Land Use and Permit Requirements for the RLC (Rural Land) District in Concord
The RLC (Rural Land) District in the city of Concord is primarily designated for Rural Conservation. Uses permitted within the RLC district are determined by the standards and land use tables established in Division II of the Concord Development Code [Section 18.60.010, Section 18.60.020].
Overview of RLC District Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements
The RLC (Rural Land) District is applied to hillside areas located to the northeast and southeast of the city within the planning area boundary to ensure the protection of the area's scenic value and rural character. The RLC district is consistent with and implements the Rural Conservation (RCON) land use designation of the general plan [Section 18.60.010].
In the RLC (Rural Land) District, the following land use classifications and their corresponding permit requirements apply. If a use is not specifically listed in the tables found in Chapter 18.60, it is not permitted within the city unless otherwise provided for by the Concord planning division as a similar and compatible use [Section 18.25.030].
Table: RLC (Rural Land) District Use Classifications and Permit Requirements
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Open Space and Agricultural Uses | |
| Companion Animal, Horses, Fowl | ZC |
| Community Gardens | ZC |
| Crop Production, Orchard, Vineyard | ZC |
| Livestock, Grazing | ZC |
| Public/Quasi-Public and Recreational Uses | |
| Cemetery, Columbarium, Mausoleum | UP |
| Park and Recreation Facility | ZC |
| Residential Recreation Facility | ZC |
| Schools | |
| Elementary, Middle, Secondary | UP |
| Wireless Communications Facility | AP, MP, or 6409 |
Note: ZC = Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance; AP = Administrative Permit Required; MP = Minor Use Permit Required; UP = Use Permit Required.
Conditional Use Permit Requirements in the RLC District
In the RLC (Rural Land) District, "Use Permit" (UP) approval is required for specific land uses that may have greater operational impacts or require closer review. Based on the provided land use tables, the following uses require a Use Permit (UP) in the RLC District:
- Cemetery, Columbarium, Mausoleum: These uses are subject to the approval of a use permit [Section 18.60.020].
- Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Schools: These educational facilities are subject to the approval of a use permit [Section 18.60.020].
For any facility that does not meet the requirements outlined in the applicable California Government Code sections, a use permit is also required [Section 18.50.020].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.25.030 (Allowable land uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.50.020 (Business park and industrial districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.60.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.60.020 (Community land districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)