Downtown District Permitted Uses and Regulations in Concord
The Downtown districts in Concord consist of the Downtown Pedestrian (DP), Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX), and West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) zones, which are designed to support high-density residential and commercial development. These districts require specific permits, such as Zoning Clearances (ZC), Administrative Permits (AP), or Use Permits (UP), depending on the specific land use and location within the district.
Downtown District Classifications
The City of Concord has established three specific downtown zoning districts to manage development:
- Downtown Pedestrian (DP): Focused on the 10-block area surrounding Todos Santos Plaza and the blocks connecting it to the Concord BART station. This district promotes pedestrian-oriented commercial uses, residential, and mid-rise vertical mixed-use development [Section 18.45.010].
- Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX): Appropriate for a cohesive mix of high-density residential, commercial, and office uses, including hotels. Vertical mixed-use is encouraged [Section 18.45.010].
- West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX): Located west of downtown along Concord Avenue and the Walnut Creek Channel. This district allows for a mix of schools, commercial, office, retail, and multi-tenant commercial/warehouse spaces, but explicitly prohibits residential uses [Section 18.45.010].
Land Use and Permit Requirements
Development in the Downtown districts requires specific permits as identified in Table 18.45.020. The following table highlights permit requirements for common land uses in the Downtown districts:
| Land Use Classifications | DP | DMX | WMX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boarding, Kennel | – | AP | UP |
| Grooming | ZC | ZC | ZC |
| Antique, Collectible Store | ZC | ZC | ZC |
| Brokers, Office Only | ZC | ZC | ZC |
| Car Wash, Attended | – | – | UP |
| Maintenance Services | – | – | ZC |
| Bank, Credit Union | AP | ZC | ZC |
| Restaurant, Full Service | ZC | ZC | ZC |
| Convenience Store (no alcohol) | ZC | ZC | ZC |
| Grocery Store | AP | AP | AP |
| Hotel, Motel | UP | UP | UP |
| Professional Office | ZC | ZC | ZC |
Notes: ZC = Zoning Clearance; AP = Administrative Permit; UP = Use Permit; – = Not Allowed [Section 18.45.020].
Development Standards
The Downtown districts are subject to specific development standards as outlined in Table 18.45.030.
| Standard | DP | DMX | WMX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (min/max) | 33–100 du/net acre | 33–100 du/net acre | NA |
| Floor Area Ratio (min) | 0.75 | 1.00 | – |
| Floor Area Ratio (max) | 4.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 |
| Lot Area (min sq. ft.) | 5,000 | 10,000 | 25,000 |
| Building Height (min) | 30 ft | 30 ft | – |
| Building Height (max) | 70 ft | 200 ft | 140 ft |
Additional Requirements
- Residential Limitations: In the DP district, residential uses must be located above the ground floor for properties directly facing Todos Santos Plaza, and the ground floor must be occupied by retail or restaurant uses [Section 18.45.030].
- Facade Articulation: In the DP and DMX districts, the primary building facade must be located close to the sidewalk or front property line, except for courtyards or plazas [Section 18.45.030].
- Parking: Parking in the DP and DMX districts may be satisfied through off-street parking or, subject to a use permit, by paying an in-lieu fee [Section 18.160.060].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.45.010
- Section 18.45.020
- Section 18.45.030
- Section 18.160.060