Open Space and Landscaping Requirements for the IMX (Industrial Mixed-Use) District in Concord
In the Concord Industrial Mixed-Use (IMX) district, development requires a minimum of 200 square feet of private or common usable outdoor open space per live/work or work/live unit. Additionally, projects must satisfy general landscaping requirements that include a minimum 10 percent interior parking lot landscaping coverage and the use of native, drought-resistant plant materials.
Open Space Requirements in the IMX District
For projects containing live/work or work/live units, the Concord Development Code requires a minimum of 200 square feet of private or common usable outdoor recreation or landscape open space for each unit [Section 18.200.110].
This open space may be provided on the ground level or as decks, balconies, porches, yards, gardens, sundecks, rooftop open space, or podium space. If the site is physically constrained, indoor recreation amenities may also be credited toward this requirement [Section 18.200.110].
Landscaping Standards in the IMX District
Landscaping in the Industrial Mixed-Use (IMX) district is governed by general landscaping requirements intended to improve the attractiveness of the city, manage stormwater, and minimize heat and glare [Section 18.165.010].
General Landscaping Requirements
All development in the Industrial Mixed-Use (IMX) district must comply with the following landscaping standards:
- Planters: All landscaped planters must have a minimum interior width of five feet [Section 18.165.070].
- Plant Materials: A mix of plant materials is required, and all trees must be a minimum size of 24-inch box, except in hillside areas where 15-gallon containers may be used [Section 18.165.070].
- Turf: Turf is limited to 25 percent of the total landscaped area on the site and is prohibited in planter areas less than eight feet in width [Section 18.165.070].
- Groundcover: 100 percent coverage must be achieved within two years [Section 18.165.070].
Parking Lot Landscaping
Parking areas in the Industrial Mixed-Use (IMX) district must include interior landscaping to improve aesthetics and provide shade. These requirements are separate from general landscape area requirements [Section 18.165.060].
| Parking Lot Landscaping Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Interior Landscape Area | 10 percent of gross parking lot area |
| Shade Requirement | 50 percent of pavement shaded within 10 years |
| Shade Tree Requirement | Minimum of one 24-inch box tree per five parking spaces |
| Perimeter Landscape Strip | Minimum five feet wide where parking adjoins side or rear property lines |
Note: Parking lot landscaping must be designed to filter and retain stormwater runoff in accordance with the Contra Costa Clean Water Program Stormwater C.3 Guidebook [Section 18.165.060].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.165.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.165.060 (Parking lot landscaping)
- Section 18.165.070 (Landscape standards)
- Section 18.200.110 (Live/work or work/live units)