Accessory Dwelling Units in RS-5 Single-Family Residential Zoning
Property owners within the RS-5 Single-Family Residential district in the City of Concord are permitted to construct Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) as accessory uses to an existing or proposed single-family principal dwelling. These units must comply with specific development standards, including size limitations, design requirements, and permit procedures, as established by the Concord Development Code.
Permissibility of Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units are allowed in the R (Residential) zoning district, which encompasses the RS-5 district [Section 18.200.180(C)(7)]. The development of these units is intended to increase the supply of smaller, affordable housing while ensuring compatibility with existing neighborhoods [Section 18.200.180(A)].
Development Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units
The Concord Development Code establishes several requirements for the development of Accessory Dwelling Units in the RS-5 district:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Size | 150 square feet [Section 18.200.180(C)(8)] |
| Maximum Size | Lesser of 50% of the principal dwelling floor area or 1,000 square feet (if lot < 12,000 sq ft) or 1,200 square feet (if lot ≥ 12,000 sq ft) [Section 18.200.180(C)(8)] |
| Height Limit | 16 feet (for detached units); 25 feet (for attached units) [Section 18.200.180(C)(17)] |
| Interior Side/Rear Setback | Minimum of 4 feet [Section 18.200.180(C)(16)] |
| Parking Requirement | 1 space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less (with specific exemptions) [Section 18.200.180(C)(11)] |
Design and Operational Requirements
- Building Permits: All Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units must comply with the California Building Code [Section 18.200.180(C)(1)].
- Foundation: A permanent foundation is required for all Accessory Dwelling Units [Section 18.200.180(C)(2)].
- Rentals: Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units may not be rented for terms of less than 30 days [Section 18.200.180(C)(5)].
- Subdivision: Accessory Dwelling Units cannot be sold independently of the principal dwelling unit [Section 18.200.180(C)(4)].
- Design Consistency: Unless the unit is a pre-approved design, the exterior colors and materials of an Accessory Dwelling Unit must be consistent with the principal dwelling [Section 18.200.180(C)(10)].
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)
Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are also permitted in the RS-5 district, provided they are contained entirely within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family principal dwelling [Section 18.200.180(B)]. JADUs may have a maximum floor area of 500 square feet and are not subject to additional parking requirements [Section 18.200.180(B), (E)(3)]. A recorded covenant is required for JADUs to ensure owner occupancy and prohibit separate sale [Section 18.200.180(E)(4)].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.200.180: Accessory dwelling units