This Measure concerns approximately 815 acres (the Area) located on Brentwood’s western border, bounded by Balfour Road, Deer Valley Road, the City of Antioch, and the Shadow Lakes development. The Measure qualified for the ballot by a petition signed by the requisite number of voters and which would require majority voter approval to become law. It would:
- modify the City’s Urban Limit Line, which marks the City’s development limits, to include the Area;
- amend the City’s General Plan, the framework for City development, to reflect the Measure’s provisions;
- adopt a specific plan to govern Area development; and
- amend the Brentwood Municipal Code, containing City laws, to establish Area development and use standards.
In the Area’s residential portion (approximately 555 acres), up to 2,400 housing units could be constructed, of which at least 80% would be age-restricted (generally, 55 and over). No more than 20% of the residential units could be developed with non-age-restricted housing. Housing would range from single family homes (1-18 units per acre) to multifamily development (up to 30 units per acre). Overall Area density could not exceed 3 units per acre. All multifamily development would be age-restricted, and would be prohibited on hilltops, ridges, and within 100 feet of the Area’s eastern boundary.
Community recreation uses (approximately 15 acres) could include gathering areas and recreational features.
No less than 225 acres would be permanently designated open space and could include agriculture and associated facilities.
Commercial/civic development would generally be limited to approximately 20 acres at the Area’s southwestern corner, and could include agricultural and farm-to-table uses, outdoor amphitheater, wineries, hotel uses, and nurseries. Residential development could also be located here. Senior care facilities would be permitted by right as a commercial use in the Area’s commercial and residential portions, and would not be included in the housing cap.
American Avenue would be extended to intersect Balfour Road at a second location. Portions of Balfour Road would be improved and widened, in phases. Area development would generate transportation impact fees. While the Measure proposes such fees be spent on Deer Valley Road safety improvements, the City does not exercise control over that roadway and could not require such expenditures. Other fees would be imposed on Area development for such purposes as schools; parks; and fire, drainage, flood control, water, and sewer facilities.
A report ordered by the City Council to study the Measure’s impacts found that, over time, it could:
- provide the City with impact fees to address municipal services necessitated by Area development, plus an annual surplus of $2.6-$3.1 million;
- provide the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District with $2-$2.5 million in new operating revenues annually, while also necessitating additional fire services;
- generate approximately 300 additional students, thus contributing to capacity issues at local schools; and
- potentially positively impact the local economy through increased local spending.
Area development would require approval of other agencies. Amending the Measure would require voter approval for 20 years, following its effective date; thereafter, the City Council could approve modifications as allowed by law.
