Building Height and Standards in the Wetlands and Resource Conservation (WRC) District
The Wetlands and Resource Conservation (WRC) District does not specify a maximum building height, as it is classified as a community land district primarily intended for resource protection rather than structural development. Because the WRC District is a community land district, development standards such as building height are typically determined by the review authority on a case-by-case basis.
Overview of the WRC District
The Wetlands and Resource Conservation (WRC) District is applied to bay marshes and wetlands within the tidal area of the City of Concord [Section 18.60.010]. The primary intent of the WRC District is to ensure the protection of wildlife, hydrological, and biological resources [Section 18.60.010].
Development Standards
Because the WRC District is categorized as a community land district, its development is more restrictive than standard residential or commercial zoning.
| Feature | WRC District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Land Use Type | Wetlands/Resource Conservation |
| Building Height | Not specified; subject to review authority |
| Development Authorization | Determined by the review authority |
As noted in the general zoning provisions for community land districts, the review authority retains discretion over development standards [Section 18.165.050]. Any development proposed within the WRC District must be compatible with the important physical, habitat, aesthetic, and recreation functions of the waterways, ensuring these values are protected in perpetuity [Section 18.305.010].
Procedures for Development
Any subdivision or proposed development within the WRC District is subject to specific regulatory review to ensure environmental protection:
- General Applicability: The provisions of Chapter 18.305 apply to any site adjacent to or crossed by a watercourse shown on the city’s general plan or a blue line on the USGS 7.5-minute topographic map, or any site within a floodplain [Section 18.305.020].
- Hydrologic Study: Improvements to any property within the WRC District require a design and site development permit, which must be accompanied by a site-specific hydrologic study prepared by a qualified professional to identify the waterway centerline and floodplain boundaries [Section 18.305.030].
- Review Authority: All development within the WRC District must undergo a design and site review permit process to ensure compliance with the development standards specified in the code [Section 18.305.050].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.60.010: Purpose
- Section 18.165.050: Landscape requirements
- Section 18.305.010: Purpose
- Section 18.305.020: Applicability
- Section 18.305.030: Hydrologic study
- Section 18.305.050: Application, review, and hearing