Lead for Earth, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that I help lead, has officially filed a complaint against the City of San Ramon regarding the handling of the General Plan 2040 update—an issue that strikes at the heart of transparency, due process, and public participation.
🏙️ What’s This All About?
For those unfamiliar, San Ramon is a planned city, which means our growth and land use decisions are governed by long-term blueprints—like the General Plan 2040, adopted in January 2024 after years of community engagement. This plan outlines where homes, businesses, and public spaces should be.
But something went wrong.
Despite multiple public hearings (six to be exact), critical concerns raised by me, fellow residents, and even a planning commissioner have gone unanswered. Concerns about land ownership, the validity of the application, and most importantly—the public’s right to fair participation—were overlooked.
Here is the short video where i have narrated it https://www.youtube.com/embed/9tS5W3g-D7M?si=v2YJQyRHKRQ78Kfg
🚨 Key Issues with the General Plan Update
Unclear Ownership
The application affecting 205 acres in San Ramon’s core was submitted by an entity that owns less than 50% of the land in question. Yet, other landowners weren’t acknowledged or even listed. That raises a serious question: Is the application even valid?
Misleading Public Hearings
In the April 22 Council meeting, the hearing title was changed to omit any references to the General Plan, FAR, or the DMU-N district—effectively hiding the true purpose of the agenda from the public. Meanwhile, officials claimed there was "misinformation" without clarifying key facts.
Appeal Costs That Block Residents
In San Francisco, appealing a planning decision costs $175. In most Bay Area cities, it's under $300. In San Ramon? It's $4,500. That price tag silences community voices and disincentivizes checks and balances.
A $200M Developer Bonus
Based on expert analyses and internal estimates, this application could deliver over $200 million in bonus value to the developer. And yet, it’s being pushed forward without the consent of all property owners or the community.
📣 Why I Filed the Complaint
This isn’t just about policy—it’s about process.
Our city government should work with us, not around us. I filed this complaint because I believe San Ramon residents deserve to be heard, and because we have a right to decide whether major planning changes go forward.
The entire complaint package is here.
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