Frequently Asked Questions​

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What is the Walnut Creek Senior Housing Transit Village initiative? 

The initiative amends the Walnut Creek’s General Plan, North Downtown Specific Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to facilitate senior housing and community-serving retail on a 2.4 acre portion of what is currently office-only development in Downtown Walnut Creek directly across the street from the BART Station. 

 

What is the goal of the initiative? 

The goal is to facilitate more than 200 units of much-needed senior housing in downtown Walnut Creek near BART together with community-serving retail, benefiting both residents and existing and future businesses. 

 

Why senior housing in Walnut Creek? 

Walnut Creek is a wonderful place for seniors to call home because of our amazing climate, varied retail and dining options, abundant hiking and walking opportunities, acclaimed medical facilities, substantial parks and open space, award-winning schools and robust transit options. 

 

Where would the initiative apply? 

The Initiative applies to a 2.4-acre site at the northeast corner of North California Boulevard and Ygnacio Valley Road, directly across the street from the Walnut Creek BART station. 

 

Why is senior housing needed in Walnut Creek? 

Walnut Creek and surrounding communities have a large and growing senior population, many of whom have lived here for decades and are now looking to downsize. Seniors represent about half of the Walnut Creek population, yet there are limited housing options that allow them to remain close to family, friends, healthcare and their communities. 

 

How does the initiative help seniors age in place? 

By allowing senior housing to be built near BART and downtown, the initiative enables older adults to remain in Walnut Creek, stay independent longer without a car, and remain connected to friends, family, healthcare, shopping, and cultural opportunities throughout the Bay Area. 

 

Why is this location ideal for senior housing? 

The site is next to the Walnut Creek BART station and within walking distance of downtown shopping, dining, and services. Residents also have access to the free Downtown Trolley and other transit options, making it easier to get around without driving. 

 

What types of businesses would be allowed? 

The initiative would allow a wide range of community‑serving businesses including retail, dining, entertainment and everyday services that support seniors and nearby workers and residents. 

 

How will local businesses benefit? 

Mixed use and residential development bring consistent foot traffic, especially during evenings and weekends which supports existing businesses, attracts new ones and creates a more active, economically vibrant downtown. 

 

What zoning changes does the initiative make? 

The initiative creates a new zoning district called “Mixed Use – Residential Senior & Commercial.” This new district would limit the land use to senior housing and commercial uses compatible with senior housing. 

 

Does the initiative eliminate office uses entirely? 

No. The initiative replaces office‑only zoning with a mixed‑use designation that prioritizes senior housing while still allowing for commercial and retail development. 

 

How does the initiative align with Walnut Creek’s General Plan? 

The initiative directly implements long‑standing General Plan goals, including providing housing for seniors, encouraging mixed-use development near transit, supporting walkability and the overall health of residents and creating a vibrant, accessible downtown. 

 

How does the initiative align with Walnut Creek’s State Housing Element goals for the creation of new housing? 

The initiative directly implements the city’s Housing Element goal of prioritizing the development of housing that meets the needs of seniors. 

 

How does this initiative align with Walnut Creek’s North Downtown Specific Plan? 

The initiative updates the land use designation in the North Downtown Specific Plan from “Office” to “Mixed Use – Residential Emphasis,” which aligns with the Specific Plan’s goals to create a diverse mix of uses, create new public spaces and pedestrian-friendly design, increase evening and weekend activity and offer services and amenities for residents and workers.

 

Will this initiative override local rules or height limits? 

Development would still be subject to Walnut Creek regulations. However, like all residential sites in California, additional density and waivers of regulations, including Measure A height limits, may be mandated by State Density Bonus Law in certain circumstances. Density Bonus projects, when they occur, are best placed in high-density areas near public transit, such as BART stations. 

 

How does this initiative affect traffic? 

By focusing housing near BART and everyday services, the initiative reduces reliance on driving, supports public transit use and aligns with city priorities to reduce traffic and encourage walking and transit-oriented living. Senior Housing is known to generate relatively less traffic demand than many other uses, such as office buildings. 

 

How does this benefit the broader community?  

The initiative helps longtime residents remain in Walnut Creek as they age, strengthens housing and downtown business opportunities near public transit and advances citywide housing, sustainability and quality of life goals.