Open Space and Landscaping Requirements in the DP: Downtown Pedestrian District
The Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district in the City of Concord requires that a minimum of 10 percent of a site be devoted to landscaping. Additionally, developments in the DP district must provide at least 200 square feet of private or common usable open space per dwelling unit, with at least 60 square feet of that being private open space for each unit.
Landscaping Requirements in the DP District
The City of Concord requires a minimum of 10 percent of a site area to be landscaped in the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district [Section 18.165.050]. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the review authority if the minimum amount of landscaping is determined not to be feasible, such as on very small parcels or parcels developed with no setback requirements [Section 18.165.050].
Landscaping plans in the DP district must be designed to integrate all elements of the project, including buildings, parking lots, and streets, to achieve aesthetic objectives, create desirable microclimates, and minimize water and energy demand [Section 18.165.070].
Parking Lot Landscaping
Parking lots within the DP district are subject to specific landscaping requirements:
- Perimeter Landscaping: Parking areas adjacent to streets must be landscaped to screen vehicles from view, with a minimum and maximum height of 30 to 36 inches [Section 18.165.060].
- Shade Trees: Shade trees must be provided at a minimum rate of one tree for every 30 linear feet of landscaped area adjacent to streets [Section 18.165.060].
- Interior Landscaping: A minimum of 10 percent of the gross area of a parking lot must be landscaped, with shade trees planted to achieve 50 percent shading of the parking lot pavement within 10 years [Section 18.165.060].
Open Space Requirements in the DP District
Developments with three or more dwelling units in the Downtown Pedestrian (DP) district must provide at least 200 square feet of private and/or common usable open space per dwelling unit [Section 18.150.100].
Open Space Standards
| Open Space Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Total Open Space | 200 square feet per dwelling unit [Section 18.150.100] |
| Private Open Space | Minimum 60 square feet per unit [Section 18.150.100] |
- Private Open Space: This may include decks, balconies, porches, patios, and enclosed yards. Each private open space area must have a minimum dimension of 10 feet for ground-level units and six feet for above-ground units (e.g., balconies) [Section 18.150.100].
- Common Open Space: This may include parks, rooftop gardens, and courtyards. It must have a minimum area of 500 square feet, a maximum slope of 10 percent, and be located at least 15 feet from any door or window of a dwelling unit [Section 18.150.100].
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