Walkable Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek is one of those special Bay Area communities that is rich in appeal and opportunities. Nestled in the heart of Central Contra Costa County, it has a walkable downtown with thriving shops, strong schools, an active civic life, easy access to two BART stations, and stunning natural vistas just a few steps away.

Because of these amenities, Walnut Creek is a great place to call home, particularly for young professionals, families, and seniors. Yet with Bay Area housing prices still among the least affordable in the nation, this desirable location remains out of reach for farThe gross floor area permitted on a site divided by the total net area of the site, expressed in decimals to one or two places. For example, on a site with 10,000 net square feet of land area, a floor area ratio of 1.0 will allow a maximum of 10,000 gross sq. ft. of building floor area to be built. 0n the same site, an FAR of 1.5 would allow 15,000 sq. ft. of floor area; an FAR of 2.0 would allow 20,000 sq. ft.; and an FAR of 0.5 would allow only 5,000 sq. ft. Also commonly used in zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., FARs are typically applied on a parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development.-by-parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. basis as opposed to an average FAR for an entire land useThe occupation or utilization of land or water area for any human activity or any purpose defined in the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan.. or zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan. district. too many. And even a sought-after city like Walnut Creek still has vast parking lots, struggling strip malls, and streets that are unsafe for walking or biking, all of which could benefit from a better vision.

Fortunately, the city is embarking on some exciting new endeavors in order to build a brighter future for its residents. We’re most excited about their West Downtown visioning efforts.