Ruling That Limits Development Appealed

Home builders are appealing a court ruling upholding Contra Costa County’s urban limit line, which puts 22 square miles off-limits to development.

A Superior Court judge in October ruled in favor of the line limit, which was adopted by voters in 1990. County supervisors said the rule helps prevent sprawl, traffic congestion and loss of open space and encourages “smart growth” near mass transportation and job centers.

The developers, however, said the county exceeded its authority.