Measure Q

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Voter-Protected Open Space Overlay Ballot Measure Approved by voters in November 2022

During the November 2022 election Brentwood residents approved a “Voter-Protected Open Space Overlay Ballot Measure”. The ballot measure was assigned the letter Q by Contra Costa Elections office and is commonly referred to as Measure Q. Measure Q amended the City of Brentwood’s General Plan, which is the framework for City development, establishing a new “Voter-Protected Open Space” land use designation, also known as the Open Space Overlay (“Overlay”). Measure Q applied the Overlay to a set of parks, open spaces, and recreational areas identified in the maps below. Areas included within the Overlay can only be used for open space, parks, agricultural, and recreational uses. Proposals to use land within the Overlay for uses other than open space, parks, agriculture, or recreation would require approval by a majority of Brentwood voters, subject to certain exceptions.

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS FOR PROPERTIES COVERED BY MEASURE Q

Deer Ridge Clubhouse CUP

Former Deer Ridge Golf Course Plan Development 20 Zoning Code (PD-20)

CITY ATTORNEY’S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE Q

[Submitted pursuant to Elections Code 9280]

Measure Q would amend the City of Brentwood’s General Plan, which is the framework for City development, to establish a new “Voter-Protected Open Space” land use designation, also known as the Open Space Overlay (“Overlay”). Measure Q would apply the Overlay to a set of parks, open spaces, and recreational areas identified in the maps attached to the ballot measure as Exhibit B. Areas included within the Overlay could only be used for open space, parks, agricultural, and recreational uses. Proposals to use land within the Overlay for uses other than open space, parks, agriculture, or recreation would require approval by a majority of Brentwood voters, subject to certain exceptions.

If Measure Q is adopted by a majority of voters, until November 8, 2062, lands designated as Voter-Protected Open Space could be redesignated to allow uses that are not consistent with the Overlay only by a vote of the people. The City Council could redesignate land covered by the Overlay in two limited circumstances for which the Council would need to make specific findings. These limited circumstances include (1) compliance with state or federal law, or (2) removal of land from the Overlay to serve other public purposes, if the Council simultaneously adds an equal or greater amount of open space to the Overlay.

Measure Q clarifies that certain uses of land are consistent with the Overlay and would not require a vote of the people. These uses include the provision of infrastructure or utility services (such as sewers and streets), as well as other uses of land that are currently allowed under the Parks, Permanent Open Space, and Agricultural Conservation designations in the General Plan.