Open Space and Landscaping Requirements for RS-10 Single-Family Residential Districts in Concord

The RS-10 Residential Single-Family district in the City of Concord requires a minimum lot area of 10,000 square feet and maintains a maximum lot coverage of 30 percent for single-family residences. While specific open space mandates for individual units are primarily governed by the underlying district standards, additional requirements for landscaping and tree preservation apply to all new development and significant alterations within the City of Concord.

RS-10 Residential Single-Family Development Standards

The RS-10 district is designated for low-density single-family residential uses, with a density ranging from 2.5 to 10 dwelling units per net acre [Section 18.30.010]. Developments within the RS-10 district must comply with specific dimensional standards as outlined below:

Standard	RS-10 District Requirement
Minimum Lot Area	10,000 square feet
Minimum Lot Width	100 feet
Minimum Lot Depth	85 feet
Maximum Lot Coverage	30 percent
Maximum Building Height	30 feet

Setback Requirements for RS-10

The following minimum setback distances apply to single-family residential structures in the RS-10 district:

Setback Type	Minimum Distance
Front	20 feet
Interior Side	10 feet
Aggregate Side	15 feet
Corner Side	15 feet
Rear	25 feet

Note: Setbacks are measured from the property line or back of sidewalk, whichever is less, to the face of the building or structure [Section 18.30.030].

Landscaping and Open Space Requirements

General Landscaping Standards

The City of Concord requires that new residential projects provide landscaping to improve the appearance and environmental quality of the community [Section 18.165.010]. While the RS-10 district does not specify a separate percentage for landscape coverage, the maximum lot coverage limit of 30 percent effectively mandates that at least 70 percent of the lot remain uncovered by structures. Furthermore, all street-facing yards for new single-family homes or additions exceeding 5,000 square feet of landscape area must be landscaped in accordance with the City of Concord's landscape and water-efficient landscaping requirements [Section 18.165.030].

Tree Preservation and Protection

The City of Concord protects specific native and heritage trees within all zoning districts, including the RS-10 district. A "protected tree" is defined as any listed native tree (such as Valley oak, Blue oak, or Coast live oak) with a diameter of 12 inches or more at breast height (DBH), or any tree previously designated as a heritage tree [Section 18.310.020].

If a protected tree is removed, the City of Concord requires replacement plantings at a minimum ratio of three new trees for every one removed, determined by the size and condition of the tree being removed [Section 18.310.060]. Construction activities within a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)—defined as the area at the outer edge of the tree canopy—must adhere to strict procedures, including the installation of temporary protective fencing [Section 18.310.050].

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