RS-7 Single-Family Residential District Overview
The RS-7 district in Concord is a single-family residential zoning district intended to support low-density development with a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet and a density range of 2.5 to 10 dwelling units per net acre. Permitted land uses in the RS-7 district include single-family detached dwellings, while other uses may require administrative or use permits.
Purpose and Applicability
The RS-7 district is applied to areas of Concord appropriate for single-family residential uses in neighborhoods at densities of two and one-half to 10 units per net acre [Section 18.30.010]. It is consistent with and implements the Low Density Residential (LDR) land use designation of the City of Concord General Plan [Section 18.30.010].
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements
Land uses in the RS-7 district must be established in compliance with development standards and permit requirements [Section 18.25.020]. The following table summarizes common land uses and their required permits in the RS-7 district:
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required in RS-7 |
|---|---|
| Bed and Breakfast Inn | UP |
| Single-Family, Detached | ZC |
| Single-Family, Detached - Small Lot Subdivision | UP |
| Single-Family, Attached | UP |
| Duplex | AP |
| Family Day Care Home (14 or fewer children) | ZC |
| Residential Care Facility, Small | ZC |
| Residential Care Facility, Large | UP |
| Residential Facility for Seniors, Assisted Living | UP |
Key: ZC = Zoning Clearance; AP = Administrative Permit; UP = Use Permit
Development Standards
Development in the RS-7 district must comply with specific standards regarding lot size, dimensions, and building height [Section 18.30.030].
Lot and Building Standards
| Standard | Requirement for RS-7 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area (Square Feet) | 7,000 (Residential) / 10,000 (Nonresidential) |
| Minimum Lot Width (Feet) | 70 (Single-Family) / 100 (Nonresidential) |
| Minimum Lot Depth (Feet) | 85 (Single-Family) / 85 (Nonresidential) |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) | 35 (Single-Family) / Per Permit (Nonresidential) |
| Maximum Building Height (Feet) | 30 (Single-Family) / Per Permit (Nonresidential) |
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement (Feet) |
|---|---|
| Front | 20 |
| Interior Side | 5 or 10 |
| Aggregate Side | 15 |
| Corner Side | 10 |
| Rear | 20 |
Key Restrictions and Considerations
- Setback Averaging: In areas where existing development has front setbacks less than required, the minimum front yard setback for the RS-7 district may be reduced to the average depth of the two front yards on either side for a site situated between two developed lots [Section 18.150.140].
- Projections: Certain architectural features, such as awnings, canopies, and chimneys, may project into required setbacks provided they comply with the limitations in the Allowed Projections Into Setbacks table [Section 18.150.140].
- Accessory Structures: Accessory structures at single-family dwellings must be subordinate to the primary structure, maintain a five-foot separation from other structures, and are prohibited in the front and street side yards [Section 18.200.030].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.25.020
- Section 18.30.010
- Section 18.30.030
- Section 18.150.140
- Section 18.200.030