Retail Land Use Permissions and Standards in Concord
Retail uses are permitted or conditionally permitted across various Office, Commercial, and Downtown districts in Concord, primarily subject to zoning clearances or use permits. The specific requirements for retail projects, including parking and development standards, vary depending on the zoning district and the scale of the retail establishment.
Retail Use Classifications and Permissions
The Concord Development Code classifies retail activities under "Retail Sales," "Food, Beverage Sales," and "Eating and Drinking Establishments." Permissibility is determined by the specific zoning district, as detailed in the applicable district land use tables.
General Retail and Food/Beverage Sales
In most Office and Commercial districts, general retail and food/beverage sales are permitted with a Zoning Clearance (ZC). In Downtown districts, these uses are generally permitted, though some may require a Use Permit (UP) or Administrative Permit (AP) depending on the specific type and scale of the retail operation.
| Zoning District | General Retail Permissibility | Food & Beverage Sales Permissibility |
|---|---|---|
| CO (Community Office) | Not Listed/Not Permitted | Not Listed/Not Permitted |
| CMX (Commercial Mixed-Use) | ZC | ZC(4) (if Convenience Store) |
| NC (Neighborhood Commercial) | ZC | ZC (Grocery Store) |
| SC (Service Commercial) | ZC | ZC |
| RC (Regional Commercial) | ZC | ZC |
| DP (Downtown Pedestrian) | ZC | ZC (Grocery Store) / AP (Convenience Store) |
| DMX (Downtown Mixed-Use) | ZC | ZC (Grocery Store) / AP (Convenience Store) |
| WMX (West Concord Mixed-Use) | ZC | ZC |
Note: Permissibility is subject to footnotes in the original tables; "ZC" indicates Zoning Clearance, "AP" indicates Administrative Permit, and "UP" indicates Use Permit.
Retail Development Standards
Retail developments must adhere to standards for Floor Area Ratio (FAR), building height, and parking, which are contingent upon the zoning district.
Key Development Standards for Retail-Permitted Districts
| Standard | CO | CMX | NC | RC | SC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max FAR | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.35 | 0.5 | 0.8 |
| Max Building Height (Non-Res) | 30 ft | 30 ft | 40 ft | 50 ft | 35 ft |
Parking Requirements for Retail
Retail uses are required to provide off-street parking based on their gross floor area (GFA).
| Retail Use Category | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Retail / Antique / Food & Beverage / Shopping Center | 1 space per 250 sf GFA |
| Restaurants and Bars | 1 space per 100 sf GFA |
| Nurseries and Garden Centers | 1 space per 250 sf GFA (plus 1 space per 600 sf outside display) |
Specific Retail Use Considerations
- Big Box Retail: Defined as a retail establishment over 80,000 square feet. Requirements for big box retailers are generally more stringent and may require specific discretionary review [Section 18.20.030].
- Drive-Through Retail: Retail sales with drive-through facilities are subject to specific stacking distance requirements and often require a Use Permit (UP) or Minor Use Permit (MP) depending on the district [Section 18.200.060].
- Convenience Stores: Convenience stores are regulated based on whether they sell alcohol, with additional security and operational plans required for those that do [Section 18.200.220].
Sections Cited
- [Section 18.20.030] – Definitions
- [Section 18.40.020] – Office and commercial districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements
- [Section 18.45.020] – Downtown districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements
- [Section 18.160.040] – Parking requirements
- [Section 18.180.100] – Sign regulations by zoning district
- [Section 18.180.110] – Sign regulations for specific uses
- [Section 18.200.040] – Alcoholic beverage sales
- [Section 18.200.060] – Drive-through facilities
- [Section 18.200.160] – Outdoor sales and displays
- [Section 18.200.220] – Convenience stores