Medium Density Residential (RM) Zoning District in Concord
The Medium Density Residential (RM) district in Concord is intended for residential areas with a mix of attached and detached dwellings, including townhomes, row houses, and small-lot single-family homes, at a density of 11 to 33 units per net acre. Developments within the RM district are subject to specific development standards, including requirements for lot dimensions, coverage, building height, and open space, as well as mandatory permit approvals for most uses.
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements
The RM district permits a variety of residential types, though many require specific permits. Table 18.30.020 outlines the permit requirements for land uses within the RM district:
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required (RM) |
|---|---|
| Bed and Breakfast Inn | UP |
| Single-Family, Detached – Small Lot Subdivision | UP |
| Single-Family, Attached | ZC |
| Duplex | ZC |
| Multifamily | ZC |
| Group Housing | UP |
| Home-Based Business | ZC, AP |
| Live/Work Unit | UP |
| Mobile Home Park | UP |
| Residential Care Facility, Small | ZC |
| Residential Care Facility, Large | MP |
| Residential Facility for Seniors, Assisted Living | MP |
| Supportive Housing | ZC, UP(1) |
| Transitional Housing, Multifamily | ZC |
Note: ZC = Zoning Clearance; AP = Administrative Permit; MP = Minor Use Permit; UP = Use Permit.
Development Standards
The RM district is subject to the development standards specified in Table 18.30.040. These standards regulate the density, lot size, and physical dimensions of development within the RM district.
Dimensional Standards
| Standard | RM District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (du/net acre) | 11 – 33 |
| Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | 1,440 |
| Minimum Lot Width (ft.) | 18 (attached), 24 (detached) |
| Minimum Lot Depth (ft.) | 60 (attached), 80 (detached) |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (%) | 80 (attached), 60 (detached) |
| Maximum Building Height (ft.) | 40 |
Setback Requirements
For residential uses in the RM district, setback requirements are as follows:
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement (ft.) |
|---|---|
| Front | 5 |
| Interior Side | 5 |
| Corner Side | 10 |
| Rear | 6 |
| Garage (Street Access) | 20 |
| Garage (Alley Access) | 4 |
Note: Additional setback standards may apply to small lot subdivisions pursuant to Chapter 18.155.
Key Restrictions and Requirements
- Open Space: Residential developments in the RM district are required to provide a minimum of 200 square feet of open space per unit, with at least 60 square feet of private open space per unit [Section 18.150.100].
- Supportive Housing: Supportive housing in the RM district requires a ZC or UP(1) permit, subject to California Government Code Section 65650 et seq. [Section 18.30.020].
- Building Height: While the maximum height in the RM district is 40 feet, additional height may be approved with a Use Permit [Section 18.30.040].
- General Compliance: All uses and structures in the RM district must comply with the general development standards in Division IV and specific use standards in Division V of the Concord Development Code [Section 18.30.040].
Sections Cited
- 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)
- Section 18.150.100 (Open space and recreational facilities for residential development)
- Section 18.155.050 (Standards applicable to all small lot single-family detached and attached housing development)