Regional Commercial (RC) Zoning District in Concord
The Regional Commercial (RC) zoning district in Concord is intended to accommodate a mix of regional-scale commercial uses, including regional shopping centers, big box retail, and new automobile dealerships. Projects in the RC district are subject to a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.5 and require development and site review, with specific parking and loading standards based on the land use type.
Purpose of the RC District
The RC Regional Commercial district is established to provide areas suitable for a variety of regional-scale commercial uses. The district is intended to be applied to areas with good freeway access, such as the areas around the Sunvalley Shopping Center, the Willows Shopping Center along I-680, the area near the Solano Drive-In Theater off Highway 4, the west side of Market Street, and portions of Concord Avenue between Highway 242 and Interstate 680 [Section 18.40.010].
Development Standards
Development within the RC Regional Commercial district must adhere to specific intensity and dimensional standards, as summarized in the table below.
| Standard | RC District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Floor Area Ratio (FAR) (maximum) | 0.5 |
| Lot Area (square feet) (minimum) | 80,000* |
| Lot Width (feet) (minimum) | 100 |
| Lot Depth (feet) (minimum) | 200 |
| Building Height (feet) (maximum) | 50 |
| Front Setback (minimum) | 15 feet |
| Corner Side Setback (minimum) | 10 feet |
*Smaller lots may be approved with a use permit [Section 18.40.030].
Permitted Uses and Permit Requirements
Land uses within the RC district are subject to different permit requirements depending on the specific activity. While many retail and service uses are permitted, some require administrative permits (AP), minor use permits (MP), or use permits (UP).
Examples of Permit Requirements for RC District
- Retail/Shopping Centers: Permitted with a zoning clearance [Table 18.40.020].
- Automobile Sales/Dealerships: New dealerships are permitted with a zoning clearance, while rentals require a minor use permit [Table 18.40.020].
- Restaurants: Full-service restaurants are permitted with a zoning clearance [Table 18.40.020].
- Fitness Facilities: Permitted with an administrative permit [Table 18.40.020].
Parking and Loading Requirements
All uses in the RC district must provide off-street parking and loading facilities in compliance with Chapter 18.160. Parking ratios vary significantly by use; for example, general retail uses require 1 space per 250 square feet of gross floor area, while restaurants require 1 space per 100 square feet [Section 18.160.040; Table 18.160.040]. Loading space requirements are also determined by land use type and square footage [Section 18.160.150].
Key Restrictions
- Residential Uses: The RC district is primarily intended for regional commercial activity; residential use is generally not the primary focus of this zoning designation.
- Freeway Visibility: Certain signs and developments near freeways are subject to strict regulations to prevent visual clutter and maintain traffic safety [Section 18.180.080].
- General Standards: All developments must comply with General Development Standards, including requirements for landscaping, parking lot lighting, and performance standards related to noise, dust, and glare [Section 18.150.010; Section 18.150.130].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.40.010 (Purpose)
- Section 18.40.030 (Table 18.40.030 – Office and commercial districts – Development standards)
- Section 18.150.010 (General Development Standards Purpose)
- Section 18.150.130 (Performance standards)
- Section 18.160.040 (Parking requirements)
- Section 18.160.150 (Off-street loading area requirements)
- Section 18.180.080 (Prohibited signs)