Permitted Land Uses and Development Standards for the Service Commercial (SC) District in Concord
The Service Commercial (SC) district in the city of Concord is designed to accommodate commercial uses that typically require outdoor storage and generate higher volumes of truck traffic, noise, and visual impacts, such as automobile services, light industry, contractors’ yards, and building materials storage. Developments in the Service Commercial (SC) district are limited to a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.8 and must adhere to specific performance and screening standards.
Purpose and Character of the SC District
The Service Commercial (SC) district is intended to provide areas within the city of Concord for uses that have higher operational impacts, including noise, vibration, and truck traffic. The Service Commercial (SC) district allows for a mix of retail, personal service, restaurant, and office uses alongside industrial and service-oriented activities. Key locations for the Service Commercial (SC) district include areas along Monument Boulevard, Detroit Avenue, Cloverdale Avenue, and the east side of Market Street south of Concord Avenue [Section 18.40.010].
Development Standards for the SC District
The following table summarizes the key development standards applicable to the Service Commercial (SC) district:
| Standard | Requirement for SC District |
|---|---|
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) (maximum) | 0.8 |
| Lot Area (square feet) (minimum) | 10,000 |
| Lot Width (feet) (minimum) | 100 |
| Lot Depth (feet) (minimum) | 100 |
| Building Height (feet) (maximum) | 35 |
| Front Setback (feet) (minimum) | 15 |
| Corner Side Setback (feet) (minimum) | 10 |
| Interior Side, Rear Setbacks (feet) (minimum) | 10 |
Note: Reductions in lot dimensions and setbacks may be permitted subject to use permit approval [Section 18.40.030].
Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses in the SC District
The following table highlights permitted and conditionally permitted land uses within the Service Commercial (SC) district. This list is a subset of the full use table; please refer to the Concord Development Code for specific administrative or minor use permit requirements for other uses.
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required in SC District |
|---|---|
| Retail Sales (General) | ZC (Permitted) |
| Restaurants and Bars (All) | UP (Use Permit) |
| Business Support Services | ZC (Permitted) |
| Auto Repair (Major/Minor) | ZC (Permitted) |
| Gas Station | UP (Use Permit) |
| Car Wash (Attended/Unattended) | AP (Admin Permit) |
| Building Materials Sales (No Outdoor Storage) | ZC (Permitted) |
| Building Materials Sales (With Outdoor Storage) | AP (Admin Permit) |
| Contractor Office (No Outdoor Storage) | ZC (Permitted) |
| Contractor Yard (With Outdoor Storage) | ZC (Permitted) |
Key: ZC = Zoning Clearance (Permitted Use); AP = Administrative Permit Required; UP = Use Permit Required [Sections 18.40.020, 18.40.030].
Performance Standards for the SC District
Because the Service Commercial (SC) district is designated for uses with higher potential impacts, all developments must comply with rigorous performance standards:
- Outdoor Storage: Outdoor storage is permitted in side and rear yards when enclosed by an eight-foot solid masonry wall with landscape screening. Outdoor storage is prohibited in front yards or street-facing yards [Section 18.150.120].
- Screening: Mechanical equipment, utility structures, and trash enclosures must be screened from public view through the use of durable, opaque materials that are architecturally compatible with the primary structure [Section 18.150.080, Section 18.150.150].
- Traffic Visibility: All structures and landscaping within the "visibility triangle" at street intersections and driveways must not exceed three feet in height to ensure adequate sight distances [Section 18.150.170].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.40.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.40.020 (Table - Office and commercial districts - Allowed uses and permit requirements)
- Section 18.40.030 (Table - Office and commercial districts - Development standards)
- Section 18.150.080 (Mechanical equipment screening)
- Section 18.150.120 (Outdoor storage)
- Section 18.150.150 (Solid waste and recycling storage)
- Section 18.150.170 (Traffic visibility at intersections and driveways)