Downtown Parking Requirements in Concord

In the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) and Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) districts, parking requirements may be met through off-site parking within 700 to 1,000 feet of the site or by paying an in-lieu fee to the city. Low-density single-family residences within these downtown districts are exempt from these specific in-lieu fee and off-site parking provisions.

Parking Requirements for DP and DMX Districts

In the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) and Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) districts, the City of Concord allows two primary options to satisfy parking requirements:

Off-Street Parking: Parking spaces may be provided on the same site as the use, or on another site if the required parking spaces are located within 700 feet walking distance of a principal entrance to the use, or within 1,000 feet for spaces intended for employee use [Section 18.160.060(A)].
In-Lieu Fees: The Planning Commission may, subject to a use permit, allow the parking requirement for new development or land use conversions within the downtown parking district to be satisfied by payment of a fee in lieu of providing the required parking spaces [Section 18.160.060(B)].

In-Lieu Fee Program Details

If the Planning Commission approves a use permit for in-lieu parking fees, the applicant must follow specific procedures and provide findings to justify the reduction.

Use of Collected Funds

In-lieu fees deposited with the City of Concord are kept in a special fund used for the following purposes:

Acquisition and development of off-street parking facilities in the general vicinity.
Mass transit equipment, including stock and attendant facilities, serving the area.
Transportation system management projects.
Parking and transportation demand management programs aimed at reducing vehicle trips.

Required Findings for In-Lieu Fee Use Permits

To approve a use permit for in-lieu fees, the Planning Commission must find that:

The project furthers the goals and policies of the Concord general plan, downtown specific plan, and downtown parking district relative to uses, revitalization, bicycle and pedestrian amenities, and design [Section 18.160.060(B)(5)].
A parking study substantiates the need for the reduction, demonstrates that on-site needs are satisfied, and ensures that the reduction does not create detrimental impacts on off-site locations or public access routes [Section 18.160.060(B)(5)].

Exclusions

The provisions for in-lieu fees and off-site parking adjustments do not apply to low-density single-family residences located within the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) and Downtown Mixed-Use (DMX) districts [Section 18.160.060(B)(4)].

Sections Cited