Local zoning · San Ramon

San Ramon — Design Review

Q: How long will Architectural Review take?

The ordinance sets a target of 45 days for the review authority to conduct Architectural Review after a complete application is submitted, unless you agree to a different schedule; Development Plans or Commission hearings add time per hearing schedules. See § D6‑22.H.1 .

Design Review under the San Ramon local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

San Ramon’s Design Review program is implemented through the Zoning Ordinance (Title D). The formal Architectural Review procedure (commonly called design review / architectural review / site plan review) requires the Zoning Administrator, the Architectural Review Board (ARB), or the Planning Commission to evaluate siting, building form, materials, landscaping, and related site features against the Zoning Ordinance standards and adopted design guidelines. Key rules and triggers are in § D6-22 (Architectural Review) and § D6-23 (Development Plans) of the Zoning Ordinance.

Note: this page summarizes only what the San Ramon Zoning Ordinance says about design/architectural/site-plan review—not building-code (Title 24) requirements or other permit programs.

What design review covers (short)

The ordinance requires review of all building and site plans prior to issuance of a Zoning Clearance or Building Permit (see § D6-22). Review focuses on site layout, building massing, materials and colors, landscaping, parking/drive aisles, fences/walls, exterior lighting and signs, and second‑story additions on single‑story homes.
The ARB functions in an advisory role and the Zoning Administrator or Commission issues the formal decision; appeals follow Division D7 procedures.

(First related internal links — linked where first mentioned)

For how this ties to zoning rules, see San Ramon Zoning. (/us/california/san-ramon/zoning)
Parking-related design elements are evaluated under the City’s parking rules. (/us/california/san-ramon/parking)
Site layout and setbacks are reviewed against the City’s Development Standards. (/us/california/san-ramon/development-standards)
Projects in overlay areas (for example historic districts) are reviewed under the Overlay Districts rules. (/us/california/san-ramon/overlay-districts)
Sign design and location are part of design review where applicable; see Signage rules. (/us/california/san-ramon/signage)
Landscape plans are required and evaluated per Landscaping and Screening standards. (/us/california/san-ramon/landscaping-and-screening)
Accessory Dwelling Units may require Architectural Review and must also follow ADU rules. (/us/california/san-ramon/adu)
Structural/Code compliance remains with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24). (/us/california/building-codes)

Controlling ordinance language (key §§)

§ D6-22 — Architectural Review: purpose, objectives, applicability, factors to consider, ARB duties, findings, timelines.
§ D6-23 — Development Plans: required for many new developments and includes Commission-level Architectural/Design Review in certain zones and for larger projects; contains additional criteria for landmark/designated sites.
§ D6-30 — Zoning Clearances: Zoning Clearance is required before Building Permit issuance and is tied into Architectural Review findings.
Division D2 (Allowable Land Uses and Zoning Standards) and Division D3 (Site Planning and Project Design Standards) supply the zone standards design review comments must respect (setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, landscape).

District-by-district breakdown (how design review interacts with each SAN RAMON zone)

Below are compact, ordinance‑grounded summaries for the primary district groups. Each district name is bolded, and the ordinance citations follow the descriptions; where a district relies on tabular standards (Tables 2-2, 2-9, etc.) the ordinance references those tables and the Division that contains them.

Residential zones (examples: RS, RM, RMH, RH, RVH)

Purpose: residential neighborhoods and a range of densities implemented by Division D2; design review promotes compatibility with neighborhood character.
Typical permitted uses: single‑family homes, multifamily per the specific R zone tables; accessory structures and home occupations per Division D4.
Key dimensional standards (typical): setbacks, height limits, accessory structure heights and area caps are in the R‑zone tables and Table 4‑2 for accessory heights; front/side/rear setbacks and maximum coverage are set in Division D2 and supplemented by Division D3 setbacks. Verify exact numeric values for a parcel in Tables 2‑2/2‑4 and D3‑10.
Where it applies: across the City where parcels are mapped RS/RM/RMH/RH/RVH; Architectural Review applies to building/site plans before Zoning Clearance (see § D6-22).

Mixed‑Use zones (examples: MUX, MUR, DMU-N, DMU-S, CCMU)

Purpose: encourage combinations of residential and commercial uses with urban design controls; mixed‑use projects must meet Objective Design and Development Standards.
Typical permitted uses: residential over retail/office, small offices, restaurants (with permit levels shown in Division D2 tables).
Key dimensional standards: daylight plane requirements (30° plane) at residential property lines and I‑680 per D2‑15; shared parking provisions and loading/landscape requirements are mandated for mixed use.
Where it applies: downtown and other mixed‑use map locations; Design Review enforces compatibility with pedestrian orientation, shared parking, and building frontage standards.

Commercial / Office / Industrial zones (examples: OA, OL, CC, CT, CR, MC, M‑1, M‑2)

Purpose: provide for shopping, employment, services and light industrial uses; design review ensures site planning (parking, loading) and urban form objectives are met.
Typical permitted uses: retail, offices, service uses; some uses require Use Permits or Minor Use Permits as shown in Division D2 tables.
Key dimensional standards: commercial development standards are set in Tables 2‑9/2‑10 (minimum lot sizes, setbacks, frontages) and must be read with Division D3 parking/landscape rules.
Where it applies: properties mapped to commercial/office/industrial symbols; major commercial projects will typically require Development Plan review and Commission action under § D6-23.

Planned Development (PD) and Specific Plans

Purpose: allow flexible standards and comprehensive design for large or complex sites.
Typical permitted uses: depends on adopted PD/specific plan; PD approvals can modify development standards (except density) as part of the project conditions.
Key dimensional standards: PD standards are in the adopted PD or specific plan; where silent, R‑zone or C‑zone standards default for accessory or commercial development respectively.
Where it applies: parcels rezoned PD or covered by specific plans; Development Plan / Planned Development Permit processes apply (see § D6‑25 / D6‑23).

Landmark Overlay (-L) and other Overlays

Purpose: protect historic/architecturally significant buildings and districts; overlay requires Conservation Plan and special Architectural Review rules.
Typical permitted uses: uses allowed by the underlying zone, subject to Overlay conservation rules and development guidelines in the Landmark Conservation Plan.
Key dimensional standards: Overlay includes additional design guidelines, demolition review hold periods (e.g., up to 180 days for historically significant structures) and special ARB considerations.
Where it applies: properties map-marked with the -L overlay; any demolition or alteration of designated landmarks triggers Commission-level Design Review.

Decision‑relevant table (Design Review triggers and standards)

Topic	What the ordinance requires	Code reference
Who reviews	Zoning Administrator for most projects; ARB advises; Commission reviews Development Plans, landmark projects and major Planned Development Permits.	§ D6-22, § D6-23
Which projects	“All building and site plans” are subject to Architectural Review before Zoning Clearance; Development Plans required for many new developments (exceptions for single‑family additions).	§ D6-22.A.3, § D6-23.B
Review factors	Area/bulk/height, colors/materials, site layout, landscaping, parking, signs, exterior lighting, fences/walls, second‑story additions on single‑story homes.	§ D6-22.G.2
Timeline	Architectural Review—review within 45 days of a complete application (unless applicant agrees otherwise).	§ D6-22.H.1
Findings to approve	Design must be consistent with the General Plan, the Zoning Ordinance purpose and the factors to be considered; must protect public health/safety/welfare.	§ D6-22.I
Zoning Clearance link	Zoning Clearance must be issued verifying compliance before Building Permit; ZA issues Zoning Clearances.	§ D6-30

Checklist (what an applicant must prepare for a San Ramon Architectural/Design Review)

Submit a complete Architectural Review application per Division D6 Chapter I and the Department’s submittal handout (§ D6-22.F).
Full plans and elevations showing proposed materials, colors, rooflines, fencing, and exterior lighting (§ D6-22.G.2).
Site plan showing setbacks, parking layout and dimensions, circulation, loading, and landscape plan meeting Division D3 requirements (landscape, parking) (D3 / D6-22).
Evidence and written responses demonstrating required findings: General Plan consistency, conformity with ordinance purpose, compliance with review factors, and public health/safety/welfare considerations (§ D6-22.I).
If in an overlay (e.g., -L), submit conservation-plan items or meet the overlay’s submittal requirements (Landmark Conservation Plan items for -L).
Pay applicable fees and expect a 45‑day review window for a complete application (timing may vary or be extended by agreement).
If a Development Plan, provide any additional studies (traffic, utilities, environmental) and be prepared for Commission-level hearings (§ D6-23).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Single‑family exemptions	Ordinance states some single‑family repairs/ordinary maintenance may be exempt, but many single‑family additions still require Architectural Review. Misreading exemptions can delay projects.	Confirm whether your work is “ordinary repairs” exempt or requires Architectural Review per § D6‑22 and D2‑4 exemptions.
Overlap with PD or Specific Plan standards	PD/specific plan standards can modify or replace base zone rules; design review must apply the correct standard set.	Check the adopted PD or specific plan text for your parcel and whether Development Plan/PD permit alters standards.
What triggers Commission vs ZA review	Some proposals are administratively handled while others need public hearing at Commission; this affects timeline and public notice.	Verify the applicable review authority early with Planning staff; see § D6‑23 and D6‑22 for referral/deferral rules.
Historic (-L) overlay processes	Landmark rules add demolition holds, extra guidelines, and Conservation Plan requirements—these change what the ARB/Commission can require.	If in -L, confirm required Landmark Conservation Plan content and any historic review hold periods (D2‑31).
Parcel‑specific measurements (setbacks, heights)	Many design-review determinations hinge on numeric thresholds (setbacks, daylight plane, coverage) that vary by zone.	Pull the exact Tables (2‑2/2‑3/2‑9) and D3‑10 for your zone and parcel; verify against the Zoning Map.

Plain‑English summary

If you're building or altering a property in San Ramon, expect the City to compare your plans to the Zoning Ordinance design standards and guidelines before issuing a Zoning Clearance or building permit — the Zoning Administrator (with ARB advice or Commission review for larger/landmark projects) checks site layout, building shape and materials, landscaping, parking, lighting and signs to make sure your project fits the neighborhood and the General Plan. § D6‑22 and § D6‑23 explain the precise triggers, findings, and timelines.

Source References

§ D6-22 — Architectural Review (purpose, applicability, factors to be considered, findings, ARB role, 45‑day review).
§ D6-23 — Development Plans (when required; Commission review; special rules for -L overlay).
§ D6-30 — Zoning Clearances (required before Building Permit; ZA authority).
Division D2 (Allowable Land Uses and Zoning Standards), including Tables 2‑2 / 2‑9 (zone development standards and permitted uses).
Division D3 (Site Planning and Project Design Standards), including setbacks, fencing, parking, and landscape requirements.
§ D2‑31 — Landmark (-L) Overlay Zone (purpose, Conservation Plan, demolition hold).
Division D6 Chapter I & II — permit filing, staff report, review procedures and appeals (general process).

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Ramon Zoning Code (Section in) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter D7-IV) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter D7-II) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter D6-II) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter III) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter II) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter II) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section D6-28) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section shall) Medium relevance
CBC § 500 (Chapter I) Medium relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter IV) Medium relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section D3-20) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (Section D3-6.D.) Medium relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter D7-IV) Medium relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (TITLE D) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official San Ramon code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review for a single‑family addition in San Ramon?

Many single‑family additions are subject to Architectural Review: the ordinance states that all building and site plans are subject to Architectural Review before a Zoning Clearance and Building Permit, although some ordinary repairs and minor work are exempt. Verify whether your project is “ordinary maintenance” or qualifies for an exemption; otherwise plan for Architectural Review under § D6‑22.

What are the required findings the City makes to approve Architectural Review?

The review authority must find the project design is consistent with the General Plan and the purpose of the Zoning Ordinance, complies with the ordinance’s specified factors (site, architecture, landscaping, parking, lighting, signs), and is in the public interest for health/safety/welfare; see § D6‑22.I for the required findings.

How long will Architectural Review take?

The ordinance sets a target of 45 days for the review authority to conduct Architectural Review after a complete application is submitted, unless you agree to a different schedule; Development Plans or Commission hearings add time per hearing schedules. See § D6‑22.H.1.

Who makes the decision — Zoning Administrator, ARB, or Planning Commission?

The Zoning Administrator issues most Zoning Clearances and Architectural Review decisions; the ARB serves in an advisory capacity on many residential and nonresidential improvements; major Development Plans, Planned Development Permits, and landmark matters go to the Planning Commission. The specific review authority is described in § D6‑22 and § D6‑23.

Will the City check parking and landscaping during design review?

Yes. Architectural Review explicitly lists parking areas, landscaping location/type, and related site planning among the factors to be considered; parking must meet Division D3 parking standards and Division D2 zone development standards. Consult § D6‑22.G.2 and the Division D3 parking and landscape sections.

Are historic (Landmark / -L) properties treated differently?

Yes. The -L Overlay requires a Landmark Conservation Plan and gives the Commission authority to withhold demolition (for example, up to 180 days) and to apply preservation‑oriented design findings; see § D2‑31 and the Landmark/overlay provisions in § D6‑23.

Can the Zoning Administrator approve minor changes after a design review approval?

Yes—minor modifications may be approved by the Zoning Administrator where they meet specific criteria (not changing features that formed the basis of environmental review/conditions or increasing floor area by ≥10%, etc.). Larger changes require new applications or referral to ARB/Commission. See the modification/minor change rules in Division D6 (e.g., D6‑35 and related subsections).

What standards control height, setbacks and daylight plane that design review enforces?

Zone‑specific tables in Division D2 supply numeric height and setback standards; mixed‑use zones have a 30° daylight plane requirement measured at designated heights on residential property lines and I‑680 per D2‑15; the design reviewer enforces those numeric standards together with Division D3 rules.

If the review authority denies my design review, can I appeal?

Yes. All decisions of the review authority are appealable consistent with the Appeals and Calls for Review chapter (Division D7); see the appeals references in § D6‑22.H.3 and Division D7.

Where do I find the exact permitted uses for my zone?

Allowed uses and the required permit level (P, UP, S, ZC, —) are listed in the Tables in Division D2 (Chapters II–V); consult the specific table for your zone and the definitions in Division D8. The City uses those tables to determine whether an Architectural Review or other permit is required.

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