Public/Quasi-Public (PQP) Zoning District Overview
The Public/Quasi-Public (PQP) District in the City of Concord is established for institutional uses such as schools, hospitals, utilities, government offices, and public safety facilities, permitting development up to a 1.5 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). This district supports essential civic infrastructure while ensuring that development is compatible with the surrounding community through specific permit requirements and site standards.
Purpose of the PQP District
The PQP District is designated for areas appropriate for schools, hospitals and related medical services, utilities, government offices and facilities (including the John Muir Medical Center and Buchanan Field Airport), corporation yards, and public facilities such as sewage treatment plants and fire stations. The PQP District is consistent with and implements the public/quasi-public land use designation of the City of Concord General Plan [Section 18.55.010].
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements
Land uses allowed within the PQP District are subject to permit requirements as specified in the City of Concord Development Code. Many uses in this district require discretionary approval to ensure compatibility with neighboring areas.
Select Land Uses and Permit Requirements in PQP
| Land Use Classification | Permit Requirement |
|---|---|
| Airport | UP (Use Permit) |
| Ambulance Service | MP (Minor Use Permit) |
| Indoor Personal Cannabis Cultivation | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Cultural Institution | UP (Use Permit) |
| Government Office | MP (Minor Use Permit) |
| Meeting Facility (Public/Private) | UP (Use Permit) |
| Parking Facility | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Public Maintenance and Service Facility | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Religious Facility | UP (Use Permit) |
| Park and Recreation Facility | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Sports and Recreation Facility | UP (Use Permit) |
| Small Collection Facility (Recycling) | AP (Administrative Permit) |
| Large Collection Facility (Recycling) | UP (Use Permit) |
| Utility Facility, Transmission Towers | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Wireless Communications Facility | AP, MP, or 6409 |
Note: ZC = Zoning Clearance, AP = Administrative Permit, MP = Minor Use Permit, UP = Use Permit.
Development Standards
Development within the PQP District must adhere to the intensity and site design standards set forth for public and quasi-public uses.
Development Intensity and Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 1.5 |
All development and alterations to existing structures must be designed and established in compliance with the requirements specified in the Development Code. If a permit does not regulate a specific development standard that is otherwise regulated by an abutting district, or if a permit is not required, the regulations of the abutting district shall apply to each adjacent portion of the property, as applicable [Section 18.55.030].
Key Restrictions and Regulations
- Cannabis Uses: Indoor personal cannabis cultivation is permitted with a Zoning Clearance, limited to six plants per residence pursuant to state law [Section 18.55.020].
- Recreational Facilities: Sports and recreation facilities are subject to Use Permit approval and must comply with requirements regarding mechanical and electronic games [Section 18.55.020].
- Recycling Facilities: Small and large collection facilities are allowed with appropriate permits (AP or UP), and must comply with specific recycling facility standards [Section 18.55.020].
- General Consistency: Any new subdivision, use, or structure must be consistent with the findings required for the PQP District and the City of Concord General Plan [Section 18.55.030].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.55.010: Purpose
- Section 18.55.020: Table 18.55.020 – Public/quasi-public district – Allowed uses and permit requirements
- Section 18.55.030: Public/quasi-public district – Development standards