The San Ramon General Plan, a comprehensive framework guiding the city's future growth and development, is a testament to San Ramon's commitment to balanced, sustainable, and responsible urban planning. This master blueprint, adopted by the City Council, envisions San Ramon's evolution over the next 20-25 years, aiming to maintain and enhance the city's high quality of life while accommodating projected population and employment growth.
At the heart of the San Ramon General Plan lies a vision encapsulated in the city's-'Three Cs'- Compact, Creative, and Connected. This vision is underpinned by the plan's four strategic imperatives: Preserve and Enhance the Character of San Ramon, Promote Economic Vitality, Enhance Mobility and Connectivity, and Foster a Sustainable Community.
Compact and Creative Development
The San Ramon General Plan advocates for infill development, concentrating growth in the city's urban core and along transit corridors. This compact approach helps preserve San Ramon's extensive natural and agricultural areas, minimizes urban sprawl, and promotes a mix of land uses and housing types to accommodate diverse needs.
To achieve this, the plan encourages Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), with high-density, mixed-use projects near BART stations. This not only reduces the need for parking but also creates vibrant, walkable communities and supports local businesses.
Infill and Mixed-Use Development
Infill development involves building on vacant or underutilized sites within existing neighborhoods. By targeting these areas, San Ramon can accommodate new housing and commercial uses without encroaching on natural spaces or encroaching on neighboring communities.
Mixed-use development combines residential, commercial, and/or other uses within a single building oreinander. This integrated approach creates dynamic, livable neighborhoods, supports local businesses, and encourages alternative transportation modes.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The San Ramon General Plan is committed to preserving and encouraging affordable housing, recognizing its critical role in maintaining housing diversity and economic vitality. The plan encourages inclusionary zoning, incentives for affordable housing providers, and permanent affordability strategies.
To address the need for various housing types, the plan aims to facilitate the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). These small, secondary dwellings can help accommodate extended families, students, and seniors, providing flexibility and affordability in housing options.
Connected Mobility and Accessibility
A well-connected San Ramon promotes ease of movement, supports local businesses, and preserves the environment. The General Plan prioritizes a multi-modal transportation network, including walking, cycling, public transit, and cars, with a focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions.
San Ramon's vision for a connected community encompasses a broad range of initiatives, from pedestrian and bike infrastructure improvements to smart transportation technologies and innovative parking strategies.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure
To promote active transportation and reduce reliance on cars, the San Ramon General Plan advocates for a comprehensive network of bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian paths. These improvements not only enhance mobility and accessibility but also foster a healthier, more connected community.
Strategies include developing safe, efficient routes for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting neighborhoods to retail, employment, and recreation destinations, and ensuring pedestrian and bicycle access to BART stations and other public transit stops.
Smart Mobility and Transportation Demand Management
To optimize mobility and reduce congestion, San Ramon embraces innovative transportation solutions and strategies. The General Plan promotes shared mobility services, such as ride-sharing and bike-sharing, and encourages employers to adopt telecommuting and flexible work arrangements.
Additionally, the plan supports smart transportation technologies, such as real-time traffic management systems, to improve traffic flow and optimize roadway usage. By employing these strategies, San Ramon aims to create a more livable, sustainable, and congestion-free community.
San Ramon's General Plan, a roadmap for the city's future, embodies a forward-thinking, balanced approach to growth and development. By preserving the city's unique character, fostering economic vitality, enhancing mobility, and promoting sustainability, San Ramon looks towards a future that honors its past while embracing progress. Engaging with the community, iterating on best practices, and continually refining this vision ensures that San Ramon remains a premier place to live, work, and play."