This page brings together the official documents, technical studies, and maps related to the proposed River Walk project and the Urban Growth Boundary Initiative.
It is designed as a one-stop reference so residents can read the source material for themselves, not just summaries or talking points.
Use this page to:
- Review what the City, County, and LAFCO have published
- See where the proposed development would go
- Understand how the project affects farmland, roads, and the Stanislaus River corridor
How to Use This Page
We recommend:
- Take notes on anything you want to ask about at public meetings or in written comments.
- Start with the summaries on the main site pages (The River Walk Project, Community Impacts, Urban Growth Boundary Initiative).
- Use this page when you’re ready to dig deeper into the original documents and maps.
Key Official Documents
These are the documents produced by the City of Riverbank, Stanislaus County, LAFCO, and other agencies. Links and file names should be listed here as you upload or link them.
LAFCO & County Materials
- Sphere of Influence (SOI) Expansion Applications
Applications and staff reports related to expanding Riverbank’s sphere of influence to include the River Walk area and surrounding farmland.
- LAFCO Staff Reports & Resolutions
Analyses prepared by the Local Agency Formation Commission, including findings on farmland conversion, orderly growth, and service provision.
- Public Hearing Agendas & Minutes
Meeting records showing when the project was discussed and what actions were taken.
These materials help explain how county-level and LAFCO policies treat growth onto prime farmland and the Stanislaus River corridor.
River Walk Planning & Environmental Documents
- River Walk Specific Plan (PDF)
The primary planning document describing the proposed land uses, housing types, commercial areas, parks, circulation network, and overall vision for the project.
- Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) (PDF)
The environmental analysis covering topics such as traffic, air quality, noise, farmland conversion, biological resources, water, and climate impacts.
- Technical Appendices & Studies
Traffic studies, biological reports, hydrology and floodplain analyses, infrastructure and utility assessments, and other technical supporting documents.
These documents show how the project is framed, what impacts have been identified, and what mitigations are proposed.
Urban Growth Boundary Initiative
- Full Text – Urban Growth Boundary Initiative (PDF)The complete ordinance language, including definitions, maps, and the legal framework for requiring voter approval for urban development west of the current city limits.
- City Attorney’s Title & Summary
The official ballot title and summary used for signature gathering and election materials.
Use these documents to understand exactly what the Initiative does, where it applies, and what exceptions it includes.
Community & Reference Materials
Template Letter City Council
How to Use This Letter
Please use the form letter below if you would like to contact the Riverbank City Council in opposition to the proposed Riverwalk Project. Fill in your personal information, and consider adding a brief note in your own words about why you oppose the project. Personalized letters are often more impactful than identical copies. After completing the letter, send it to the City Council by email, mail, or public comment submission before the vote.
These are resources created or collected by community members, organizations, and independent experts.
Overview Map – Riverbank & Surrounding Area
Shows:
- Existing Riverbank city limits
- Major roads (Patterson, McHenry, Claribel, Oakdale, Coffee)
- The Stanislaus River and nearby communities
Use this map to orient yourself and see where the west-side lands sit in relation to the rest of the city and county.
Proposed Sphere of Influence & Annexation Area
Shows:
- Current city boundary
- Proposed Sphere of Influence expansion area
- Proposed annexation area associated with the River Walk Specific Plan
This map illustrates how far west the city would extend and what acreage would be brought under city jurisdiction.
Land Use & Zoning Map (River Walk Specific Plan)
Shows:
- Areas designated for low-, medium-, and high-density housing
- Commercial and mixed-use zones
- Parks, open space, and any proposed buffers
- Road network, entry points, and internal circulation
This map helps visualize the intensity and placement of the proposed development.
Farmland & Soils Map
Shows:
- Classifications such as Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and other categories
- Existing agricultural operations within the project area
This map highlights how much productive farmland would be converted from agricultural to urban use if the project proceeds.
Floodplain & Riparian Habitat Map
Shows:
- FEMA-designated floodplain boundaries
- The Stanislaus River corridor and associated riparian habitat
- Any proposed development located within or adjacent to these areas
This map helps residents understand the relationship between the project, flood risk, groundwater recharge, and wildlife habitat.
Traffic & Circulation Map
Shows:
- Existing major roads and intersections
- Proposed new roads, access points, and internal streets
- Connections to regional routes and commercial areas
This map provides a visual sense of where additional traffic would enter and leave the project area and how it interacts with current congestion.
Having Trouble Opening Files?
If you have difficulty opening PDFs or image files:
- Try downloading the file to your device and opening it in a PDF viewer or image viewer.
- If a link is broken or a document is missing, please use the Contact form on this site to let us know so we can fix it.
By gathering all of these Documents & Maps in one place, we aim to make it easier for Riverbank residents to be fully informed, ask precise questions, and participate meaningfully in decisions about the city’s future.