicycle and pedestrian network is a key component of the Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Additionally, in 2018, the City approved its first Bicycle Master Plan with the objective of creating connected, accessible routes that are comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. The Plan is a vision for bikeway facilities and a suite of supportive programs and infrastructure. Figure 5-4 identifies the location of the City’s existing and planned bicycle routes. Bicycle routes are grouped into three different categories, all of which have standards for width, signage, and pavement marking and are consistent with the City’s Bicycle Master Plan:
1. Class I bikeway, also referred to as a bike path, is a paved, separate right-of-way that is physically separated from any street.
2. Class II bikeway, or bike lane, is a one-way, striped, and signed lane on a street.
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3. Class III bike routes share the road with vehicle traffic or pedestrians and are marked by signs and/or sharrow pavement markings.
With the exception of the Iron Horse Trail, bike paths from Bent Creek to Old Ranch Park, the “CrossValley” trail in the PG&E right-of-way, and portions of Dougherty Valley multi-use system (Class I bike paths), all bikeways in San Ramon are Class II or III located on City rights-of-way. It is the City’s goal to provide and maintain a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian system that connects all parts of the City.
In 2007, the City of San Ramon, in coordination with Contra Costa County, CCTA, Town of Danville and East Bay Regional Park District, developed the San Ramon Valley Iron Horse Trail Bicycle Pedestrian Corridor Concept Plan. The Plan studied the feasibility of constructing bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing(s) along the Iron Horse Trail as an alternative to the at-grade crossings at Sycamore Valley, Crow Canyon and Bollinger Canyon Roads. The primary goals in the implementation of these overcrossings would be to:
1. Improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety
2. Improve pedestrian and bicyclist access and circulation
3. Facilitate alternative means of transportation
4. Increase recreational opportunities
5. Facilitate healthier lifestyles
6. Cultivate appreciation of the natural world
The Corridor Concept Plan established the basic scope and feasibility and was the first step in the process of evaluating and implementing pedestrian overcrossings at the proposed San Ramon locations. Since that time the City of San Ramon has completed design and obtained funding for construction of the Bollinger Canyon Road overcrossing and has secured funding for the design of the Crow Canyon Road overcrossing.
GUIDING POLICY – BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTES
5.7-G-1 Encourage bicycling and walking as alternatives to driving, consistent with Complete Streets concepts.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTES
5.7-I-1
Establish a network of on- and off-street bicycle routes to encourage their use for commute, recreational, and other trips. Improve and expand bicycle routes for commuters in San Ramon and between San Ramon and neighboring
jurisdictions.
5.7-I-2
Develop bicycle routes that provide access to regional
employment centers, shopping centers, public facilities, transit centers, schools, and parks.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 322 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 22
5.7-I-3
Continue to emphasize the Iron Horse Trail as a major
north-south route for non-motorized modes of
transportation including walking, biking, rollerblading and scooters by improving connectivity and enhancing
amenities for these modes.
The Iron Horse Trail provides access to Central Park, the Bishop Ranch Business Park, Montevideo Elementary School, Walt Disney Elementary School, California High School, and residential neighborhoods.
The trail is linked to City Center and is anticipated to serve as an important corridor within the North Camino Ramon Specific PlanCity. The Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Concept Plan includes overcrossing proposals to improve movement along the Iron Horse Trail and minimize delays and improve safety at major arterials.
In 2014, the Iron Horse Trail was designated a Route of Regional Significance by Tri-Valley Transportation Council (TVTC). While not typical that a multimodal trail would be designated as a Regional Route of Significance, the IHT meets the criteria as a transportation facility that is considered to be important from a regional perspective, providing regional mobility and connecting multiple jurisdictions. Additionally, the status as a Regional Route of Significance allows for additional grant opportunities for corridor improvements and emphasizes local multimodal resources and objectives in the text of TVTC Action Plan.
Figure 5-4: Bicycle Network
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 323 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 23
5.7-I-4
Encourage future development along the Iron Horse Trail corridor to provide connection points and adjacent
amenities, as appropriate.
Amenities may include, but are not limited to, benches, landscaping, and signage.
5.7-I-5
Require bicycle parking, storage, and other support facilities as part of new office, retail, housing, and public facilities developments.
Facilities may include, but are not limited to, racks, elockers, and changing facilities.
5.7-I-6
Continue to promote and implement through the
development review process, continuous circulation
facilities within commercial districts and residential
neighborhoods to enhance connectivity and promote
pedestrian and bicycle modes of transportation consistent with Complete Streets concepts.
5.7-I-7
Continue to implement accessibility standards for seniors and physically disabled persons within the public rights-ofway.
5.7-I-8
Pursue grant funding for implementation of projects
identified in the adopted Bicycle Master Plan and Walking District Master Plan, including funding from State and
regional sources.
5.7-I-9
Implement roadway improvement projects to minimize
both temporary and permanent reductions in bicycle and
pedestrian mobility and/or accessibility.
5.7-I-10
Work with neighboring jurisdictions to ensure that
continuity in bicycle and pedestrian networks is provided at jurisdictional boundaries.
This policy is intended to prevent the creation of gaps in bicycle and pedestrian networks that would be inconsistent with the Complete Streets concept.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 324 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 24
5.7-I-11
Work with Caltrans and other appropriate agencies to
improve bicycle and pedestrian mobility at freeway
crossings.
5.7-I-12 Promote educational efforts about traffic laws and safe practices for all modes of transportation.
This policy is intended to increase awareness of the California Vehicle Code requirements (e.g., yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks), potentially preventing conflicts between motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
5.7-I-13
Prioritize bicycle network improvements in the core area of San Ramon, including construction of new facilities and actions to remove barriers to cycling as identified in the San Ramon Bicycle Master Plan, in order to support
development in the City’s Priority Development Areas
(PDAs).
The City of San Ramon Bicycle Master Plan identifies a range of funding mechanisms and partnerships to facilitate implementation of improvements envisioned and to encourage increased cycling in the core area.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 325 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 1 6
PARKS AND RECREATION
San Ramon is committed to creating and maintaining a park and trail system that meets the recreational needs of its residents and contributes to the City’s positive image. The presence of well-designed parks and community facilities is essential to the health and well-being of a community. Parks and community facilities in San Ramon have improved and are striving to achieve the ideal envisioned by the City and its residents.
6.1 SAN RAMON PARKS, TRAILS, OPEN SPACE, AND RECREATIONAL MASTER PLAN
The primary guiding tool of parks and community facilities is the San Ramon Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreational Master Plan, approved by the San Ramon City Council. It is a blueprint that guides park, community service, and recreation development through 2030 and, in conjunction with the General Plan, acts as a guidance tool to the City Council, the Planning Commission, the Parks and Community Service Commission, and the public.
The City’s current standard for public parkland is 6.5 acres per 1,000 residents at General Plan buildout.
Of the total 6.5 acres per 1,000 residents, at General Plan buildout, a goal of 4.5 acres per 1,000 residents is for, neighborhood and school parks and 2.0 acres per 1,000 residents is for community parks and specialized recreation areas. While this parkland standard exceeds the fees which can be collected under California Government Code Section 66477 (Quimby Act), San Ramon makes up for the difference in fees by other funding methods. This public parkland standard is achievable under the General Plan if the City is successful in securing the proposed public parkland through dedication and City efforts.
Since incorporation, the City has successfully pursued an ambitious program of park development.
Neighborhood parks at school sites, expansions of San Ramon Central Park, parks established in new subdivisions, and preservation of significant creek corridors have been included in this program. Providing for parks and recreation services in San Ramon falls within the jurisdiction of the City, as well as several local, regional, and state agencies, private businesses, local homeowners’ associations, and numerous special interest organizations.
6.2 PARK CLASSIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS
The City provides its residents with several types of parks and facilities. Parks are defined as parkland used for public recreational purposes. Parks and facilities are primarily owned and maintained by the City however privately owned and maintained parks and facilities that are accessible to the public and provide a community benefit to the general public may also be considered a park. Parks in San Ramon are classified below. Figure 6-1, Figure 6-2, and Figure 6-3 show existing parks and recreational facilities in San Ramon.
Neighborhood Park. A park or playground at least two acres in size, developed primarily to serve the recreational needs of citizens living within a half mile radius of the park. The City’s goal, at General Plan buildout, is to maintain 4.5 acres of, Neighborhood Parks, and School Parks per 1,000 residents. School Park. A neighborhood park developed, improved, and maintained on school grounds by the City. School parks are utilized jointly by students and by residents primarily within a half-mile radius of the surrounding neighborhoods. The City’s goal at General Plan buildout is to maintain 4.5 acres of, Neighborhood Parks, and School Parks per 1,000 residents. Community Park. A larger park or facility developed to meet the park and recreational needs of those living or working within a three-mile radius of the park. Community parks vary from 10 to 60 acres.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 326 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 2 The City’s goal, at General Plan buildout, is to maintain 2.0 acres of Community Parks and Specialized Recreation Areas per 1,000 residents.
Regional Park. A park having a wide range of improvements not usually found in neighborhood and community parks and designed to meet the recreational needs of the entire regional population. A regional park must be over 200 acres in size, including both land and water bodies and should be within 30-minute driving time from the residents it serves. Recreational facilities, confined to a Recreation Staging Area, must not occupy more than 30 percent of the park’s area, leaving 70 percent of the park’s area to remain in its natural state. Recreational facilities might include a golf course, a zoo, a nature area, and/or hiking or equestrian trails. Some of these facilities may be under lease to community groups.
Specialized Recreation Area. A recreation area or facility devoted to a very specific activity or use such as community gardens, tennis court facilities, dog parks, linear parks or properties of historical significance such as Forest Home Farms. The City’s goal, at General Plan buildout, is to maintain 2.0 acres of Community Parks and Specialized Recreation Areas per 1,000 residents. Public Spaces. A publicly or privately owned recreation space, area, or facility that is accessible to the public, where appropriate in mixed-use or multi-family developments, developed to enhance the recreation or leisure interactive experience of residents or visitors for passive or active use.
Public Spaces might include an interactive water element, public art, gardens, trails and paths, plazas, lakes, labyrinths, picnic areas, tot-parks, or pocket parks, and includes a balance of hardscape and landscaped areas. The City may allow for partial or full parkland dedication credit for these types of publicly accessible spaces, based on City need and community benefit to the general public.
6.3 OTHER RECREATION AREAS AND FACILITIES
A variety of recreation areas and facilities in San Ramon are provided, through public and/or private investments, that are not part of the City parkland standards. For example, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is the primary provider of regional park space and activities in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. EBRPD is responsible for recreational development and maintenance of regional parks, preserves, and trails. In San Ramon, the Iron Horse Trail, Bishop Ranch Open Space, Little Hills Ranch Recreation Area, Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space, and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness are all EBRPD facilities.
The EBRPD is committed to coordinating jointly managed regional trails with local communities such as San Ramon. Other trails proposed in the San Ramon Planning Area will exist along the western edge, along Dougherty Road, in Tassajara Valley, the Northwest Specific Plan, and Bollinger Canyon subarea. Both the City and EBRPD are committed to providing trails, parks, and open space in San Ramon. The trail system is portrayed in the General Plan Land Use Map in the Land Use ElementFigure 6-4.
Other areas, such as The Bridges Golf Club at 9000 S. Gale Ridge Road and Homeowner’s Association owned and maintained facilities, provide additional recreational facilities to the community but are not included in the City parkland standards.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 327 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 3 Figure 6-1: Existing School Parks and Recreation Facilities Source: City of San Ramon, San Ramon Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Master Plan, 2023
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 328 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 4 Figure 6-2: Existing Neighborhood, Community, and Specialty Parks Source: City of San Ramon, San Ramon Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Master Plan, 2023
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 329 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 5 Figure 6-3: Parks and Recreation System in San Ramon
Source: City of San Ramon, San Ramon Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Master Plan, 2023
6.4 EXISTING AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION PARKLAND
Table 6-1 provides an inventory of the existing parkland and parkland under construction within the City, including Dougherty Valley. Based on the California Department of Finance population estimate of 83,820 for San Ramon on January 1, 2022, and the existing parkland listed in Table 6-1, the current ratio of park acreage per 1,000 residents is 4.72. Table 6-2 provides an inventory of undeveloped parkland within the City. A detailed inventory of park acreage is provided in Appendix 6-A.
Table 6-1: Existing Parkland and Parkland Under Construction Park Type Acres Total
Community Parks
Existing (4) 100.44
Under Construction (1)
Rancho San Ramon Phase 2 8.21
Community Parks Subtotal 108.65
Neighborhood Parks1
Existing (29) 116.30
Under Construction (3)
Bishop Ranch 6 Park 2.0
Sunrise Ridge (Formerly Faria Preserve Park) 13.60
Critter Crossroads 8.44
Neighborhood Parks Subtotal 140.34
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 330 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 6 Table 6-1: Existing Parkland and Parkland Under Construction Park Type Acres Total
Specialized Recreation Areas
Existing (14) 77.87
None 0.00
Specialized Recreation Areas Subtotal 77.87
School Parks
Existing (18) 78.29
None 0.00
School Parks Subtotal 78.29
Public Spaces
Existing (1) 22.50
Under Construction (None) 0.00
Public Spaces Subtotal 22.50
Total Existing 395.40
Total Under Construction 32.25
Total Existing and Under Construction 427.65
Note:
1 Includes pocket parks
Source: City of San Ramon Planning & Community Development Department and Parks & Community Services Department Table 6-2: Undeveloped Parkland
Park Type Acres Total
Neighborhood Parks
Henry Ranch Park 14.00
San Catanio (Wood Lot) 4.60
Athey Lot Area 2.483.63
NWSP West (Chang Property) 2.00
Neighborhood Parks Subtotal 23.0824.23
Total Undeveloped Parkland 23.0824.23
Source: City of San Ramon Planning & Community Development Department and Parks & Community Services Department
6.5 20-YEAR PARKLAND NEEDS AND PROPOSED PARKS
A planned buildout population of 110,089 by 2040 will result in a future need of about 715.58 acres at 6.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Table 6-3 provides the total existing, undeveloped, and proposed parkland in San Ramon by 2040. The General Plan 2040 proposes, at buildout, a total of 669.03670.18 acres of parkland. At General Plan buildout, the parkland ratio will be 6.0 acres per 1,000 residents, an increase from the current ratio of 4.72 acres per 1,000 residents. Figure 6-4 shows proposed parks, trails, and open space areas in San Ramon. A detailed inventory of park acreage is provided in Appendix 6-A.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 331 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 7 Figure 6-4: Proposed Parks, Trails, and Open Space
Source: City of San Ramon, San Ramon Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Master Plan, 2023 Table 6-3: Proposed Parks and Parkland Need in San Ramon by 2040 Category Acres
Existing, Under Construction, and Undeveloped Parks 450.73451.88 Proposed Parks
Big Canyon 123.50
Laborer’s 13.00
NWSP (Panetta Property) 2.50
CityWalk (Future Park Sites) 18.20
PG&E Corridor 61.10
Total Existing, Under Construction, Undeveloped, and Proposed Parks 669.03670.18 Park Need, at General Plan 2040 buildout
(based on a population of 110,089 and 6.5 acres/1,000 residents) 715.58 Parkland Ratio
Existing Ratio (395.40 acres/83,820 residents) 4.72
Ratio Achieved at General Plan 2040 Buildout (669.03670.18 acres/110,089 residents) 6.0 Source: City of San Ramon Planning & Community Development Department and Parks & Community Services Department and Land Use buildout, 2022.
GUIDING POLICY – PARKLAND NEEDS AND PROPOSED PARKS
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 332 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 8 6.5-G-1 Create and maintain a high-quality publicly accessible park and trail system for San Ramon.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – PARKLAND NEEDS AND PROPOSED PARKS
6.5-I-1 Maintain a guideline of 6.5 acres of public parks per 1,000 residents at General Plan buildout.
Of the total 6.1 5 acres per 1,000 residents guideline, at General Plan buildout, maintain a goal of 4.5 acres per 1,000 residents for neighborhood and school parks and 2.0 acres per 1,000 residents for community parks and specialized recreation areas. It is the City’s intent to meet the public park standard with a variety of parkland including passive and active land use acreage by 2040, the buildout period of this General Plan.
Private recreation facilities that are privately owned and publicly accessible (such as plazas, lakes, tot lots, and picnic areas) may be considered as required parkland.
6.5-I-2 Provide varied community park and recreational
opportunities accessible to all City residents.
It is the City’s goal to ensure that parks in San Ramon are easily accessible to its citizens, including the physically disabled, and to provide recreational equipment that people of all ages and abilities can use.
6.5-I-3 Maintain a minimum size of 2 acres or more for
neighborhood parks.
Smaller parcels are discouraged as city-maintained parks because they provide limited recreational opportunities and incur high maintenance costs.
6.5-I-4
Provide passive and active recreational amenities within the City’s parks to meet the needs of citizens of all ages, abilities, and interests.
While it is important to provide recreation facilities for athletics and team sports, it is equally important to develop natural settings for the enjoyment of passive activities, such as picnicking or walking.
6.5-I-5
Require residential developers to make dedications of land, improvements, and/or in-lieu fees to the City’s park and trail system.
The City’s Parkland Dedication Ordinance shall be applied to all residential development and shall be used to determine a developer’s dedication of park acreage. In-lieu fees are required when suitable land is not available or desired for dedication. Such fees are intended to give the City flexibility to purchase parkland elsewhere in the City or to improve existing parks.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 333 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 9 6.5-I-6 Encourage contributions to the City’s park and trail system by non-residential developers.
In addition to improving park facilities for its residents, it is the City’s goal to provide active and passive parks for use by employees of San Ramon businesses. The park needs of this group can be partially met by encouraging contributions of parkland or funds from non-residential developers.
New Policy
6.5-I-7
Encourage Actively engage property owners in the City Core to implement the Interconnected Opportunities of the San Ramon Parks, Open Space, Trails, and Recreation Master
Plan and the Walking District Master Plan which provides the long-term vision for pedestrian-oriented access and
connectivity.
6.5-I-8 Complete all parkland dedication requirements for each development prior to final occupancy.
6.5-I-9
Actively engage property owners to develop Encourage the development of landscaped and dedicated public spaces,
parkways, trail systems, and special community service
recreational facilities in new developments.
Development of a Trails Master Plan and implementation of the Walking District Master Plan will identify current, future, and proposed citywide trails and trail connections between existing and new development.
6.5-I-10
Collaborate with the San Ramon Valley Unified School
District to promote continued joint development and use of school sites and facilities located within the City and its Sphere of Influence.
Joint development and use of school sites is especially important in developed areas where park standards have not yet been achieved. This approach will help meet community needs for neighborhood parks during periods of parkland acquisition and development.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 334 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 10 6.5-I-11
Seek partnership opportunities with the private sector and with other public agencies to enhance park facilities and provide recreational activities, such as trail signage and recreational programs.
In 2013, the Parks & Community Services Department established a Partnership Program to provide the private sector with various levels of sponsorship opportunities for City events, facilities, and programs.
Where possible, seek out partnerships with the private sector and/or local historic preservation groups, such as the San Ramon Historic Foundation, to fund and facilitate the preservation of local historic resources that are of value to the community.
6.5-I-12 Identify, document, and seek to preserve, and protect, and /or acquire sites of historic interest.
6.5-I-13 Seek opportunities to preserve and protect open space, ridge lands, and scenic corridors in and around San Ramon.
Within San Ramon’s sphere of influence there is a variety of open space amenities such as the Bishop Ranch Open Space, the Little Hills Recreation Area, Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space, and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. San Ramon continues to work with a variety of agencies, including but not limited to, the East Bay Regional Park District, Contra Costa County, other municipalities, the State of California and non-profit trustee agencies to facilitate coordination with the preservation of open space in and around San Ramon, See Policy 8.4-I-13 for further discussion on viewshed criteria.
6.5-I-14
Designate Big Canyon within the Westside subarea as a
nature preserve and seek to add it to the City’s park system as a specialized recreation area with limited access.
6.5-I-15 Continue to review annually and update every five years the 10-year Parks and Community Services Master Plan.
The Parks and Community Services Commission implements the Master Plan, reviews it annually, updates the Master Plan every five years, and ensures that the development of parks and community facilities proceed as planned.
6.5-I-16
Maintain service levels and maintenance standards in parks and recreation facilities at optimal levels for public use, safety, and cost effectiveness.
The City prepares and implements maintenance plans and standards for each park and recreation facility, along with replacement plans for useful life of equipment and furnishings.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 335 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 11 6.5-I-17 Pursue a standard, at General Plan buildout, that publicly accessible parks are to be within one-half mile of all homes.
It is anticipated that with existing land ownership and development this standard will be met at General Plan buildout.
6.5-I-18
Increase the accessibility and connectivity to the Iron Horse Trail and the regional/city trail network, including the installation of bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing(s), seating, and shade structures as described in the San Ramon Valley Iron Horse Trail Corridor Concept Plan.
Develop and implement a Trails Master Plan to identify new trail connections for a citywide trail system.
Work with the East Bay Regional Park District and private landowners to form a connected trail network that increases pedestrian and bicycle trail accessibility citywide that provides connectivity between parks, schools and open space lands.
6.5-I-19
Actively engage Encourage new development to provide
Public Spaces to enhance the recreation or leisure
experience of residents or visitors for passive or active use.
The City may allow for partial or full parkland dedication credit for these types of Public Spaces based on City need and community benefit to the general public.
Public Spaces might include, but is not limited to, areas such as an interactive water elements, public art, gardens, trails and paths, plazas, labyrinths, picnic areas, tot-parks, or pocket parks, and includes a balance of hardscape and landscape areas. The City may allow for partial or full parkland dedication credit for these types of public spaces based on City need and community benefit to the general public.
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 336 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 12 Appendix 6-A Detailed Park Acreage Inventory
The following table provides a detailed inventory of park acreage within the City of San Ramon.
Park Acreage Inventory
Park Type GP2040 Notes
Community Parks
Existing
Athan Downs 20.45
Central Park 40.80 Includes Iron Horse MS Park (excludes City Hall 0.50 ac site)
Memorial Park 16.30
Rancho San Ramon Phase 1 22.89 Phase I - 22.89 ac (includes Loop Road and Phase I)
Total Existing: 100.44
Under Construction (as of 08/2022)
Rancho San Ramon Phase 2 8.21 Phase 2 - 8.21 ac
Total Under Construction: 8.21
Community Parks Grand Total: 108.65
Neighborhood Parks
Existing
Arlington Park 4.04
Bellingham Square 4.06
Boone Acres 5.47
Centennial Park 5.51
Compass Point Park 1.49
Country Fair Park (Pocket Park) 0.18
Coyote Crossing 11.73
Creekside Park 5.97
East Branch Park 5.07
Fire Truck Park 1.15
Hidden Crest Park 2.0
Hidden Valley Park 4.54
Hummingbird Playground (adjacent to Quail Run ES) 0.40
Inverness Park 5.83
Limerick Park 2.76
Mill Creek Hollow 3.52
Monarch Park 6.34
Mosaic Park Phase I (formerly Gale Phase 3 Linear
Park) 1.61 Existing Mosaic 1.61
Mosaic Park Phase II Pathway (formerly Gale Phase 3
Linear Park) 2.32 (Tract 8971)
Old Ranch Park 6.73
Piccadilly Square Park 4.14
Ramona Park 4.08
Red Willow Park 4.94
Richard Fahey Village Green 4.35
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 337 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 13 Park Acreage Inventory
Park Type GP2040 Notes
Sherwood Park 1.49
Six Pillars Park 2.74
Souyen Park 2.40
Valley View Park 10.01
Windy Hills Park 1.36
Total Existing: 116.30
Under Construction (as of 08/2022)
Bishop Ranch 6 Park 2.0
Sunrise Ridge (Formerly Faria Preserve Park) 13.60
Critter Crossroads 8.44
Total Under Construction: 24.04
Neighborhood Parks Sub-Total (Existing & Under
Const.): 140.34
Undeveloped (as of 08/2022)
Henry Ranch 14.00
San Catanio (Wood Lot) 4.60
Athey Lot 2.483.63
Includes APN: 208-290-005 (1.29 ac),
208-290-004 (1.74 ac); 208-290-033
(0.52 ac); and 208-290-010 (0.085 ac).
and APN: 208-290-028 (1.19 ac)
NWSP West (Chang Property) 2.00
Total To Be Developed: 23.0824.23
Neighborhood Parks Sub-Total (Undeveloped): 24.2323.08
Proposed (as of 08/2022)
Neighborhood Parks Sub-Total (Proposed): 0.00
Neighborhood Parks Grand Total: 163.42164.57
Specialized Recreation Areas
Existing
Alcosta Senior & Community Center, Park & Gardens 7.83 Includes parking lot on adjacent Cityowned parcel Bark and Ride 6.68
Crow Canyon Gardens 9.67 Includes former MUDD’s property Del Mar Dog Park 1.21
Forest Home Farms Historic Park 14.50
Gale Phase 1 Park 2 (Gale 1 Overlook Park) 0.82
Gale Phase 2 Park 6 (Basswood Trail Access) 0.09
Gale Phase 2 Park 7 (Basswood Overlook) 0.10
Gale Phase 2 Park 9 (Neighborhood 5 Park) 0.44
Gale Phase 4 - Neighborhood 6 Linear Park (Amarante
Park) 1.21
San Ramon Sports Park 14.80
SR Olympic Pool, Aquatic Park, etc. 6.00 Includes pool, portion of parking lot, and tennis courts
Summit View Trails 13.49
Tassajara Ridge Staging Area and Dog Park 1.03
9.1.b
Packet Pg. 338 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review Draft General Plan | O ctober 2023 14 Park Acreage Inventory
Park Type GP2040 Notes
Total Existing: 77.87
Under Construction (as of 08/2022)
Total Under Construction: 0.00
Specialized Recreation Areas Sub-Total
(Existing & Under Const.): 77.87
Undeveloped (as of 08/2022)
Total To Be Developed: 4.60
Specialized Recreation Areas Sub-Total
(Undeveloped): 4.60
Proposed (as of 08/2022)
CityWalk (Future Park Sites) 18.20
Big Canyon 123.50
Laborer's 13.00
Panetta 2.50
PG&E Corridor 61.10
Includes PG&E corridor and Devil Mtn.
Nursery - Does not include the PG&E
substation or Del Mar Dog Park
Total Proposed: 218.30
Specialized Recreation Areas Sub-Total (Proposed): 208.58 Specialized Recreation Areas Grand Total: 295.90
Public Spaces
Existing
CityWalk Lakes 22.50 Includes two lakes (Annabel
and Cecilia)
Total Existing: 22.50
Total Under Construction: 0.00
Public Spaces Sub-Total
(Existing & Under Const.): 22.50
Public Spaces Grand Total: 22.50
School Parks (park acreage w/o school)
Existing
Elementary Schools
Bella Vista School/Park 2.61
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area.
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school.
Bollinger Canyon School/Park 3.36
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Country Club School/Park 7.11
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Coyote Creek School/Park 5.25
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
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Park Type GP2040 Notes
Golden View School/park 4.96
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Hidden Hills School/Park 2.96
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Live Oak School/Park 1.50
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Montevideo School/Park 3.68
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Neil Armstrong School/park 4.17
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
school, or playground
Quail Run School/Park 6.49
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Twin Creeks School/park 3.66
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Walt Disney School/Park 4.72
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Does not include blacktop, parking lot,
or school
Middle Schools
Gale Ranch Middle School/Park 6.52 Includes Parks Dept. maintained area Iron Horse Middle School/Park/Gym 0.00 Included in Central Park acreage (41.3 ac total)
Pine Valley Middle School/Park/Gym 9.35
Includes Parks Dept. maintained area,
Teen Ctr., Gym, and South parking lot,
does not include blacktop or school
Windemere Ranch Middle School/Park 9.00
Includes most of Parks Dept.
maintained area, does not include
blacktop, West parking lot, gym, or
school
High Schools
California High School/Park (see SR Olympic Pool)
Dougherty Valley High School/Aquatic Center 2.95
Includes tennis courts, parking
adjacent to tennis courts, and aquatic
center
Total Existing: 78.29
Under Construction (as of 08/2022)
Total Under Construction: 0.00
School Parks Sub-Total (Existing & Under Const.): 78.29 School Parks Total: 78.29
GRAND TOTAL EXISTING PARKS: 395.40
GRAND TOTAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION PARKS: 32.25
GRAND TOTAL UNDEVELOPED PARKS: 23.0824.23
GRAND TOTAL PROPOSED PARKS: 218.30
AND TOTAL EXISTING, UNDER CONST.,
UNDEVELOPED, & PROPOSED PARKS: 670.18669.03
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Park Type GP2040 Notes
Parkland per 1,000 people (Existing): 4.72 Jan. 1, 2022, BDOF estimate 83,820 population
Parkland per 1,000 people (at Build-Out): 6.0 Build-out population of 110,089 people
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7 PUBLIC FACILITIES AND UTILITIES
The Public Facilities and Utilities Element looks at aspects relating to specific functional needs of the community. Policies in this element are complemented by those in the Growth Management and Land Use elements, and work together in achieving the City’s vision.
This Element identifies the capital improvements and facilities needed to serve San Ramon, including civic, educational, cultural, fire, and police facilities, as well as utilities and communication systems. This Element also sets forth guidelines desired by the community for its public schools, private institutions, public utilities, and solid waste management. It is the City’s goal to guarantee a full range of high quality public and private facilities and services to provide each resident a safe, healthy, and attractive living environment.
7.1 COMMUNITY FACILITIES
San Ramon’s commitment to providing the community with outstanding public places is reflected in the number and quality of facilities it has built and maintained:
Four multi-purpose community centers (the San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, Park & Gardens, the Dougherty Station Art Community Arts Center, and the Amador Rancho Community Center);
Two community gymnasiums at Pine Valley and Iron Horse Middle Schools (in partnership with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District);
Two community aquatic centers at each high school (the San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park at California High and the Dougherty Valley Aquatic Center joint-use facility with Dougherty Valley High);
The Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center (joint-use with Dougherty Valley High School); Two libraries (San Ramon Library and the Dougherty Station Library); and The Forest Home Farms Historic Park.
In 2007, the City approved entitlement for the construction of the City Center Project at the intersection of Bollinger Canyon Road and Camino Ramon, adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail, Central Park, and Community Center. However, due to an economic downturn the project remained on hold pending a better economic climate.
In 2013, the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Sunset Development, the City’s private sector partner on the City Center Project, to design and construct a new City Hall. Under the terms of the MOU the location of City Hall was moved from the approved location in the City Center Project to a new location at the southwest corner of Central Park.
In 2014, the City approved the plans for the design of the new City Hall and finished construction in 2016.
Additionally, the City Center Bishop Ranch project began construction in 2015 and opened in fall 2018.
The first phase was comprised of the retail and theater portion of the previously approved Project.
Figure 7-1 illustrates the public facilities in San Ramon. These facilities do more than provide public services; they are also symbols, which promote pride and collective self-esteem and foster a sense of place, mutual ownership, and community. While these public places serve a wide variety of social, cultural, and recreational needs, service demands have resulted in rapid growth of the programs and activities offered by the City.
FACILITY CLASSIFICATIONS
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The following classifications of public places and facilities are used in San Ramon. Performance guidelines for community centers and libraries are included in the Growth Management Element. Community Center. A facility designed to meet the needs of the population for civic meetings, recreational activities, social gatherings, and cultural enrichment such as the San Ramon Community Center, the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, Park & Gardens, and the Amador Rancho Community Center.
Community Theater. A cultural facility that provides space for concerts, plays, lectures and shows such as the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center (a 600-seat theater with adjoining rehearsal space) or the Front Row Theater (a 90-seat theater) at the Dougherty Station Community Art Center. Library. A facility in which literary, artistic, and reference materials are kept for public use and circulation, and at where people gather for learning and cultural enrichment purposes.
GUIDING POLICY – COMMUNITY FACILITIES
7.1-G-1 Provide public and cultural facilities that contribute to the City’s positive image and enhance community identity.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – COMMUNITY FACILITIES
7.1-I-1
Confer with Contra Cost County Library to provide adequate services including facility upgrades and enhancements in response to community needs.
Figure 7-1: Community Facilities
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7.2 EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
School Districts are exempt from local regulations and cannot be required to adhere to City General Plan policies. However, collaboration between the City and the School District is essential in order to provide high quality educational facilities and promote a sense of community. Service impacts and overall enrollment impacts from new development applications are not within the purview of the City.
EXISTING ENROLLMENT AND CAPACITY
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) serves the entire San Ramon Planning Area, as well as Danville and unincorporated areas within Contra Costa County. Within San Ramon, the District operates 12 elementary schools (grades K-5), four middle schools (grades 6-8), two high schools (grades 9-12), one alternative education high school (minimum age 16), and Venture, an independent study school (grades K-12). Table 7-1 shows that as of August 2022, approximately 17,630 657 of the District’s 29,844 students attended schools in San Ramon. The District estimates total school capacity within San Ramon at 18,295 students. Figure 7-2 illustrates school sites in San Ramon.
Table 7-1: San Ramon Valley Unified School District Schools, Enrollment, and Capacity in San Ramon (as of August 2022)
Level Enrollment Capacity
Elementary (K-5)
Bella Vista Elementary 492 619
Bollinger Canyon Elementary School 495 569
Country Club Elementary School 511 519
Coyote Creek Elementary School 660 897
Golden View Elementary School 648 619
Hidden Hills Elementary School 545 825
Live Oak Elementary School 621 825
Montevideo Elementary School 626 700
Neil Armstrong Elementary School 504 575
Quail Run Elementary School 856 975
Twin Creeks Elementary School 639 800
Walt Disney Elementary School 547 525
Middle (6-8)
Gale Ranch Middle School1 1,080 1,037
Iron Horse Middle School 1,003 967
Pine Valley Middle School 959 956
Windemere Ranch Middle School 1,115 1,091
High School (9-12)
California High School 2,911 2,717
Del Amigo High School 27 30
Dougherty Valley High School1 3,309 3,079
Independent Studies
Venture 109 N/A
Total 1,763017,657 18,295+
Notes:
“N/A” means data not available
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Table 7-1: San Ramon Valley Unified School District Schools, Enrollment, and Capacity in San Ramon (as of August 2022)
Level Enrollment Capacity 1 Capacity includes relocatable classrooms.
Source: San Ramon Valley Unified School District, 2022.
As part of its efforts to regulate the impacts of growth and provide excellent services for its citizens, San Ramon has adopted a school performance guideline and collaborates with the School District to ensure that new schools will be in locations accessible to school age children, that adequate capacity is available to meet projected enrollment needs, and that future development will provide sufficient facilities for education as well as extra-curricular activities. Refer to the Growth Management Element for additional information on school guidelines.
PROJECTED SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Based on the General Plan 2040 buildout projections through 2040, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District may experience growth within the City of San Ramon. Based on the student generation rates listed in Table 7-2, buildout of the 2040 General Plan could potentially add an estimated 2,556 Kindergarten to 5th Grade students, 1,669 6th to 8th Grade students, and 2,610 high school students to San Ramon Valley School District schools.
The School District can accommodate the potential increase in student enrollment through strategies such as construction of additional schools, expansion of the capacity of existing school sites, and/or through boundary changes to redistribute students to schools with excess capacity. Development of potential housing would require additional study and close collaboration with the School District and developers.
Table 7-2: San Ramon Valley Unified School District Student Generation Rates Grade Group Single-Family
Detached Unit
Single-Family
Attached Unit Multi-Family Unit
K-5 0.25 0.25 0.22
6-8 0.18 0.17 0.13
9-12 0.32 0.28 0.18
Total: 0.75 0.70 0.53
Source: San Ramon Valley Unified School District, October 2022.
GUIDING POLICY – EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
7.2-G-1
Collaborate with the San Ramon Valley Unified School
District in their efforts to ensure that all school age children have equal access to equitable facilities.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
7.2-I-1
Collaborate with the San Ramon Valley Unified School
District to ensure that all future public-school sites are developed in partnership with the City as a public “school park.”
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7.2-I-2
Continue to partner with Diablo Valley College (DVC) to support community access at the DVC – San Ramon Campus
Library to meet the needs of the Facility, Students, and Community.
Continue to collaborate on parking and ensure the public continues to have access to the library facility.
7.2-I-3 Maintain after school teen services on or adjacent to middle school sites.
7.2-I-4
Collaborate with the San Ramon Valley Unified School
District to assure that all future schools are planned to be open and operational based on student generation rates.
7.3 INSTITUTIONS
Many services that benefit the San Ramon community are provided by private businesses or public agencies other than the City. The General Plan does not control the provision of such services. However, it does establish policies to facilitate the availability of services in the City.
GUIDING POLICY - INSTITUTIONS
7.3-G-1 Encourage development of private educational, cultural, childcare, and medical facilities in San Ramon.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES - INSTITUTIONS
7.3-I-1
Require new residential development, if appropriate,
Encourage developers of residential projects to participate in Community Facilities Districts and encourage developers of nonresidential and commercial projects to participate in Benefit Improvement Districts.
Examples include child care centers, meeting space, interpretive centers or displays, community gardens, and other similar facilities and services.
7.3-I-2
Facilitate the provision of safe, affordable, and quality elder care and child care facilities and services for families who reside or work in San Ramon.
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7.3-I-3
Actively work with public, private, and non-profit service providers to create and expand opportunities for elder care facilities, programs, and services in San Ramon.
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Figure 7-2: Schools
7.3-I-4
Encourage the construction of senior housing and
recreational opportunities for senior citizens near City services and facilities, including transportation corridors; particularly within the City's core and the Senior Housing Overlay area.
The Alcosta Senior & Community Center, Park & Gardens is a good example of a facility that provides a variety of activities, such as art and music classes, dancing, gardening, and field trips.
7.3-I-5
Encourage the location of appropriate child care facilities in residential areas and ensure that such operations are
compatible with their surroundings.
Small family day care facilities are permitted in residential districts as provided for by California Health & Safety Code section 1597.45. Large family day care facilities are permitted in residential districts with approval through the use permit process. Day Care Centers in certain zoning districts are also permitted with approval through the use permit process.
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7.3-I-6
Assess the adequacy of the School-Aged Child Care
Ordinance through periodic review and update as necessary to ensure that fees are used appropriately.
School-Aged Child Care facilities play an important role for families in San Ramon. Continue to implement the Zoning Ordinance land use process for childcare facilities.
7.3-I-7
Provide opportunities to locate meeting facilities (public or private), preschool facilities, and childcare facilities in residential areas on arterial or collector streets.
7.3-I-8
Encourage and support public facilities and services that contribute to the maintenance and long-term success of
community medical service facilities.
7.3-I-9 Encourage uses which support the medical facilities within proximity of community medical service facilities.
Examples of uses include, but are not limited to, medical offices, outpatient clinics, and administrative support facilities.
7.4 UTILITIES
Phone, internet, and cable are provided by AT&T, Comcast, Direct TV, DISH, Earthlink, Exede, HughesNet, Nextiva, Verizon, Viasat to residents while Pacific Gas and Electric provides natural gas and electrical services throughout San Ramon. New technologies, particularly in the communications field, continue to converge, forcing the merger of services offered by utility providers.
Through the years, the Federal Communication Commission has continued to adopt legislation recognizing emerging and converging telecommunications technologies and encouraging future development (i.e., t Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012). These laws have significant implications for San Ramon regarding the types of wireless infrastructure that can be constructed in public rights-of-way, permit and processing procedures (i.e., small cell wireless, 5G networks), facility performance standards, and other infrastructure needed for wireless communications.
Given the City’s employment base, combined with the development of Dougherty Valley and the City Center and Faria Preserve projects, San Ramon must continue to facilitate the use of these new technologies. Many businesses now consider the communications capacity of places where they want to do business as part of their relocation criteria. Increasingly, firms look for communities that offer electronic amenities such as fiber optic and satellite linkages, which are necessary to support activities like telecommuting and teleconferencing programs.
Bishop Ranch, for example, is equipped with a fiber optic system called SONET (synchronous optical network), which has contributed to the success of Bishop Ranch by enabling quick and efficient high-speed connections between people and firms. San Ramon welcomes the advanced communication networks and will continue to work with utility providers to offer a wide range of technology services for both residents and businesses within our community.
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GUIDING POLICY - UTILITIES
7.4-G-1
Ensure the provision of adequate utility systems and
communication for existing and future residents and the business community.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES - UTILITIES
7.4-I-1
Coordinate with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Martin Clean Energy (MCE) in their efforts to monitor future utility expansion to ensure that facilities are designed and planned with minimal impact on existing and future
residents.
One of the concerns of residents adjacent to PG&E corridors are the issues surrounding electric magnetic fields (EMFs) which will likely be debated for many years to come. Based on the scientific uncertainty that exists in this field, the City will monitor developments in this area and will continue to follow the principles of “prudent avoidance.”
7.4-I-2
Work with PG&E to improve transmission line corridors with attractive, community-serving uses and to upgrade the
appearance of the transmission line corridors in conjunction with an expansion or co-use of the corridor.
Ornamental planting and recreational uses, including trails, dog parks, and playing fields, should be encouraged.
7.4-I-3 Require new development to underground all utility lines needed to serve the future buildings and their occupants.
The Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances require underground utilities in all new development. Requiring utility lines to be underground will help improve the visual environment and create an attractive community.
7.4-I-4
Continue to coordinate with PG&E to underground utilities in existing residential neighborhoods, making the Southern San Ramon area a priority.
7.4-I-5
Continue to explore opportunities to underground existing overhead utility lines throughout the City with available funding.
The City will continue to explore alternate sources of funding in addition to PG&E monies available under Rule 20(a), to underground overhead lines.
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7.4-I-6
Continue to monitor cable video and encourage competition to ensure the highest quality service consistent with Federal Communications Commission guidelines).
7.4-I-7
Encourage utility providers to foster better access, use, and distribution of multi-media products, including fiber optics, wireless technologies, and satellite communications.
7.4-I-8
Encourage all new development to provide the technology to support multiple telecommunications facilities and
providers.
7.4-I-9
Continue to review and update, as necessary, the regulations for wireless telecommunication facilities to ensure minimal impacts to the community.
Potential impacts from wireless telecommunication facilities, such as health and safety concerns, and equipment aesthetics, shall continue to be reviewed under the Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Chapter within the Zoning Ordinance.
7.4-I-10
Develop procedures and regulations to ensure minimal
impacts to the community from the installation of utilities on City streets.
The City shall develop policies and procedures to reduce the impacts of utility installation on City streets and will continue to monitor utility work within the public right-of-way through the issuance of encroachment permits.
7.4-I-11 Encourage co-location of telecommunication facilities to minimize potential visual impacts to the community.
7.4-I-12
Coordinate sub-surface utility work with road improvements and maintenance and enforce the City's pavement cut
moratorium whenever possible.
The intent of this policy is to maximize the effectiveness of roadway resurfacing and improvement efforts by completing sub-surface utility work prior to repaving. In addition, this policy seeks to minimize disruptions associated with uncoordinated work.
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7.5 SOLID WASTE
The City of San Ramon currently contracts Alameda County Industries of San Ramon (ACI) for the collection and hauling of franchised solid waste, residential recycling, and green waste. ACI processes San Ramon’s residential recycling at their Aladdin facility in San Leandro, CA. San Ramon also contracts with Republic Services of Northern California to receive San Ramon’s solid waste at Vasco Road Sanitary Landfill in Alameda County, and its residential organic waste at Forward Composting Facility in Manteca, CA.
Commercial organic waste is processed at Napa Recycling.
Since 2007, Senate Bill (SB) 1016 requires cities to report to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) the amount of garbage disposed in the landfill per person per day (PPD). CalRecycle calculated California’s per capita disposal target rate at 5.7 pounds of garbage per person per day. The objective is to be below this target rate, and San Ramon has implemented policies and programs toward Zero Waste to divert as much as possible from the landfill. As of calendar year 2021, San Ramon’s rate is 2.2 PPD, equivalent to an 80% landfill diversion rate.
Table 7-3 shows the amount of solid waste diverted between 2008 and 2021.
Table 7-3: Solid Waste Diversion
Year
Total
Disposal/Population
(Lbs. per day)
Total
Disposal/Employment
(Lbs. per day)
Total Landfill Waste
(Tons)
2008 3.6 6.3 40,413
2009 3.3 6.3 38,097
2010 2.8 6.2 36,325
2011 2.7 5.6 36,032
2012 2.4 4.8 32,364
2013 2.6 5.2 35,619
2014 2.4 4.7 33,166
2015 2.5 5.0 36,089
2016 3.0 5.8 43,195
2017 3.1 6.1 46,373
2018 3.9 7.9 59,638
2019 2.7 5.7 42,110
2020 2.2 4.6 33,384
2021 2.2 5.2 33,961
5.7 pounds per resident per
day to meet State standards
8.2 pounds per employee per
day to meet State standards
Source: Jurisdiction Diversion/Disposal Rate Summary (www.calrecycle.ca.gov) Although cities within Contra Costa County currently have full disposal capacity at nearby landfills, it is important that all jurisdictions develop programs to divert waste from the landfill stream. Readily available land to construct new landfills in the future is no longer guaranteed. The challenge that most California districts now face with the implementation of Senate Bill 1383, the Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy, is ensuring composting capacity, as organic material disposed at the landfill creates methane, a greenhouse gas 84 times more potent than CO2.
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While both San Ramon and Contra Costa County feature progressive waste management plans, the need to divert significant parts of the City’s waste stream through recycling, composting, and reuse remains.
San Ramon has provided 3-stream (Organics, Recycle, Trash) curbside waste collection since 2010, which is required under SB 1383. The maintenance and strengthening of recycling and composting and waste reduction programs remains a key issue given the City’s proposed growth. By requiring solid waste diversion, the City can reduce future landfill demand. Additionally, as the waste created by construction and demolition activities in the planning area may adversely affect the City’s recycling efforts, recycling plans for builders could aid in San Ramon’s recycling efforts.
GUIDING POLICY – SOLID WASTE
7.5-G-1
Manage solid waste so that State goals are met or are
exceeded, and the best possible service is provided to the citizens and businesses of San Ramon.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – SOLID WASTE
7.5-I-1
Provide the best possible service for the collection of garbage, recyclables, and green waste that provides the best value to residents and businesses.
7.5-I-2
Provide and promote opportunities to reduce waste in all sectors of San Ramon, including residential, commercial, non-profit, government, and educational sectors.
7.5-I-3 Develop consumer friendly, convenient, affordable options for community-serving recycling services.
7.5-I-4
Through the development review process, encourage the
provision of convenient recyclable material storage locations acceptable to the waste provider.
New development should be encouraged to install recycling receptacles on their premises. To encourage further recycling habits, in 2011 San Ramon provided all multi-family complexes with recycling receptacles.
7.5-I-5
Comply with State requirements for proper handling and
storage of solid waste, recyclables, and hazardous materials, diversion of solid waste from landfills, and provision of programs to make these activities feasible.
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7.5-I-6 Ensure that solid waste programs effectively address community needs and issues.
7.5-I-7 Provide options for the safe disposal of hazardous waste and materials.
Since 2011, San Ramon has provided a free curbside pick-up program for household hazardous waste.
7.5-I-8 Require solid waste diversion (e.g. waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting).
7.5-I-9
Require new development projects to comply with the
Municipal Code’s construction and demolition debris
diversion requirements.
7.5-I-10 Provide convenient recycling opportunities at large public events and venues.
7.5-I-11 Promote public and private efforts to recycle electronic waste.
The City provides referral information for electronic waste recyclers. Additionally, a curbside electronic waste service is provided three times a year.
7.6 FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES
San Ramon is served by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD). The District is formed as an autonomous Special District and is governed by a five member elected Board. In addition to the City of San Ramon, the District provides services to several unincorporated areas within Contra Costa County and the Town of Danville.
SRVFPD entered into an Agreement with City of San Ramon for a Joint Use Public Safety Complex that will house the District’s Administration, 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch/Emergency Operations Center and City Police Department at 2401 Crow Canyon Rd.
GUIDING POLICY – FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES
7.6-G-1
Collaborate with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection
District to deliver a high level of public protection services that protect life, property, and the environment.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES
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7-6-I-1
Continue to coordinate with the San Ramon Valley Fire
Protection District to provide adequate fire protection facilities and services to meet the needs of the community. 7-6-I-2
Seek input from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection
District to ensure that fire protection measures are identified during the development review process.
7.7 POLICE SERVICES
At the time of incorporation in 1983, San Ramon contracted for Police services with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department. In June 2006, the City Council created an in-house Police Services Department. The newly created Department became operational on July 1, 2007, and as of March 2022 has 70 sworn police officers. The Police Services Department is located at 2401 Crow Canyon Road while dispatch services are provided through a 911 Dispatch Center, operated by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.
In addition to the performance guidelines established in the Growth Management Element, the following policies establish a high level of public safety for all people who live and/or work in San Ramon.
GUIDING POLICY – POLICE SERVICES
7.7-G-1 Maintain a high level of public safety for all people who live or work in San Ramon.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – POLICE SERVICES
7.7-I-1
Ensure crime-reduction and public safety features are
incorporated into the design of new development projects through the Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design program (CPTED).
CPTED principles emphasize highly visible public spaces that deter criminal activity.
7.7-I-2
Monitor new development projects in the unincorporated
parts of the San Ramon Planning Area that would require law enforcement services from the City.
7.7-I-3
Require new development, if appropriate, to provide a
funding mechanism to support and maintain San Ramon’s
high level of police services., such as a Community Facilities District.
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8 OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION
San Ramon’s beautiful settings—the surrounding hills, ridges, creeks, and canyons are highly cherished by residents. These open space resources are important, not only for aesthetic value, but also for environmental quality, character, habitat protection, recreation, water resources, and agriculture. These many functions of open space underscore the importance of careful land use planning.
In 1999, Measure G mandated the preparation of a new General Plan based on the principles of smart growth. A key component of this mandate was the preparation of a plan for the acquisition of ridgeline areas and agricultural lands contiguous to the City of San Ramon. These lands are to be preserved for open space purposes in perpetuity. In response to this mandate, this element of the General Plan includes open space goals and policies that creates a structure for implementation by establishing and strengthening partnerships and coordination with relevant groups and agencies, securing funding sources, and establishing preservation priorities.
This element also encourages rural conservation through compatible development that preserves natural features, sensitive habitats, and agricultural resources. Water quality is also a key component of conservation and the quality of life in San Ramon. As such, this element includes policies to preserve and enhance water quality in the San Ramon Planning Area by working closely with responsible regional agencies and by incorporating these considerations into land use planning decisions. Finally, the preservation of archaeological, paleontological, and historic resources is also an important goal of this General Plan, and relevant policies are included in this element.
8.1 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN SAN RAMON
Preparation of a habitat protection plan may be required by General Plan Land Use Element Implementing Policy 4.6-I-7 as part of the development and environmental review process where rural development could affect potentially sensitive habitat areas, sensitive habitat species, etc. Sensitive habitat resources are outlined below and illustrated in Figure 8-1.
VEGETATION
Natural vegetation throughout the San Ramon Planning Area is typical of that occurring in the coast ranges and interior valleys of central California. Non-native grassland is the dominant vegetation type throughout the area with perennial species occurring infrequently on ridgetops and east-facing slopes. Scattered oak savannahs, comprised of mostly deciduous oak species, occur in grasslands at middle elevations while live oak woodland is best suited to the damper north- and east-facing hillsides. Denser oak woodland occurs along drainages and riparian habitat, often in combination with arroyo willow riparian forest. Chaparral or scrub vegetation occurs on dry south and west facing slopes and along margins or openings in oak woodland at higher elevations. Freshwater emergent vegetation is associated with perennial standing water and seeps, which are scattered throughout the area.
SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES
Special-status species are those animal and plant species that, in the judgment of the resource agencies, trustee agencies, and certain non-governmental organizations, warrant special consideration in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. This includes the following species:
Officially designated “threatened,” “endangered,” or “candidate” species federally listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
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Packet Pg. 356 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review General Plan | O ctober 2023 2
Officially designated “rare,” “threatened,” “endangered,” or “candidate” species state listed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and protected under the California Endangered Species Act. CDFW also maintains a list of “Fully Protected” species as well as “California Special Concern” species that are also generally included as special-status species under CEQA. Species considered rare, threatened, or endangered under the conditions of Section 15380 of the CEQA Guidelines, such as plant species identified on lists 1A, 1B, and 2 in the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Bat species listed as Medium or High Priority by the Western Bat Working Group. Other species considered sensitive, such as nesting birds listed in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which includes most native birds, and plants included in lists 3 and 4 in the CNPS Inventory.
Several special-status wildlife species have been recorded as having habitat within the San Ramon Planning Area boundaries. Recorded habitat for key listed species is shown on Figure 8-1.
Figure 8-1: Biological Resources – Special Status Wildlife Species
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Packet Pg. 357 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review General Plan | O ctober 2023 3
DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Under General Plan policies, any rural residential development proposed in Bollinger Canyon and the Westside subareas, both of which are primarily designated Rural Conservation and Hillside Residential by the General Plan, would have to ensure minimal disruption or loss of habitat that could support specialstatus animal species. Clustering of residential development to preserve such habitat would be required within the Hillside Residential designation and encouraged within the Rural Conservation designation, as proposed in the policies of the Land Use Element. A habitat protection plan may be required for development that could potentially affect sensitive habitat, sensitive habitat species, etc. and along with required CEQA mitigation measures will ensure that any biological resources are protected.
GUIDING POLICY – BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN SAN RAMON
8.1-G-1
Protect and maintain the quality of biological resources in the San Ramon City limits, while also balancing the needs of growth and development.
IMPLEMENTING POLICIES – BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN SAN RAMON
8.1-I-1
Continue to require new land use and development
activities to comply with applicable laws and regulations concerning special status species.
Applicable laws and regulations include the Federal Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the California Endangered Species Act, and California Fish and Game Code.
8.1-I-2
When special status species and/or critical habitat may be adversely affected by land use or development activities, require appropriate and feasible mitigation measures in accordance with regulatory agency guidance.
8.1-I-3
Monitor and, as appropriate, engage regulatory agencies on any proposals to designate critical habitat and/or other special-status species protection designations within the City.
USFWS has proposed several extensive critical habitat designations in the San Francisco Bay Area in recent years. New land use and development activities within critical habitat designations are often subject to lengthy consultation and permitting requirements. Given the economic implications of critical habitat designations, the intent of this policy is to ensure that San Ramon is informed about any such proposals and has the ability to be engaged in the decision-making process.
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Packet Pg. 358 Attachment: B. Draft City Council Resolution 2023-(next in line), Approving the General Plan 2040 Project Including Exhibit 1 through 5 (2023-40 City of San Ram on, CA | Revised Public Review General Plan | O ctober 2023 4
8.1-I-4
Consider the rights of private property owners during the biological review process and encourage mutually
acceptable solutions to special status species and/or critical habitat protection.
Most of the lands where special status plants and wildlife species may occur are in private ownership in the Planning Area. This policy is intended to acknowledge that special-status species protection measures may have implications on private property rights and, therefore, mutually acceptable solutions should be sought whenever possible.
8.1-I-5
Require erosion control plans for proposed new
development that require significant grading or are near streams, wetlands, and riparian areas. The plans shall
include recommendations for grading practices that prevent erosion, loss of topsoil, and scour of drainageways,
consistent with biological and aesthetic values.
This policy may be implemented through development application conditions of approval and the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit program.
8.2 OPEN SPACE INVENTORY
Growth in San Ramon has included the preservation of steep hillsides and ridges in the area. West of the City, undeveloped land, including peaks rising 1,400 feet above the valley floor, form an impressive backdrop for San Ramon. Several specific plans throughout the City (Westside, Dougherty Valley, and Northwest) reflect the importance of open space protection in the City by setting aside a significant amount of their respective plan areas as open space.
San Ramon has a total of 3,516 acres of open space including the Dougherty Valley Ridge Trail and open space in the Westside Specific Planning Area. Adjacent to the city, Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve is approximately 3,849 acres of open space and is a portion of San Ramon’s northwestern planning area and remains undeveloped. This area contains native flammable vegetation, some of which lies in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Many of these designated open space lands consist of the undeveloped ridges and hills that ring the Valley.
In 2020, the San Ramon City Council approved the Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Master Plan.
The Master Plan’s primary purpose is the development of a clear set of objectives that provide direction to City staff, the Parks and Community Services Commission, the Planning Commission, and the City Council for development, re-development, expansion, and enhancement of the City’s parks system, trails, open spaces, recreation facilities, and programs for short-term (5 year) and long-term (10 year) planning.
CLASSIFICATION OF OPEN SPACE
State planning law provides a structure for the preservation of open space by identifying the following open space categories:
Open space for public health and safety including, but not limited to, areas that require special management or regulation due to hazardous or special conditions. This type of open space might include earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas, floodplains, watersheds, areas presenting high fire risks, areas required for the protection of water quality and water reservoirs, and areas required for the protection and enhancement of air quality. In addition to Figure 8-1, the Safety Element