Open Space and Landscaping Requirements in the PR District, Concord
The Parks and Recreation (PR) district in Concord is designated for neighborhood, community, and regional parks, and related recreational facilities. Development within the PR district requires landscaping that is at the discretion of the city's review authority, while open space and recreational facilities must meet standards consistent with the city’s general plan and relevant municipal code requirements.
Overview of the Parks and Recreation (PR) District
The Parks and Recreation (PR) district is applied to neighborhood, community, and regional parks. Permitted uses within this district may include playing fields, golf courses, trails, and other recreational facilities [Section 18.60.010].
Landscaping Requirements
Landscaping in the PR district is not governed by a fixed numerical percentage of the site area. Instead, the landscaping requirements are determined by the city's review authority based on the specific project and site conditions [Section 18.165.050].
When landscaping is required, it must adhere to the following principles:
- Landscape Materials: Landscape materials must be evenly distributed throughout the site using a combination of trees, shrubs, and ground cover [Section 18.165.060].
- Water Efficiency: All landscaping must comply with the water-efficient landscaping requirements set forth in Chapter 18.170 [Section 18.165.070].
- Maintenance: Property owners are responsible for the permanent maintenance of all landscaped areas in a healthy and thriving condition [Section 18.165.080].
- Stormwater Integration: Landscaping and irrigation must be designed to filter and retain runoff, and stormwater treatment areas must be integrated into the overall landscape design [Section 18.165.070].
Open Space and Recreational Facilities
The PR district is intended to provide recreational opportunities for the public. While specific "open space per unit" calculations are typically associated with residential developments, projects within the PR district that involve recreational facilities must ensure that the site design remains compatible with natural topography and protects environmental resources [Section 18.60.010].
If a project within the PR district includes specific recreational facilities, the following standards apply:
- Recreational Facilities: The design of recreational facilities, such as play lots, swimming pools, or game courts, must be consistent with the city's general plan [Section 18.60.010].
- Creek and Riparian Protection: If the site is adjacent to or crossed by a watercourse, development must comply with the Creek and Riparian Habitat Protection standards, which include mandatory structural setbacks from the top of the bank [Section 18.305.020, Section 18.305.040].
Structure Setbacks for Unimproved Channels
Where a PR site contains a watercourse, the following structure setbacks for unimproved channels apply to protect the riparian area:
| Height of Top of Bank Above Channel Invert | Horizontal Distance Between Top of Bank and Setback |
|---|---|
| Less than 20 feet | 30 feet |
| 20 feet – 29.99 feet | 35 feet |
| 30 feet – 39.99 feet | 40 feet |
| 40 feet – 49.99 feet | 45 feet |
| 50 feet and greater | 50 feet |
Source: Table 18.305.040
Sections Cited
- Section 18.60.010: Purpose (Community Land Districts)
- Section 18.165.050: Landscape requirements
- Section 18.165.060: Parking lot landscaping
- Section 18.165.070: Landscape standards
- Section 18.165.080: Maintenance of landscape areas
- Section 18.305.020: Applicability (Creek and Riparian Habitat Protection)
- Section 18.305.040: Development standards (Creek and Riparian Habitat Protection)