Concord Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) Zoning District Overview
The Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) zoning district is intended to support a cohesive mix of high-density residential, commercial, and office uses, encouraging vertical mixed-use development with ground-level retail. Projects in the DMX district are permitted a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) ranging from 1.0 to 6.0 and residential densities between 33 and 100 units per net acre.
Purpose and Applicability
The DMX district is designed for downtown areas appropriate for a cohesive mix of high-density residential, commercial, and office uses, including hotels. The city encourages well-designed vertical mixed-use within a single building, featuring retail at the ground level and office or multifamily residential on upper floors. While single uses or horizontal mixed-use projects (where residential and nonresidential uses are in separate buildings on the same site) are permitted, vertical mixed-use is prioritized [Section 18.45.010].
Development Standards
Development in the DMX district must adhere to specific standards regarding intensity, height, and setbacks as outlined in the Concord Development Code.
| Standard | DMX District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density | 33 – 100 dwelling units per net acre |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 1.0 (minimum) to 6.0 (maximum) |
| Lot Area (minimum) | 10,000 square feet |
| Lot Width (minimum) | 100 feet (interior), 110 feet (corner) |
| Lot Depth (minimum) | 100 feet |
| Building Height | 30 feet (minimum); 200 feet (maximum) |
| Building Height (1st floor) | 15 feet (minimum floor-to-floor) |
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Interior Side Setback | 0 feet |
| Corner Side Setback | 10 feet |
| Rear Setback | 0 feet |
| Open Space (minimum) | 175 square feet per unit |
Note: For DMX residential uses, the floor area ratio does not apply. Increased height may be permitted in DMX with a use permit [Section 18.45.030].
Key Development Requirements
- Vertical Integration: Vertical mixed-use within a single building is strongly encouraged.
- Building Facades: Buildings exceeding 130 feet in length must be designed to provide at least one vertical break through projecting or recessing wall surfaces or changes in the roofline to proportionally divide the facade’s mass [Section 18.45.030].
- Ground Floor Uses: Unlike the West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district, the DMX district permits residential uses on the ground or first floor of a building [Section 18.45.030].
- Parking: Options for meeting parking requirements in the DMX district include providing required spaces off-street within 700 to 1,000 feet of the site or paying an in-lieu parking fee subject to a use permit [Section 18.160.060].
- Design Review: All projects in the DMX district are subject to design and site review, unless specifically exempted [Section 18.415.020].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.45.010: Purpose
- Section 18.45.030: Table 18.45.030 – Downtown districts – Development standards
- Section 18.160.060: Parking requirements for the DP and DMX districts
- Section 18.415.020: Applicability