RS-8 Single-Family Residential District Overview
The RS-8 Single-Family Residential District in Concord is intended to accommodate low-density single-family residential development with a minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet. This district maintains a maximum building height of 30 feet and allows for specific density and setback standards designed to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods.
Purpose and Applicability
The RS – Residential Single-Family District is applied to areas of Concord appropriate for single-family residential uses at densities of two and one-half to 10 units per net acre [Section 18.30.010]. The RS-8 designation specifically denotes a residential single-family district where the minimum lot size is 8,000 square feet [Section 18.15.020, Table 18.15.020].
Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
Within the RS-8 zoning district, land uses are permitted subject to the requirements of the Concord Development Code.
| Land Use Classification | Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Single-Family, Detached | ZC (Zoning Clearance) |
| Single-Family, Attached | UP (Use Permit) |
| 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 |
| Home-Based Business | ZC, AP |
Note: ZC = Permitted Use/Zoning Clearance; AP = Administrative Permit; UP = Use Permit. See [Section 18.30.020, Table 18.30.020].
Development Standards for the RS-8 District
Development within the RS-8 district must comply with the specific dimensional and structural standards outlined in the code.
| Development Standard | Requirement for RS-8 |
|---|---|
| Density (Minimum/Maximum) | 0 – 10 du/net acre |
| Minimum Lot Area (Square Feet) | 8,000 |
| Minimum Lot Width (Feet) | 80 (Single-Family) / 100 (Nonresidential) |
| Minimum Lot Depth (Feet) | 85 (Single-Family) / 85 (Nonresidential) |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) | 35% (Single-Family) |
| Maximum Building Height (Feet) | 30 (Single-Family) |
Source: [Section 18.30.030, Table 18.30.030].
Setback Requirements (Minimums)
For single-family residential structures in the RS-8 district, the following minimum setbacks apply:
- Front Setback: 20 feet [Section 18.30.030, Table 18.30.030].
- Interior Side Setback: 5 or 10 feet [Section 18.30.030, Table 18.30.030].
- Aggregate Side Setback: 15 feet [Section 18.30.030, Table 18.30.030].
- Corner Side Setback: 10 feet [Section 18.30.030, Table 18.30.030].
- Rear Setback: 20 feet [Section 18.30.030, Table 18.30.030].
Key Restrictions and Additional Requirements
- General Plan Consistency: The RS-8 district is consistent with and implements the Low Density Residential (LDR) land use designation of the Concord general plan [Section 18.30.010].
- Fences and Walls: Fences located in a front setback shall not exceed three feet in height. Generally, fences in the RS-8 district shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet [Section 18.150.040].
- Accessory Structures: Accessory structures must be subordinate to the primary structure and must comply with the setback requirements of the RS-8 district [Section 18.200.030].
- Parking: New homes in the RS-8 district must provide at least two enclosed garage spaces [Section 18.160.040, Table 18.160.040].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.15.020: Zoning map and districts
- Section 18.30.010: Purpose
- Section 18.30.020: Table 18.30.020 – Residential districts – Allowed uses and permit requirements
- Section 18.30.030: Table 18.30.030 – RR and RS districts – Development standards
- Section 18.150.040: Fences and walls
- Section 18.160.040: Parking requirements
- Section 18.200.030: Accessory structures