Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zoning District Overview in Concord
The Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning district in the City of Concord is designed to accommodate neighborhood-scale shopping centers featuring retail and personal services with a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.35. The district permits limited residential uses on the second floor at densities up to 24 dwelling units per net acre, subject to specific development standards and review procedures.
Purpose of the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) District
The Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district is specifically applied to areas appropriate for neighborhood shopping centers. Established centers within the City of Concord that are zoned NC include the Clayton Valley Shopping Center, Dana Plaza, Olivera Crossings, Oak Grove Plaza, and Solano Plaza [Section 18.40.010].
Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements
Land uses within the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district are subject to specific permit requirements. The planning division determines if a use is allowed based on the characteristics of the use classification. Common requirements for the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district include:
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required in NC District |
|---|---|
| Retail, General | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Personal Services (General) | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Restaurant, Full Service | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Restaurant, Limited Service | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Grocery Store | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Business Support Services | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Catering Service | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Fitness Facility, Health Club | Administrative Permit (AP) |
| Office (Administrative/Processing) | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Medical Services Facility | Administrative Permit (AP), Minor Use Permit (MP) |
Note: This list is not exhaustive. Refer to the full Land Use Tables in Chapter 18.40 for specific classifications [Section 18.40.020].
Development Standards
The following table outlines the foundational development standards for properties zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC) in Concord:
| Standard | NC District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (minimum/maximum) | 24 du/net acre (max) |
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) (maximum) | 0.35 |
| Lot Area (minimum) | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Lot Width (minimum) | 100 feet |
| Lot Depth (minimum) | 100 feet |
| Building Height (maximum) | 40 feet (residential/mixed-use); 40 feet (nonresidential) |
| Front Setback (minimum) | 5 feet |
| Corner Side Setback (minimum) | 10 feet |
| Interior Side/Rear Setback | None required unless adjacent to R district |
Additional height may be allowed with a use permit. Reduced setbacks may be allowed subject to use permit approval [Section 18.40.030].
Key Restrictions and Additional Requirements
- Residential Uses: Residential uses are only permitted on the second floor of a building in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district [Section 18.40.010].
- Ground Floor Uses: Ground floor residential uses are not permitted in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district [Section 18.185.060(L)(1)].
- Small Lot Subdivisions: Additional setback standards may apply to small lot subdivisions pursuant to Chapter 18.155 [Section 18.40.030].
- Transitional Requirements: For buildings abutting a residential district, refer to Section 18.150.180 for specific transitional setback and screening requirements [Section 18.40.030].
- Landscaping: A minimum area of 20 percent of the site must be landscaped [Section 18.165.050].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.40.010: Purpose (Office and Commercial Districts)
- Section 18.40.020: Table 18.40.020 – Allowed uses and permit requirements
- Section 18.40.030: Table 18.40.030 – Development standards
- Section 18.150.180: Transitional requirements
- Section 18.155: Standards for Small Lot and Medium Density Development
- Section 18.165.050: Landscape requirements
- Section 18.185.060(L)(1): Adjustments to Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for Qualifying Affordable Housing