Permit Review Timelines in the City of Concord

The City of Concord processes various permit applications according to specific timeframes mandated by state law and the Concord Development Code. Most administrative and minor use permits require processing within 30 to 90 days, while specific project types and appeal procedures have defined timelines to ensure consistent and timely review.

General Permit Processing Timeframes

The Concord Development Code establishes several procedural timelines for the review and approval of land use and development applications:

• Deemed Complete Notice: For development projects, the City of Concord must inform the applicant in writing whether the application is complete within 30 calendar days of filing [Section 18.405.040].
• Senate Bill 330 Projects: For designated housing development projects, the City of Concord must render a decision within 90 days for projects of 150 residential units or less, and within 180 days for projects of more than 150 residential units, following the submittal of a complete application [Section 18.402.040].
• Appeals and Calls for Review: Hearings for appeals or calls for review must be scheduled no less than 12 and no more than 45 days after the City of Concord receives the appeal, unless all parties consent to a later date [Section 18.510.050].
• Appeal Decisions: The appellate body must render a decision on an appeal or call for review within 30 calendar days of the close of the hearing [Section 18.510.050].
• Alcoholic Beverage Sales (FOPCN): Findings for a finding of public convenience and necessity (FOPCN) must be determined within 90 days of a complete application filing [Section 18.200.040].

Expiration and Extensions

Permits and applications are subject to expiration if not acted upon within set timeframes:

• Permit Exercise: Any planning permit or approval granted in the City of Concord that is not exercised within 24 months of its approval shall expire and become void, unless an extension is granted [Section 18.505.020].
• Application Expiration: If an applicant fails to provide requested information to complete an application within six months of the first filing, the application expires and is deemed withdrawn [Section 18.405.040].
• Extensions: The City of Concord may grant a time extension for up to a total of 24 months for an approved planning permit if the permittee demonstrates good faith and due diligence [Section 18.505.020].

Summary of Statutory Timelines

Action	Time Limit
Determination of application completeness	30 calendar days
SB 330 Project Decision (<= 150 units)	90 days
SB 330 Project Decision (> 150 units)	180 days
Scheduling an appeal/call for review hearing	12 to 45 days
Decision on an appeal/call for review	30 calendar days
FOPCN determination	90 days
Permit expiration (if not exercised)	24 months
Application expiration (incomplete submittal)	6 months

Sections Cited

• Section 18.200.040 (Alcoholic beverage sales)
• Section 18.402.040 (Preliminary application review for Senate Bill 330 projects)
• Section 18.405.040 (Application review)
• Section 18.505.020 (Time limits and extensions)
• Section 18.510.050 (Procedures for appeals and calls for review)