Overview of Parking Requirements in Concord
Parking requirements in Concord are mandated for all new developments, expansions, and changes in use, with standards varying based on land use type and location. Minimum off-street parking spaces are calculated using specific ratios for different land uses, and certain projects may qualify for adjustments, such as those located near BART stations or those involving senior/special needs housing. All required parking spaces must be permanently maintained and clearly marked for their intended use.
General Parking Standards
Every use and structure, including any change or expansion of the use or structure, must provide off-street parking in compliance with the Concord Development Code [Section 18.160.020].
Calculation of Required Spaces
Parking space requirements are calculated using the following methods:
- Fractions: If the calculation results in a fractional number, a fraction of one-half or more counts as one full space; a fraction of less than one-half is rounded down [Section 18.160.040(B)(1)].
- Floor Area: When based on a ratio to floor area, this refers to the "gross floor area," including all halls, lobbies, restrooms, elevators, and stairs [Section 18.160.040(B)(2)].
- Employees: When based on employees, the number is determined by the largest shift occurring in a typical week [Section 18.160.040(B)(3)].
- Bedrooms: Any room capable of being a bedroom according to the Uniform Building Code standards is counted as a bedroom [Section 18.160.040(B)(4)].
- Students/Clients: Calculated based on the number of students or clients at full capacity [Section 18.160.040(B)(5)].
Parking Requirements by Land Use
The following table summarizes key minimum off-street parking requirements for common land uses:
| Land Use Type | Parking Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| Single-Family (Existing) | 2 spaces, at least 1 covered, outside required front yard setback |
| Single-Family (New) | 2 enclosed spaces (4+ bedrooms); 3 enclosed spaces (5-6 bedrooms); 4 spaces/3 enclosed (>6 bedrooms) |
| Multifamily | 1 space/studio; 1.5/1-bed; 2/2-3-bed; 0.5 per addl. bedroom; 1 guest space/3 units |
| Administrative/Processing Office | 1 space/350 sf gross floor area |
| Professional Office | 1 space/300 sf gross floor area |
| Retail, General | 1 space/250 sf gross floor area |
| Restaurant | 1 space/100 sf gross floor area |
Note: For detailed requirements on all land uses, refer to Section 18.160.040.
Adjustments and Exceptions
The Concord Development Code allows for specific adjustments to the required number of parking spaces:
- Transit Proximity: In the Transit Station Overlay District, nonresidential uses located within one-half mile of a BART station may reduce their required parking by 25 percent [Section 18.160.050(A)].
- Shared Parking: Adjacent nonresidential uses with distinct peak parking demand hours may be granted a reduction through a minor use permit [Section 18.160.050(C)].
- Off-Site Parking: Required parking may be located in a shared facility up to 300 feet away, subject to approval and a recorded parking agreement [Section 18.160.050(D)].
- Other Adjustments: For uses demonstrating special circumstances, the planning division may allow a reduction of up to 25 percent subject to a use permit [Section 18.160.050(H)].
Parking Design Standards
All required off-street parking for multifamily and nonresidential uses must adhere to strict design criteria:
- Standard Stall Size: Minimum 9 feet wide by 19 feet long [Section 18.160.090(B)(1)].
- Compact Spaces: For sites with at least 10 spaces, up to 25 percent may be compact (8 feet by 16 feet) [Section 18.160.090(B)(2)].
- Perimeter Curbing: A 6-inch-high raised concrete curb is required along the outer edge of the parking facility [Section 18.160.110(H)(1)].
- Driveways: Minimum width for a one-way residential driveway is 10-15 feet; two-way driveways range from 20-30 feet depending on the number of spaces served [Section 18.160.110(C)].
Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking
- Bicycle Parking: Multifamily and nonresidential projects must provide short-term bicycle parking equal to 5 percent of the required vehicle spaces (minimum two spaces) [Section 18.160.120(A)]. Long-term bicycle parking ratios are also mandated based on the specific type of use (e.g., 1 space per 4 residential units) [Section 18.160.120(B)].
- Motorcycle Parking: Lots with 50 or more automobile spaces must provide motorcycle parking at a ratio of one motorcycle space for every 50 automobile spaces. These spaces must be at least 4 feet wide by 7 feet long [Section 18.160.130].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.160.020 (Applicability)
- Section 18.160.030 (General)
- Section 18.160.040 (Parking requirements)
- Section 18.160.050 (Adjustments to parking requirements)
- Section 18.160.090 (Parking design standards)
- Section 18.160.110 (Driveways and site access)
- Section 18.160.120 (Bicycle parking)
- Section 18.160.130 (Motorcycle parking)