Parks and Recreation (PR) Zoning District in Concord
The Parks and Recreation (PR) zoning district is established for neighborhood, community, and regional parks and related recreational facilities. Land uses within the PR district are generally limited to recreational activities and compatible community facilities, subject to specific land use permits and development standards.
Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements
The Parks and Recreation (PR) district is primarily intended to accommodate public land designated for parks and recreational opportunities [Section 18.60.010]. Specific uses allowed within the PR district require review to ensure compatibility with surrounding areas and consistency with the Concord General Plan [Section 18.60.010].
Permit requirements for the PR district are determined by the land use classification. In many cases, land uses within the PR district require a Zoning Clearance (ZC) or a Use Permit (UP) [Section 18.60.020, Table 18.60.020].
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required (PR) |
|---|---|
| Community Gardens | ZC |
| Crop Production, Orchard, Vineyard | ZC |
| Livestock, Grazing | ZC |
| Park and Recreation Facility | ZC |
| Residential Recreation Facility | ZC |
| Religious Facility | UP |
| Elementary, Middle, Secondary Schools | UP |
| Trade Schools, Vocational Training | AP |
| Social Services Facility | UP |
| Theater, Auditorium | UP |
Note: The above table is a partial selection of uses listed in Table 18.60.020. Please consult the referenced tables for the complete list of allowed and conditionally permitted uses in the PR district.
Development Standards
Development within the Parks and Recreation (PR) district must comply with regulations intended to preserve the natural character and scenic value of these areas while supporting recreational utility [Section 18.60.010]. As part of the Community Land Districts, the PR district is governed by general standards that prioritize natural resource protection and public access [Section 18.60.030].
The following development standards apply to the PR district:
- Site Design: The design and site layout of projects in the PR district must respect and protect the natural environment to the maximum extent feasible [Section 18.300.090].
- Maintenance: Property owners of sites in the PR district that contain a creek or are fronting a creek are responsible for maintaining the creek and all abutting vegetation, including the removal of trash [Section 18.305.060].
- Performance Guarantees: Permit approvals in the PR district may require the property owner to enter into a city-approved agreement to ensure that all required improvements are maintained continuously in compliance with conditions of approval [Section 18.305.060].
Key Restrictions and Regulations
- Natural Features: The PR district is applied to areas appropriate for recreational uses, including playing fields and trails, while maintaining consistency with the parks (P) land use designation of the Concord General Plan [Section 18.60.010].
- Resource Management: Any development adjacent to or crossing a watercourse, or located within a floodplain, must adhere to additional protection standards to ensure the preservation of ecological integrity [Section 18.305.020].
- Discretionary Review: Projects in the PR district are subject to the review authority of the planning division or planning commission, as outlined in the city's permit procedures for community land districts [Section 18.60.020, Section 18.400.020].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.60.010: Purpose
- Section 18.60.020: Community land districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements
- Section 18.60.030: Community land districts – Development standards
- Section 18.300.090: Findings
- Section 18.305.020: Applicability
- Section 18.305.060: Property maintenance agreements
- Section 18.400.020: Authority for land use and zoning decisions