Open Space and Landscaping Requirements in the OS: Open Space District
The OS: Open Space District in the City of Concord is reserved for land that remains generally unaltered with natural resources and scenic value, which may be either privately or publicly owned. Development within the OS: Open Space District is limited to uses associated with agricultural activities or those permitted by the review authority, with landscaping requirements determined on a case-by-case basis.
Permitted Uses and Land Use Standards
The OS: Open Space District is intended for land that is generally unaltered and possesses natural resources and scenic value [Section 18.60.010]. Land use in this district is strictly limited to those uses consistent with the open space (OS) land use designation of the general plan [Section 18.60.010].
The following table outlines the status of specific activities within the OS: Open Space District:
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Companion Animal, Horses, Fowl | – (Use Not Allowed) |
| Community Gardens | Administrative Permit (AP) |
| Crop Production, Orchard, Vineyard | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Livestock, Grazing | Zoning Clearance (ZC) |
| Mining and Quarrying | – (Use Not Allowed) |
Note: A dash (–) indicates the use is not allowed [Section 18.60.020; Table 18.60.020].
Landscape Requirements
In the OS: Open Space District, there is no fixed minimum percentage of site area required for landscaping. Instead, the minimum area of each site to be landscaped is determined at the discretion of the review authority [Section 18.165.050; Table 18.165.050].
General Landscaping Provisions
For areas within the OS: Open Space District subject to development or grading:
- Landscaping is required in all areas subject to structures, grading, or removal of natural vegetation, except where occupied by approved structures or paving, or where the review authority determines that additional landscaping is not necessary because the area is retained in its natural state [Section 18.165.040].
- Any area of an OS: Open Space District project site not proposed for a specific use shall be landscaped, unless the review authority determines that additional landscaping is not necessary to achieve the purposes of the landscape chapter [Section 18.165.040].
Outdoor Storage Regulations
Outdoor storage in the OS: Open Space District is permitted only under specific conditions. It is restricted to storage associated with a permitted agricultural use and must not be located within a required setback [Section 18.150.120; Table 18.150.120].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.60.010: Purpose
- Section 18.60.020: Community land districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements
- Section 18.150.120: Outdoor storage
- Section 18.165.040: Landscape location requirements
- Section 18.165.050: Landscape requirements