Open Space and Landscaping Requirements in the West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) District
The West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district requires nonresidential development to provide a minimum of 20 percent of the site area as landscaping. While the West Concord Mixed-Use district does not allow residential uses, any mixed-use projects incorporating residential elements must comply with specific open space standards as regulated by the City of Concord.
Landscaping Requirements for the WMX District
All nonresidential development within the West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district must maintain a minimum of 20 percent of the project site as landscaped area, in addition to any required parking lot landscaping.
Landscape Standards for the WMX District
| Land Use Type | Minimum Area of Landscaping Required |
|---|---|
| Commercial (including WMX) | 20 percent of the site |
Note: An exception to the minimum landscape area may be granted by the review authority if the minimum amount is not feasible, such as on very small parcels or parcels developed with no setback requirements [Section 18.165.050].
General Landscaping and Maintenance Standards
All landscaping in the West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district must be designed to integrate with the project and minimize water and energy demand. The following standards apply to landscape areas:
- Plant Materials: A mix of plant materials must be provided, with trees generally required to be a minimum size of 24-inch box, except for hillside areas. Groundcover must achieve 100 percent coverage within two years.
- Turf Limitations: Turf is limited to 25 percent of the total landscaped area and is prohibited on slopes exceeding 15 percent or in planter areas less than eight feet in width.
- Irrigation: All landscaped areas must include an automatic irrigation system designed and installed in compliance with the Water Efficient Landscaping standards [Section 18.165.070].
- Maintenance: Property owners are permanently responsible for maintaining all landscaping in a healthy, thriving condition. This includes regular maintenance of irrigation systems, trimming of vegetation to keep paths clear, and replacing dead or diseased plants [Section 18.165.080].
Parking Lot Landscaping
Parking areas in the West Concord Mixed-Use (WMX) district must comply with specific landscaping and stormwater filtration requirements. Parking lot landscaping (excluding perimeter screening) does not count toward the 20 percent minimum site landscaping requirement.
- Interior Landscaping: A minimum of 10 percent of the gross area of the parking lot must be landscaped, with shade trees planted to achieve 50 percent shading of pavement within 10 years [Section 18.165.060].
- Perimeter Screening: Parking areas must be screened from the street and adjoining properties. For parking adjacent to streets, landscaping must screen cars from view to a height of 30 to 36 inches, and shade trees must be provided at a rate of one tree for every 30 linear feet [Section 18.165.060].
Sections Cited
- 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