The city of San Ramon, nestled inside of the heart of Contra Costa County has been a hotspot for people all across the Bay Area and the state of California to move to. With this influx of new people and expansion, the intricacies of zoning policies and land use have been incredibly critical in shaping its future. Councilwoman Marisol Rubio, who has been deeply involved in the city’s urban planning, shed light on how these policies are not just about construction, they are about community sustainability and preserving the very character of San Ramon.
“We do everything possible to make sure that development is consistent with the local character of the community,” Rubio explained. “That helps ensure that both the more suburban side of the city and downtown core remain consistent in appearance with the surrounding environment.”
She emphasized that it is important to create a balance, one where the growth does not overtake the essence of the city but rather compliments it.
One of the goals of zoning policies in San Ramon is to encourage healthy living through careful planning.
“We also factor things such as proximity to the freeway and alternative transportation such as County Connection or bike or walk paths to encourage healthy living and reduce GHG emissions [greenhouse gasses],” Rubio mentioned.
By doing so, this approach aims to reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact, while promoting active sustainable lifestyles.
With increased work towards building and increased planning in San Ramon, the town requires more housing. This need for more housing in San Ramon is largely driven by state legislation.
“What is driving the need to build more housing are due to bills such as SB 330, SB 35, and SB 423 that require us to build a certain amount of housing across all affordability levels within a certain amount of time,” Rubio continued.
These laws mandate that cities like San Ramon meet housing quotas determined by the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), a process outside the control of the City Council.
“We must build within an allotted time the number of housing units determined by RHNA, and we as a city must comply with those requirements or we risk losing control over the development project and be fined per unit the number of units were deficient in constructing, which can result in multimillion dollar fines,” Rubio mentioned.
Furthermore, Rubio mentioned that this has been a challenge for other cities like San Mateo and Pleasanton, who faced similar situations.
In addition to new housing developments, San Ramon has also seen the construction of the City Center, a key building that serves as the focal point of the community. The City Center is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and offices, offering a modern space for both residents and businesses.
Designed with a blend of outdoor and indoor spaces, the building is intended to provide a central gathering place, helping to create a more connected and vibrant atmosphere for the growing city. Its design and purpose make it an addition to San Ramon’s infrastructure, offering a suitable location for social and commercial activities.
Shenya Ling, a resident in San Ramon for nine years, has witnessed the change firsthand.
“When I first moved here, I loved how peaceful it was. The streets weren’t as crowded, and there was more park space. But over time, I’ve noticed how much the city has grown,” Shenya remembered.
Though she knows that new houses are needed, she is concerned with maintaining the small-town character of San Ramon.
While Rubio is aware of such fears, she emphasizes the future benefits of growth.
“The population of San Ramon will automatically grow in the coming 10-15 years, but our ability to accommodate new students in schools and putting up utilities have already been accounted for,” she pointed out. “By establishing a strong downtown center with both residential and commercial space in a balanced arrangement, we’re actually enhancing the value of surrounding homes.”
Rubio also points out that it is a boost to the city’s economy, injecting property and sales tax money to pay for essential public services.
As there have been increased prices in San Ramon, affordability has become a concern for many employees in San Ramon. The rapid urbanization has caused a few doubts to arise especially in the educational system.
Noah Kopp, an English teacher at Dougherty Valley High School, has searched for houses here at San Ramon. Yet he mentioned how the increased prices due to increased development, have made it unnaforadble to live here on his teacher salary.
“I looked at houses in San Ramon a year ago before buying in Pleasant Hill and found that nothing I could afford on my teacher’s salary would provide enough space for my family,” Kopp said. “My kids will go to school in another district and that is disappointing to me, not because the schools in Pleasant Hill are bad—many of them are excellent—but because I have given and will give so much to this school community and I feel it would be right to have access to the fruits of my labor.”
However, he also talked about how this increased urbanization is positive to San Ramon’s overall growth. As a teacher, he also believes although prices are rocketing in our area, education and his area of work is getting more funded.
Residents are opinionated regarding the growth of San Ramon. Urban growth, zoning, and new development are usually framed as technical matters, but they reach into the lives of residents like Ling deeply.
“We need more housing to keep up with demand,” Ling concurred. “But I hope we don’t lose what makes San Ramon special.”
For Councilwoman Rubio, it’s all about finding balance and enhancing value.
“We’re not only raising the value of surrounding homes, but we’re also funding the high-quality services that residents depend on,” she explained. “The goal of San Ramon’s future is to create a thriving community where development and growth benefit everyone and are inclusive to all needs.”
Ultimately, San Ramon’s zoning laws and city planning ordinances aren’t really about building houses; they’re about building a sense of home. San Ramon’s future is dependent on growth.
“It will attract more business and consumers to San Ramon and that’s a good thing for all San Ramon residents because it will drive more property and sales taxes that, in turn, help us pay for the high-quality services we’re accustomed to receiving and help us maintain our parks, pools, and infrastructure,” Rubio commented.
