Conditional Use Permit Requirements in the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) District
In the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district of Concord, certain land uses require a Use Permit (UP) or Minor Use Permit (MP) to ensure compatibility with the city's downtown vision. While many uses are permitted by right or through an administrative permit, uses involving major assembly, specific commercial services, and certain recreational or institutional activities necessitate formal review and approval by the Planning Commission or the Zoning Administrator.
Overview of Use Permits in the DP District
Under the Concord Development Code, land uses in the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district are classified by the level of permit required. "UP" designates uses requiring a Use Permit, typically subject to approval by the Planning Commission, while "MP" designates uses requiring a Minor Use Permit, typically subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator [Section 18.25.030].
Uses Requiring a Use Permit (UP) or Minor Use Permit (MP) in the DP District
The following table outlines specific land uses within the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district that require either a Minor Use Permit (MP) or a Use Permit (UP) as identified in Table 18.45.020.
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Boarding, Kennel | UP |
| Mixed-Use Projects | MP |
| Residential Care Facility, Large | MP |
| Supportive Housing | UP |
| Transitional Housing, Multifamily | MP, UP |
| Conference, Convention Facility | UP |
| Cultural Institution | MP |
| Farmers’ Market | UP |
| Funeral Parlor, Mortuary | UP |
| Hospital, Medical Center | UP |
| Nursing Facility/Extended Care | UP |
| Meeting Facility, Public/Private | UP |
| Bingo Hall | UP |
| Residential Recreation Facility | UP |
| Sports and Entertainment, Assembly | UP |
| Sports and Recreation Facility | UP |
| Large Collection Facility | UP |
| Processing Facility | UP |
| Religious Facility | UP |
| Elementary, Middle, Secondary Schools | UP |
| Theater, Auditorium | UP |
Additional Considerations
The review authority may impose specific conditions of approval on a Minor Use Permit or Use Permit to address the placement, height, nature, and extent of the use, as well as requirements for buffers, screening, landscaping, and performance guarantees [Section 18.435.060].
For projects requiring a Use Permit in the DP district, the review authority must make several findings, including consistency with the General Plan and the Downtown Specific Plan, and a determination that the use is compatible with existing and future land uses in the vicinity [Section 18.435.060]. Additionally, residential uses in the DP district are subject to specific location restrictions, such as the requirement that they be located above the ground floor when facing Todos Santos Plaza [Section 18.45.100].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.25.030 – Allowable land uses and permit requirements
- Section 18.435.060 – Findings and decision
- Section 18.45.010 – Purpose (Downtown Districts)
- Table 18.45.020 – Downtown districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements