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Permitted Land Uses and Regulations in the Open Space (OS) District

Jurisdiction: ConcordCode Version: February 10, 2026

The Open Space (OS) district is intended for land that is generally unaltered and possesses natural resources and scenic value, regardless of whether it is privately or publicly owned. Permitted uses in the Open Space (OS) district are limited to specific agricultural, recreational, and public facility activities as established by the Development Code.

Permitted Uses in the Open Space (OS) District

Uses in the Open Space (OS) district are classified as either permitted by right with a zoning clearance (ZC) or as needing a permit. The following table outlines the permitted land uses within the Open Space (OS) district of Concord.

Land Use Classification Permit Required by District
Open Space and Agricultural Uses
Community Gardens ZC
Crop Production, Orchard, Vineyard ZC
Livestock, Grazing ZC
Companion Animal, Horses, Fowl – (Not Allowed)
Mining and Quarrying – (Not Allowed)
Public/Quasi-Public and Recreational Uses
Park and Recreation Facility ZC
Airport – (Not Allowed)
Ambulance Services – (Not Allowed)
Cemetery, Columbarium, Mausoleum UP (Use Permit Required)
Cultural Institution – (Not Allowed)
Emergency and Homeless Shelter – (Not Allowed)
Low Barrier Navigation Center – (Not Allowed)
Farmers’ Market – (Not Allowed)
Funeral Parlor, Mortuary – (Not Allowed)
Government Office – (Not Allowed)
Heliport – (Not Allowed)
Library – (Not Allowed)
Medical Services (Hospitals, Clinics, etc.) – (Not Allowed)
Meeting Facility, Public/Private – (Not Allowed)
Military – (Not Allowed)
Parking Facility – (Not Allowed)
Public Maintenance and Service Facility – (Not Allowed)
Bingo Hall – (Not Allowed)
Commercial Recreation, Indoor – (Not Allowed)
Golf Course, Country Club – (Not Allowed)
Residential Recreation Facility – (Not Allowed)
Sports and Entertainment, Assembly – (Not Allowed)
Sports and Recreation Facility – (Not Allowed)
Recycling Facilities
Small, Large, and Processing Facilities – (Not Allowed)
Schools
All Schools and Training Facilities – (Not Allowed)
Utility and Communication Facilities
Utility Facility, Transmission Towers – (Not Allowed)
Wireless Communications Facility AP, MP or 6409

Note: ZC = Permitted Use, Zoning Clearance; UP = Use Permit Required; AP = Administrative Permit Required; MP = Minor Use Permit Required; 6409 = Section 6409 Application; – = Use Not Allowed.

General Purpose of the Open Space (OS) District

The Open Space (OS) zoning district in the City of Concord is applied to land that is generally unaltered with natural resources and scenic value, whether it is privately or publicly owned [Section 18.60.010]. The Open Space (OS) district is consistent with and implements the open space (OS) land use designation of the Concord general plan [Section 18.60.010].

Performance and Development Standards

All uses within the Open Space (OS) district must comply with the general development standards set forth in the Concord Development Code.

  • Outdoor Storage: In the Open Space (OS) district, outdoor storage is permitted only if it is associated with a permitted agricultural use and is not located within a required setback [Section 18.150.120].
  • Performance Standards: All land or buildings in the Open Space (OS) district shall not be used or occupied in any manner that is dangerous, hazardous, or injurious as a result of smoke, dust, odor, air pollution, glare, refuse, wastes, chemicals, or other nuisance [Section 18.150.130].

Sections Cited

  • Section 18.60.010 (Purpose)
  • Section 18.60.020 (Community land districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements)
  • Section 18.150.120 (Outdoor storage)
  • Section 18.150.130 (Performance standards)

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