Golf course zoning in the rough
Shock.
In a surprising move, the City Council recommended staff prepare a general plan amendment that would designate golf course land strictly for golf course use.
If were going to keep it a golf course, we might as well designate it a golf course, Councilman Jim Livingstone said. We need to create a land use that can even be called golf course, just as long as it looks like, feels like, and sounds like a golf course.
The council gave the planning staff a series of recommendations to prepare for the next meeting on June 13 — including what constitutes an RV.
While calling for a general plan amendment to be considered, the council also indicated it would pass the zoning ordinance as it has been proposed — a land use change from parks to commercial recreation with narrowing restrictions for golf course uses.
We dont want to start all over with the other issues, Councilman Scott Perkins said. The goal is to immediately try and get a General Plan Amendment for the golf course created, while finishing out the work that has been done on all the other zoning updates.
Hearings could start as early as the Planning Commission meeting on June 20 on a general plan amendment for city golf course land.
Livingstones proposal caused many in attendance at the San Ramon Community Center to gasp in shock, followed by some applause.
I was shocked that they would change their mind, said Jan Desmarasis, a resident who lives off Royal Vista Golf Course. Just looking at their body language throughout the hearing, when they decided on that change I thought I had missed something.
I think its a good thing, said Paul Desmarasis, another resident who lives near Royal Vista. I mean, its only whats been asked for by the citizens since the very beginning.
Opponents of the zoning change were still worried that changes in the Planning Commission could stall implementation of a general plan amendment — still seeking to put an imitative on the ballot for an amendment.
I dont think the change in the Planning Commission would have an effect, once they are brought up to speed on what has been going on, Perkins said.
The new ordinance sets standards in planning and project design, as well as specific land uses — all part of an amendment to make city zoning comply with the 2002 voter-approved San Ramon General Plan 2020.
Maps showing the proposed changes are available at the city Planning Department, 2226 Camino Ramon or at the city of San Ramon Web site: http://www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us.