Open Space and Landscaping Requirements for RH: High Density Residential
The RH (High Density Residential) District in the City of Concord requires a minimum of 200 square feet of private or common open space per dwelling unit and specific landscaping standards for multi-unit residential projects. Projects within the RH District must also comply with broader general development standards, including requirements for screening, tree preservation, and maintenance of landscaped areas.
Open Space Requirements in the RH District
Residential developments in the City of Concord with three or more dwelling units, including those in the RH 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 Standards
Private open space in the RH 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.
- Must have access from only one dwelling unit.
- Must include at least two weatherproofed electrical outlets.
- Must have a minimum dimension of 10 feet for ground-level units and 6 feet for above-ground units (e.g., balconies) [Section 18.150.100].
Common Open Space Standards
Common open space for residential developments, including the RH District, must meet the following criteria:
- Must not exceed a slope of 10 percent.
- Must be centrally located and accessible to all units (except for rooftop facilities).
- Must have a minimum area of 500 square feet with a minimum dimension of 15 feet.
- Must be open to the sky and unobstructed (with limited exceptions for balconies and trellises).
- Must be located at least 15 feet from any door or window of a dwelling unit [Section 18.150.100].
Landscaping Requirements in the RH District
The City of Concord requires landscaping for all new multi-unit residential projects to improve the attractiveness of the city and ensure water conservation [Section 18.165.010].
Minimum Landscaping Area
For other residential developments, which includes multifamily projects in the RH District, the minimum area of landscaping required is:
| Land Use Type | Minimum Area of Landscaping Required |
|---|---|
| Other Residential (duplexes, multifamily) | All usable open areas not occupied by decks and patios or 20 percent, whichever is greater |
General Landscaping Standards
All landscaping in the RH District must comply with the following:
- Irrigation: All landscaped areas must include an automatic irrigation system that complies with water-efficient landscaping requirements [Section 18.165.030].
- Planting: A mix of plant materials must be documented on the landscape plan. Trees must be at least a 24-inch box size, and shrubs must be at least five-gallon containers [Section 18.165.070].
- Turf Limitations: Turf is limited to 25 percent of the total landscaped area and is prohibited on slopes exceeding 15 percent [Section 18.165.070].
- Maintenance: All landscaping must be permanently maintained in a healthy condition, including regular irrigation adjustments, pruning, and weeding [Section 18.165.080].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.150.100: Open space and recreational facilities for residential development
- Section 18.165.010: Purpose
- Section 18.165.030: Landscape plan and irrigation plans
- Section 18.165.070: Landscape standards
- Section 18.165.080: Maintenance of landscape areas