Open Space and Landscaping Requirements for the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District in Concord
The DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District in Concord requires a minimum of 20 percent of the site to be landscaped, though this requirement may be modified for certain qualifying affordable and mixed-income developments. Additionally, residential projects in the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District must provide 175 square feet of on-site open space per unit, which can be reduced to 100 square feet per unit for qualifying affordable and mixed-income housing developments.
Landscaping Requirements in the DMX District
Landscaping in the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District is intended to improve the attractiveness of the city, provide shade, and reduce heat and glare.
Minimum Landscaping Area
The minimum area of each site in the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District that must be landscaped is as follows:
| Land Use Type | Minimum Area of Landscaping Required |
|---|---|
| DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use | 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].
Landscape Design and Maintenance
All landscaping in the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District must comply with the general landscape standards, including:
- Landscape Materials: Materials must be evenly distributed throughout the site using a combination of trees, shrubs, and ground cover [Section 18.165.060].
- Water Efficiency: All landscaping must meet the requirements of Chapter 18.170 (Water Efficient Landscaping) [Section 18.165.070].
- Maintenance: All landscaping in the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District must be permanently maintained in a healthy and thriving condition [Section 18.165.080].
- Irrigation: All landscaped areas must include an automatic irrigation system designed and installed in compliance with Chapter 18.170 [Section 18.165.070].
Open Space Requirements in the DMX District
For residential development within the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District, the following open space standards apply to ensure the quality of life for residents.
General Open Space Standards
Developments with three or more dwelling units must provide at least 200 square feet of private and/or common open space per dwelling unit, with each unit maintaining a minimum of 60 square feet of private open space [Section 18.150.100].
Standards for Qualifying Affordable and Mixed Income Developments
Qualifying affordable and mixed-income housing developments in the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District may utilize modified open space standards:
| Zone | Base On-Site Open Space Sq. Ft./Unit | Modified On-Site Open Space/Unit for Qualifying Projects | Modified On-Site Open Space/Unit for Qualifying Projects (within 500' of Public Park ≥ 1 Acre) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMX | 200 SF/unit | 100 SF/unit | 75 SF/unit |
Note: In the DMX: Downtown Mixed-Use District, the modified on-site open space provided for qualifying affordable and mixed-income developments may be private and/or common [Section 18.185.060].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.150.100: Open space and recreational facilities for residential development
- Section 18.165.050: Landscape requirements
- Section 18.165.060: Parking lot landscaping
- Section 18.165.070: Landscape standards
- Section 18.165.080: Maintenance of landscape areas
- Section 18.170: Water Efficient Landscaping
- Section 18.185.060: Affordable housing incentive program