Downtown Concord Zoning Height Limits
The Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district has a maximum building height of 70 feet, while the Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) district has a maximum height of 200 feet. The West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district features a maximum height limit of 140 feet, though increased height may be permitted in the DMX district subject to a use permit.
Overview of Downtown Height Standards
In the City of Concord, height limits in the downtown zoning districts are established to regulate the vertical scale of development. These limits vary by district and are set to accommodate different types of high-density residential, commercial, and mixed-use environments.
Downtown Height Requirements
The following table outlines the maximum height standards for the designated Downtown Districts:
| District | Maximum Building Height (feet) |
|---|---|
| Downtown Pedestrian (DP) | 70 feet |
| Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) | 200 feet |
| West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) | 140 feet |
Note: In the Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) district, increased height beyond the established maximum may be approved subject to the issuance of a use permit [Section 18.45.030].
Specific Requirements and Considerations
- Building Height Measurement: Height is defined as the vertical distance from the highest point of any structure to the ground level directly below [Section 18.20.030].
- First Floor Height: Both the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district and the Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) district require a minimum first-floor height of 15 feet (measured floor to floor) [Section 18.45.030].
- Exceptions and Variances: Applications for structures that seek to exceed these height limits or deviate from development standards may require specific discretionary approvals, such as a variance [Section 18.430.010] or a planned development use permit [Section 18.440.010].
- Affordable Housing Incentives: Qualifying affordable and mixed-income housing developments may be eligible for modified height standards [Section 18.185.060]. For example, the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district allows a modified maximum height of 85 feet for qualifying affordable housing projects, while the Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) district retains its 200-foot limit [Section 18.185.060].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.20.030 (Definitions)
- Section 18.45.030 (Table 18.45.030 – Downtown districts – Development standards)
- Section 18.185.060 (Affordable housing incentive program)
- Section 18.430.010 (Purpose - Variances)
- Section 18.440.010 (Purpose - Planned Development Use Permit)