Politics & Government

City Council May Vote on General Plan Changes Tonight

After months of discussion, city officials may vote tonight on proposed changes to the city's main planning document.

Updating the city's general plan – a project two years in the works – could come to a close Tuesday night if the City Council approves the changes.

The city will put the General Plan 2030 up for discussion at a public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council chamber, 2222 Camino Ramon.

A version of the plan that appeared on the ballot last fall as Measure W failed by 71 percent of the votes. It was put to a vote because it proposed expanding the city's urban growth boundary by more than 2,200 acres on the east and west sides of the city.

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The public worried that expanding the boundary into the Tassajara Valley would clear the way for development. The city said it was about wresting control of the land from the county.

Measure W also proposed extending a hillside protection ordinance that expired at the end of last year.

Find out what's happening in San Ramonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The plan being put before City Council on Tuesday doesn't include boundary expansion. It includes a new air quality component, a chapter that outlines ways for the city to meet state greenhouse gas reduction deadlines and improve air quality in the San Ramon Valley.

The 2030 plan also would allow the city to pursue the North Camino Ramon Specific Plan, a blueprint for turning the northern part of San Ramon into a district ideal for destination retailers and big-box stores.

Some residents have criticized the city for rushing through the update process. Others have said they're worried the city will OK a version that's too similar to what voters killed in Measure W.

Planning commissioners have unanimously recommended that the City Council approve the document.

To read more on the plan, go to www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us. A pdf of the staff report is attached to this article.


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