Open Space and Landscaping Requirements for the IBP Industrial Business Park District in Concord

The Industrial Business Park (IBP) district in Concord requires that all developments comply with specific general development and landscaping standards to ensure appropriate site design and aesthetic quality. While the IBP district does not have a minimum percentage for open space, it mandates that all parking lots and perimeter areas must be landscaped, with additional requirements for screening and water-efficient practices.

Landscaping Requirements in the IBP District

Landscaping in the Industrial Business Park (IBP) district is intended to improve site attractiveness, provide shade, and reduce heat and glare. Landscaping plans must be prepared by a California-licensed landscape architect and must comply with the water-efficient landscaping requirements set forth in Chapter 18.170 [Section 18.165.030].

Perimeter Landscaping

Surface parking areas in the Industrial Business Park (IBP) district must be screened from streets and adjoining properties. The following requirements apply:

Adjacent to Streets: Parking areas must be set back, and the setback area must be landscaped to screen vehicles from view to a height of 30 to 36 inches. Shade trees must be provided at a minimum rate of one tree for every 30 linear feet of landscaped area [Section 18.165.060].
Adjacent to Side/Rear Property Lines: A perimeter landscaped strip at least five feet wide (inside dimension) must be provided where the parking area adjoins a side or rear property line. Trees must be provided at a rate of one for each 30 linear feet of landscaped area [Section 18.165.060].
Adjacent to Structures: A minimum five-foot-wide landscape strip must be provided adjacent to nonresidential structures, excluding areas for building entries or pedestrian access [Section 18.165.060].
Adjacent to Residential Uses: A five-foot-wide landscape buffer must be provided between the parking area and any common property line bordering a residential use to buffer glare, light, and noise [Section 18.165.060].

Interior Parking Lot Landscaping

A minimum of 10 percent of the gross area of the parking lot must be landscaped [Section 18.165.060].
Trees must be planted so that 50 percent shading of parking lot pavement is achieved within 10 years [Section 18.165.060].
At a minimum, one 24-inch box shade tree must be provided for every five parking spaces [Section 18.165.060].

Open Space and Recreational Facilities

While the Industrial Business Park (IBP) district does not specify a minimum square footage for open space per unit (unlike residential districts), development must adhere to general standards for landscaping and screening. If a project in the Industrial Business Park (IBP) district includes on-site open space or recreational areas, they must be consistent with the city’s stormwater management and water-efficient landscaping requirements [Section 18.165.070].

General Maintenance

All landscape areas in the Industrial Business Park (IBP) district must be permanently maintained in a healthy and thriving condition. Irrigation systems must be kept in fully functional order, and water waste—such as excessive runoff, low-head drainage, or overspray—is prohibited [Section 18.165.080].

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