Accessory Dwelling Units in the RS-7 Zoning District
In the City of Concord, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a permitted use in the RS-7 (Single-Family Residential) zoning district, subject to specific development standards and building permit requirements. These units are allowed in addition to a primary single-family residence and must comply with the design, size, and parking regulations established in the Concord Development Code.
Permissibility of Accessory Dwelling Units in RS-7
The RS-7 district, classified under the "Single-Family Residential" category, allows for the establishment of Accessory Dwelling Units [Section 18.30.010]. Accessory dwelling units in the RS-7 district are not considered to exceed the allowable density for a lot [Section 18.200.180(C)(3)].
General Development Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory dwelling units in the RS-7 district must adhere to the following development standards:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Living Area | 150 square feet [Section 18.200.180(C)(8)] |
| Maximum Living Area | Lesser of 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area or 1,000 square feet (on lots < 12,000 sq. ft.) [Section 18.200.180(C)(8)] |
| Interior Side/Rear Setback | Minimum 4 feet [Section 18.200.180(C)(16)] |
| Height (Attached) | Maximum 25 feet or the height of the primary dwelling, whichever is lower [Section 18.200.180(C)(17)] |
| Height (Detached) | Generally 16 feet (some exceptions up to 18 feet near transit) [Section 18.200.180(C)(17)] |
| Parking Requirement | 1 off-street space per unit or per bedroom (whichever is less) [Section 18.200.180(C)(11)] |
Design and Operational Requirements
- Rental Restrictions: Accessory dwelling units in the RS-7 district may not be rented for terms of less than 30 days [Section 18.200.180(C)(5)].
- Subdivision Prohibition: Accessory dwelling units cannot be sold independently of the primary single-family residence on the same lot [Section 18.200.180(C)(4)].
- Design Consistency: Unless an accessory dwelling unit is pre-approved by the City of Concord, it must maintain exterior colors and materials consistent with the primary residence [Section 18.200.180(C)(10)].
Parking Exemptions
Parking for an accessory dwelling unit is not required in the RS-7 district if the unit meets one of the following criteria [Section 18.200.180(C)(11)]:
- Located within a one-half mile walking distance of public transit.
- Located within a designated architecturally and historically significant historic district.
- Part of the proposed or existing primary dwelling or a conversion of an existing accessory structure.
- Located where on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
- Located within one block of a car share vehicle site.
Sections Cited
- Section 18.30.010 (Purpose - Residential Districts)
- Section 18.200.180 (Accessory dwelling units)