Land Use and Development Standards in the RL Low Density Residential District of Concord
The RL Low Density Residential district in the City of Concord is primarily intended for detached single-family dwellings but accommodates a variety of compatible housing types such as cottages, cluster, courtyard, and patio homes, and duplexes. Development within the RL district must adhere to specific density requirements of two and one-half to 10 units per net acre and conform to established development standards regarding lot size, dimensions, and coverage.
Permitted Land Uses in the RL District
The RL Low Density Residential district allows for a range of residential uses. The following table summarizes the permit requirements for land uses within the RL district, where "ZC" indicates a permitted use with a Zoning Clearance, "AP" indicates an Administrative Permit, and "UP" indicates a Use Permit [Section 18.30.020].
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required in RL District |
|---|---|
| Bed and Breakfast Inn | UP |
| Single-Family, Detached | ZC |
| Single-Family, Detached – Small Lot Subdivision | UP |
| Single-Family, Attached | ZC |
| Duplex | AP |
| Family Day Care Home (14 or fewer children) | ZC |
| Group Housing | Not Allowed |
| Home-Based Business | ZC, AP |
| Live/Work Unit | UP |
| Mixed-Use Project | Not Allowed |
| Mobile Home Park | Not Allowed |
| Residential Care Facility, Small | ZC |
| Residential Care Facility, Large | AP |
| Residential Facility for Seniors, Assisted Living | UP |
| Supportive Housing | Not Allowed |
| Transitional Housing, Multifamily | Not Allowed |
| Transitional Housing, Single-Family | ZC |
Note: For uses not listed in the table above, the Planning Division may determine if a proposed use is similar and compatible with those permitted [Section 18.25.030].
RL District Development Standards
Development in the RL district is subject to specific standards for density, lot dimensions, and building height. These standards ensure that new residential development maintains the character of low-density neighborhoods [Section 18.30.040].
| Standard | RL District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (minimum/maximum) | 2.5 – 10 du/net acre |
| Minimum Lot Area (residential) | 1,920 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (residential) | 24 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth (residential) | 80 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (residential) | 50 percent |
| Maximum Building Height (residential) | 30 feet |
Note: Additional setback requirements and design standards may apply based on the specific type of development, such as small lot subdivisions [Section 18.30.040].
General Requirements and Compatibility
All development within the RL district must ensure compatibility with existing neighboring properties and must be consistent with the City of Concord General Plan. New residential structures must be established in compliance with Division IV (Development Standards) and Division V (Standards for Specific Uses) of the Concord Development Code [Section 18.25.020, Section 18.30.010].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.25.020 (General requirements for development and land use)
- Section 18.25.030 (Allowable land uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.30.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.30.020 (Table 18.30.020 – Residential districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.30.040 (Table 18.30.040 – RL, RM, and RH districts – Development standards)