Overview of the RS-5 Single-Family Residential Zoning District in Concord
The RS-5 Single-Family Residential district in Concord is designed for single-family residential development at a density of two and one-half to 10 units per net acre, with the "RS-5" designation specifically indicating a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet. This district is part of the Low Density Residential land use designation in the Concord General Plan, ensuring compatibility within residential neighborhoods.
Purpose and Applicability
The RS (Residential Single-Family) zoning district is intended to preserve and enhance the character of single-family neighborhoods. While the RS district encompasses several subdistricts identified by numerical suffixes, the RS-5 district is characterized by a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet [Section 18.15.020, Table 18.15.020]. The RS district as a whole implements the Low Density Residential (LDR) land use designation of the Concord General Plan [Section 18.30.010].
Allowed Uses
Uses permitted in the RS-5 district are consistent with those in other RS subdistricts. Table 18.30.020 details the permit requirements for various land use classifications in the RS district:
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Bed and Breakfast Inn | UP (Use Permit) |
| Single-Family, Detached | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Single-Family, Detached – Small Lot Subdivision | UP (Use Permit) |
| Single-Family, Attached | UP (Use Permit) |
| Family Day Care Home (14 or fewer children) | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Home-Based Business | ZC, AP (Zoning Clearance, Administrative Permit) |
| Residential Care Facility, Small | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Residential Care Facility, Large | UP (Use Permit) |
| Residential Facility for Seniors, Assisted Living | UP (Use Permit) |
| Transitional Housing, Single-Family | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
Development Standards
Development in the RS district is governed by specific standards regarding lot size, dimensions, and setbacks. While Table 18.30.030 provides standards for various RS subdistricts, the RS-5 district follows the low-density development requirements established for the RS zoning category.
Dimensional Standards
The following table summarizes key development standards for the RS district:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (minimum/maximum) | 0 – 10 du/net acre |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single-Family) | 5,000 square feet (for RS-5) |
| Minimum Lot Width (Single-Family) | 60 feet (typical for RS-6) |
| Maximum Building Height | 30 feet |
Note: For the RS-5 subdistrict, the specific lot area minimum is 5,000 square feet, as denoted by the numerical suffix [Section 18.15.020].
Setback Requirements
Setbacks for the RS district are intended to ensure appropriate spacing between structures and property lines. For single-family residences in the RS district, the following minimum setbacks apply:
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front | 20 feet |
| Interior Side | 5–10 feet |
| Aggregate Side | 15 feet |
| Corner Side | 10 feet |
| Rear | 15–25 feet |
Key Restrictions and Additional Requirements
- Accessory Structures: Accessory structures must be subordinate to the primary structure and must comply with setback and height requirements. Size is limited based on the lot area [Section 18.200.030].
- Fences and Walls: Fences located within a required front setback may not exceed three feet in height. On properties allowing residential uses, fences and walls generally may not exceed six feet in height, with some exceptions for side/rear yards [Section 18.150.040].
- Home-Based Businesses: These must be conducted entirely within the principal dwelling or an enclosed accessory structure and are limited to 20 percent of the dwelling's habitable square footage [Section 18.200.100].
- Parking: Single-family homes are required to provide two parking spaces, at least one of which must be covered. These spaces must not be located within the required front yard setback [Section 18.160.040].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.15.020 (Zoning map and districts)
- Section 18.30.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.30.020 (Table 18.30.020 – Residential districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.30.030 (Table 18.30.030 – RR and RS districts – Development standards)
- Section 18.150.040 (Fences and walls)
- Section 18.160.040 (Parking requirements)
- Section 18.200.030 (Accessory structures)
- Section 18.200.100 (Home-based businesses)