Open Space and Landscaping Requirements for the RS-6 District in Concord
The RS-6 Residential Single-Family District in the City of Concord requires a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet and permits a maximum lot coverage of 35 percent for single-family residences. While specific open space mandates for single-family homes are generally covered by setback and lot coverage regulations, large-scale residential developments may trigger additional common open space and recreational facility requirements if they meet certain criteria defined in the Concord Development Code.
Residential Development Standards in the RS-6 District
The RS-6 District (Single-Family Residential) is intended for low-density residential use. Development standards for this district, including lot size, width, depth, and building height, are established to maintain the character of single-family neighborhoods.
Development Standards Table for the RS-6 District
| Standard | RS-6 District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area (Square Feet) | 6,000 |
| Minimum Lot Width (Feet) | 60 |
| Minimum Lot Depth (Feet) | 85 |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Percentage) | 35% |
| Maximum Building Height (Feet) | 30 |
Source: [Section 18.30.030, Table 18.30.030]
Landscaping and Open Space Requirements
The City of Concord requires landscaping to enhance the appearance of developments and improve air quality, particularly for new nonresidential and multi-unit residential projects [Section 18.165.010].
Single-Family Dwelling Landscaping
For new construction of a single-family dwelling or an addition to an existing single-family dwelling with less than 5,000 square feet of landscape area, the City of Concord does not require formal landscape and irrigation plans. However, all required street-facing yards for these properties must be landscaped in accordance with the general landscaping chapter and the Water Efficient Landscaping requirements [Section 18.165.030].
Small Lot and Multi-Unit Developments
If an RS-6 site is developed as a "small lot" or multi-unit project, additional requirements apply:
- Private Open Space: For residential development of three or more units, developers must provide at least 200 square feet of private and/or common open space per unit, with each individual unit maintaining at least 60 square feet of private open space [Section 18.150.100].
- Recreational Facilities: Projects of 25 or more units must provide at least one recreational facility (e.g., game court, play lot, swimming pool). Projects with 100 or more units must provide a multi-purpose or recreation room [Section 18.150.100].
- Small Lot Subdivisions: For subdivisions on lots smaller than 6,000 square feet, specific requirements for common open space are triggered if the project has an average lot size smaller than 4,356 square feet or contains 15 or more units [Section 18.155.050].
General Maintenance and Water Efficiency
All landscaping in the City of Concord must be permanently maintained in a healthy, thriving condition. Irrigation systems must be designed and installed in compliance with the Water Efficient Landscaping requirements, and water waste—such as excessive runoff, low head drainage, or overspray—is strictly prohibited [Section 18.165.080].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.30.030 (Table 18.30.030 – RR and RS districts – Development standards)
- Section 18.150.100 (Open space and recreational facilities for residential development)
- Section 18.155.050 (Standards applicable to all small lot single-family detached and attached housing development)
- Section 18.165.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.165.030 (Landscape plan and irrigation plans)
- Section 18.165.080 (Maintenance of landscape areas)