Open Space and Landscaping Requirements for CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use in Concord

In the CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district of Concord, development projects must provide at least 20 percent of the total site area as landscaping. Additionally, residential developments within the CMX district must provide a minimum of 200 square feet of private or common open space per dwelling unit, with each unit required to have at least 60 square feet of private open space.

Landscaping Requirements in the CMX District

The CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district requires that landscaping be integrated into site design to improve the attractiveness and environmental quality of the development [Section 18.165.010].

The minimum landscaping requirement for the CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district is as follows:

Land Use Type	Minimum Area of Landscaping Required
Commercial (CMX, NC, RC, WMX)	20 percent of the site(1)

(1) An exception may be granted by the review authority where the minimum amount of landscaping is not feasible, such as on very small parcels or parcels developed with no setback requirements [Section 18.165.050].

Additional Landscaping Standards

Parking Lot Landscaping: Parking areas must be landscaped, and this landscaping does not count toward the minimum site area requirements identified in the table above [Section 18.165.060].
Landscape Materials: Plant materials must be evenly distributed throughout the site using a combination of trees, shrubs, and ground cover [Section 18.165.060].
Planters: All landscaped planters must have a minimum interior width of five feet or greater [Section 18.165.070].
Maintenance: All landscaping in the CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district must be permanently maintained in a healthy and thriving condition [Section 18.165.080].

Open Space Requirements in the CMX District

Residential developments within the CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district must adhere to open space requirements to ensure adequate recreational facilities for residents [Section 18.150.100].

Total Open Space: Developments with three or more dwelling units in the CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district must provide at least 200 square feet of private and/or common open space per dwelling unit [Section 18.150.100].
Private Open Space: Each residential unit within the CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district must have a minimum of 60 square feet of private open space [Section 18.150.100].

Private Open Space Standards

Private open space in the CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district may include decks, balconies, porches, patios, and enclosed yards, provided they meet the following:

Must be immediately accessible from a habitable room or hallway within the unit [Section 18.150.100].
Must have access from only one dwelling unit [Section 18.150.100].
Must have at least two weatherproofed electrical outlets [Section 18.150.100].
For ground level units, the space must have a minimum dimension of 10 feet [Section 18.150.100].
For above-ground units (e.g., balconies), the space must have a minimum dimension of six feet [Section 18.150.100].

Common Open Space Standards

Common open space in the CMX: Commercial Mixed-Use district must meet the following:

Not exceed a slope of 10 percent [Section 18.150.100].
Be centrally located and accessible to all units (except for rooftop facilities) [Section 18.150.100].
Have a minimum area of 500 square feet and a dimension no less than 15 feet when a rectangle is inscribed within it [Section 18.150.100].
Be located at least 15 feet from any door or window of any dwelling unit [Section 18.150.100].

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